St Austell Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your St Austell Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

St Austell and its surroundings pack in loads of brilliant attractions. I've spent hours researching the best spots so you don't waste a minute of your hot tub cottage holiday.

The Eden Project (PL24 2SG) is the big one - those massive biomes house plants from around the world and it's got a 4.5/5 score on TripAdvisor. Open 9am-6pm in summer and 9am-4:30pm in winter. The rainforest biome gets very humid so take water!

The Lost Gardens of Heligan (PL26 6EN) scores an impressive 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor. These Victorian gardens were only rediscovered in 1990 after being abandoned post-WW1. The jungle area and giant mud sculptures are fantastic. Open 10am-6pm summer and 10am-5pm winter.

Charlestown Harbour (PL25 3NJ) is a perfectly preserved Georgian port that's featured in Poldark and many other TV shows. It's free to wander around and has a brilliant shipwreck museum (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor). The tall ships moored there make for great photos.

Wheal Martyn Clay Museum (PL26 8XG) tells the story of Cornwall's china clay industry that shaped this landscape. It's got a 4.5/5 rating and costs much less than Eden or Heligan. The woodland walks are lovely too.

Pet Friendly

We've found St Austell is great for dog owners. Many cottages with hot tubs welcome pets - just check if there's an extra charge when booking.

Par Beach (PL24 2AS) is dog-friendly year-round and has a massive stretch of sand when the tide's out. It's less busy than some Cornish beaches and has good parking.

The Rashleigh Arms in Charlestown (PL25 3NJ) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. The food is proper pub grub - their fish and chips is spot on.

Pentewan Valley Trail is a flat 2-mile former railway line that's perfect for dog walks. It runs from London Apprentice to Pentewan Beach and is mostly traffic-free.

If your dog needs a wash after beach adventures, The Dog House Grooming Studio (PL25 3HJ) offers a self-service dog wash from £10. Much easier than trying to shower your mucky pup in your holiday cottage!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in St Austell

1. The Eden Project is an absolute must. Those massive biomes are even more impressive in person than in photos. The Rainforest Biome is my favourite - it's properly hot and humid with waterfalls and massive plants. The Mediterranean Biome feels like you've landed in Southern Europe. There's also a zip wire if you're feeling brave! Adults £32.50, kids £11 - but book online for discounts.

2. Charlestown Harbour looks like it's frozen in time. This working Georgian port has featured in Poldark and you can see why film crews love it. The tall ships moored in the harbour are stunning. The Shipwreck Museum costs £7 for adults and houses thousands of artifacts from over 150 shipwrecks. One visitor said: "Like stepping back in time - the harbour looks exactly as it would have 200 years ago."

3. Pinetum Gardens (PL25 3RQ) is a hidden gem that doesn't get as busy as Eden or Heligan. It's got 30 acres of gardens with plants from around the world, arranged in different themed sections. The Japanese garden is especially peaceful. Adults £12.50, kids go free. A recent visitor wrote: "A wonderful place to spend a few hours wandering through beautiful gardens. Much better value than the bigger attractions."

What's the best beach near St Austell?

Porthpean Beach is closest (2 miles) and good for swimming. Pentewan has better facilities and a huge sandy stretch. For the prettiest beach, head to Polkerris (15 min drive) - it's a sheltered cove with a pub right on the sand.

Do I need a car in St Austell?

While there's a train station and buses, a car makes life much easier. Many attractions like Heligan and Eden run shuttle buses in summer, but for exploring smaller coves and villages, your own transport is best. Your cottage with hot tub will likely be outside the town centre.

When is the best time to visit St Austell?

May and September offer great weather without the summer crowds. School holidays see prices rise and attractions get busy. Winter can be lovely for coastal walks followed by hot tub sessions, but some attractions have limited opening hours.

Where can I get good Cornish pasties in St Austell?

Proper Job Pasties on Trinity Street makes them fresh daily. For award-winners, try Cornish Bakery in White River Place shopping centre. My tip: eat them warm for the full experience!

Is St Austell good for rainy days?

Yes! Eden Project is mostly undercover, Wheal Martyn has indoor exhibits and Charlestown has its Shipwreck Museum. Kneehigh Brewery offers tours and there's a cinema in White River Place. Plus, your cottage hot tub is perfect in any weather!

Can I get groceries delivered to my cottage?

Absolutely. Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's all deliver to St Austell postcodes. Book your slot well ahead for peak times. There's also a large Tesco Superstore and Aldi in town for stocking up.

Some helpful links:

1. Eden Project Official Website
2. Lost Gardens of Heligan
3. Visit Cornwall - St Austell Guide
4. South West Coast Path Walking Routes