St Austell

Towns and Villages in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

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St Austell grew famous as the centre of the china clay mining industry after kaolin deposits were discovered in the area by William Cookworthy in the mid 18th Century.

St Austell had been a market town for centuries and a centre for mining and quarrying long before the discovery of china clay.

The nearest beach is at Carlyon Bay, a short drive from the town.

The picturesque historic port of Charlestown is nearby.

St Austell Parish Church was consecrated in 1259, although an earlier church existed on the site in 1169. Norman parts of the church still remain - St Michael's Chapel and the fine font. The nave and tower are 15th century. The church is well worth a visit. For more information about the church visit their website www.staustellparish.org.uk

Another building of note within the town is the 17th century Market House.

The name St Austell derives from the Saint who is first mentioned in the 10th century as being the patron of the church here.

Now a large and prosperous town, St Austell has a large shopping centre with banks, a Post Office, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and accommodation.

The china clay industry is still in operation in many of the towns and villages around St Austell and the scenery in this area is quite unlike any other part of Cornwall, with white pyramids and mountains created by the spoil from the mining - so striking is their appearance that they have been nick-named the Cornish Alps.

A Holy Well is located on the outskirts of St Austell. Menacuddle Well is believed to have curative and divinatory properties and has a stone well building dating from the 15th century. Associated with the well in early times, before the establishment of the Parish Church, was the Chapel of St Guidel which belonged to the Benedictine Priory of Tywardreath, but there are no remains of the chapel today.

General Information

Currency exchange facilities and ATM/Bancomat cash withdrawal machines are available.

St Austell Tourist Information Centre is located at By-Pass Service Station, Southbourne Road.
Tel: +44 (0)1726 879500
Email: tic@cornish-riviera.co.uk

Location:
St Austell is located in central Cornwall near the south coast.

It is easily accessible by road. It stands on the A390 trunk road between Truro and Liskeard.

For visitors arriving in Cornwall by train, St Austell stands on the main line through Cornwall.

IntoCornwall Area Map St Austell - Fowey Area

Road directions to St Austell

Books online:
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