St. Austell Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your St. Austell Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

St. Austell sits in a prime position for exploring Cornwall's best bits. The Eden Project (PL24 2SG, open 9am-6pm summer, 9am-4:30pm winter) tops most visitors' lists with its massive biomes housing plants from around the world. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and hosts regular events throughout the year.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan (PL26 6EN, open 10am-6pm summer, 10am-5pm winter) offers 200 acres of restored gardens, scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. I recommend visiting early morning to avoid crowds - the Jungle area with its Burmese rope bridge is particularly impressive.

Charlestown Harbour (PL25 3NJ, accessible 24/7) remains virtually unchanged from its Georgian heyday. This grade II listed port features tall ships and scored 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. We spotted it in BBC's Poldark and many other period dramas.

Wheal Martyn Clay Works (PL26 8XG, open 10am-5pm) tells the story of Cornwall's china clay industry with a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor rating. The site includes preserved Victorian clay works and woodland walks.

Pet Friendly

Many St. Austell cottages welcome dogs, making it easy to bring your pet along. After a day of adventures, you can relax in your hot tub while your dog stretches out by the fire.

Par Sands Beach (PL24 2AS) allows dogs year-round on certain sections. It's a wide, flat beach perfect for energetic dogs who need a good run. The coastal path here offers stunning views and plenty of sniffing opportunities.

The Rashleigh Arms (PL25 3NJ) in Charlestown welcomes dogs in its bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are legendary - book ahead!

Pinetum Gardens (PL25 3RQ, open daily 10am-6pm) allows well-behaved dogs on leads throughout its 30 acres of gardens and woodland. They score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and have a lovely café with outdoor seating.

Remember to pack towels specifically for your dog - Cornwall's beaches and woodland walks can get muddy, especially in spring and autumn.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in St. Austell

The Eden Project stands as Cornwall's most famous attraction for good reason. Two massive biomes house Mediterranean and rainforest environments where you can experience climates from around the world. The canopy walkway gives you a bird's-eye view of the rainforest. Their seasonal events include ice skating in winter and outdoor concerts in summer. One visitor noted: "Worth every penny - we spent a full day here and still didn't see everything."

Charlestown Harbour feels like stepping back in time. This unspoiled Georgian port features tall ships and traditional buildings. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum houses artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks. The harbour's appearance in Poldark brought new visitors, but it retains its authentic charm. A recent visitor commented: "Like walking onto a film set - the tall ships are magnificent and the little shops and cafes are full of character."

The Lost Gardens of Heligan tell an incredible story of restoration. Abandoned after WWI when many gardeners never returned from the front, these gardens lay forgotten until the 1990s. Now restored to their former glory, they feature Victorian productive gardens, subtropical plants and ancient woodland. The Giant's Head and Mud Maid sculptures hidden in the woodland are particular favourites with children. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "The transformation from overgrown jungle to this paradise is astounding - the history alone makes it worth visiting."

What's the best time to visit St. Austell?

May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days. However, April and October can be lovely with fewer crowds. Many attractions reduce their hours in winter, but your hot tub cottage will feel extra cosy during the colder months!

How far is St. Austell from the beach?

Carlyon Bay is just 2 miles from town centre. Porthpean Beach (3 miles) offers safe swimming and watersports. The famous Fistral Beach in Newquay is 14 miles away. After a beach day, your hot tub will be perfect for washing away the sand!

Can I visit the St. Austell Brewery?

Yes! St. Austell Brewery (PL25 4BY) runs tours Monday-Saturday. Booking essential. The 1.5-hour tour costs £20 per adult and includes tastings of their famous Tribute and Proper Job ales.

Where can I eat locally caught seafood?

The Longstore in Charlestown serves excellent seafood with harbour views. Edie's Kitchen in Carlyon Bay offers a seasonal menu featuring Cornish fish. Sam's on the Beach at Polkerris Beach operates from a converted lifeboat station.

Is St. Austell suitable for families?

Absolutely! Kidzworld (PL25 4DJ) offers indoor play for rainy days. The Eden Project has excellent children's activities. Many beaches have lifeguards during summer. Most cottages with hot tubs have safety covers when not in use.

Do I need a car in St. Austell?

While not essential, a car makes exploring easier. St. Austell has a train station with connections to London. Local buses serve major attractions, but schedules can be limited, especially on Sundays.

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