St Austell was little more than a cluster of homes surrounding a fine church for much of its history.
But, St Austell was utterly transformed by the chemist Williarn Cookworthy's discovery in the mid-18th century of huge reserves of china clay to
the north and west of the village.
China clay is found in very few places in the world which made the deposits found in Cornwall and Devon quite valuable.
At one point (around 1850), some 7,000 men, women and children were employed in the St Austell clay district.
These days St Austell is undergoing a much needed regeneration and is home to around 20000 people.
Not the most glamorous of holiday destinations at present, but a great place to make base and explore Cornwall.
Tourism is becoming increasingly important to St Austell's economy.
Tourists are drawn to the area by good clean nearby beaches and attractions such as the Eden Project sited in a former clay pit and the
Lost Gardens of Heligan. Visitors to the town make a sizable contribution to the local economy during the summer season.
The China Clay Country Park is situated two miles north of the town is worth visiting.
St Austell railway station is located on the hillside above the town centre. Frequent services operate to Plymouth, London Paddington, and the north,
as well as other stations in Cornwall. It is also home to the town's bus/coach depot. It offers easy interchange between buses, coaches and trains.
National Express coach services call here, and local buses operate to towns such as Fowey and Mevagissey.
Although the locals consider
'The Pier House' 01726 67955
in nearby Charles Town Harbour, the best local restaurant.
I would disagree and suggest 'Kingswood' 01726 63780 @ London Apprentice, St Austell PL25 7AP.
There is also 'The Waterwheel Country Inn and Restaurant'
01726 67435 @ Bodmin Road,
Trethowel
St Austell
Cornwall, PL25 5RR
It is set in an acre and a half of wooded valley.
I have always found the staff very polite and my friends always enjoy their stay when they visit St Austell.
Please check out the links below for our unbiased reviews of what cornwall has to offer.
