Charlestown

Charlestown is a perfect spot for a holiday in Cornwall.

Situated on the south coast of Cornwall it has easy access to the key routes, east, west and north, it is an ideal base from which to explore the whole county.

The world renowned attractions of The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are 15 minutes drive away.
The beaches of St Austell Bay are on your doorstep.
The picturesque ports of Fowey and Mevagissey are only 7 miles away.
Newquay "surf city", is only a 40 minute drive - even in peak season.
Likewise, Truro, capital of Cornwall, with its great county town shopping centre is only a 30 minute drive.
The Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Padstow, The Tate Gallery in St Ives, The Lizard and even Land's End are day trips.
Most of all the wonderful Cornwall coast is yours to explore

But, why go elsewhere when Charlestown itself has so much to offer?

Charlestown is a designated World Heritage Site and a rare example of a working Georgian, 18th Century Port.

Today the historic and picturesque harbour is home to some impressive tall ships and is frequently used as for film and TV sets, in particular and most recently, Poldark. The Onedin Line, The Three Musketeers, The Eagle has Landed and Dr Who are among some of the others that have been filmed here. No doubt the list will go on and on!

Filming Poldark on Charlestown Harbour

In Charlestown itself, you will find the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which tells the history of diving, salvage and shipwrecks from the earliest times to the present day. It also reveals what life was like in the Georgian village and seaport of Charlestown. You can also see the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace as worn by Kate Winslet in the film "Titanic"! Click on the following link to their website for more information on the history of Charlestown. www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk

The village has two beaches, three good pubs, plus four restaurants, a coffee shop serving delicious cakes, an ice cream shop and a selection of artefacts and gift shops. All this, yet Charlestown retains its quaint, unhurried charm, making it a perfect location for a traditional Cornish holiday!

The community of Charlestown is vibrant, frequently organising events, usually based around the harbour. Charlestown Regatta in early August of each year is an absolute joy of old world charm, especially the children's games events in the field and the Carnival. Charlestown supports an enthusiatic gig rowing club, who, when they are not racing, frequently practice offshore.

The two beaches in Charlestown are relatively sheltered, good swimming beaches, but pebbly. However, a mile and half away there is Porthpean, a more perfect family beach and sailing centre is hard to imagine.

There are three golf courses within three miles of Charlestown and the facilities of St Austell are within easy reach.

The Cornwall Coast Path is on the doorstep. As outdoor enthusiasts, we have left an information folder containing recommended walks, cycles and kayaking routes, plus advice for all seasons.

Enjoying a drink outside The Pier House

The pretty harbour of Mevagissey

Mevagissey

Mevagissey is a fishing port with a double harbour and is renowned as a picturesque tourist destination. It's much larger and busier than Charlestown. A real highlight is its Feast Week celebrations in July. There are good beaches nearby and the walk from Portmellon to Chapel Point is a must.

Fowey

Fowey, 7 miles from Charlestown, is a beautiful, historic, estuary port. It has great walks such as to St Catherine's Castle and beyond on to the cliffs. Fantastic views over the water to Polruan and Bodinnick (both accessible by ferry). The pubs are lively and atmospheric. There is a wide range and variety of fine, affordable restaurants and interesting shops. The highlights of each year are the DuMaurier Festival in May (www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk) and Fowey Regatta in August. Each year the Red Arrows perform. Rumour has it that the pilots particularly enjoy the display because the contours of the estuary make it interesting. For spectators seeing the display so close and often below them can make it unforgettable.

A superb display by The Red Arrows at Fowey