A Day in Charlestown

Charlestown is a beautiful untouched harbour in the South of Cornwall. It probably has many a story to tell of past smuggling, pirates and shipwrecks; however I’m not here to bore you with history.

You can find Charlestown 1.5 miles outside of St. Austell on the Cornish South Coast. With its tall ships, untouched harbour and coastal location it’s not hard to see why it’s been used a location for films and TV series such as; Tim Burton’s Alice Through the Looking Glass and of course Poldark.

As we were staying in St. Austell and I had a few places on my bucket list for this visit that may have included drinking, it was best that we didn’t drive. Being a nice sunny day we decided on taking the cheap and healthy way of travelling via walking. From St. Austell town centre it was a 30 minute straight walk down to Charlestown, but if you’re not staying so close by there is ample parking either along the road or in the car park.

On first glances I didn’t think a whole day at this location was possible. Now I know I’m completely wrong as we arrived at 11.30 and didn’t leave until 9pm. There are many things to do within this tiny port and we didn’t even manage to do them all in the time we were there. The one thing I wish I had booked was a trip out on one of the tall ships, but we can save that for another visit.

From water sports to walking the coastline, sitting on the beach to drinking on the harbour and immersing yourself in history to eating your weight in local produce or ice cream, there is something for everyone.

My Top Five Charlestown Must Dos

Harbour Q – for the most amazing Tacos and Street food, oh not forgetting those Frozen Margaritas.
Shipwreck Treasure Museum – For anyone who loves a bit of history on their travels and wants to learn more about what happens on our coast when it’s not all plan sailing.
Rebellion Roast House – One word, COCKTAILS! The cocktails are insane and food we didn’t eat but sure coming out looked fantastic.
The Rum Sailor – The perfect place to feel like a Pirate while drinking your weight in Rum.
The Harbour – For the tall ships, cobbled paths and views along the Cornish coast.