Holidays in St Austell

More around St Austell

Getting your bearings

St Austell makes a handy base for a Cornish break, and there's plenty to fill your days whatever the weather. The attractions below are listed under several towns across Cornwall, including St Austell itself, Looe, Falmouth and Bude. Some will be close to where you're staying and others will mean a longer drive. Check the route and journey time from your accommodation before you plan a day, and confirm opening times and prices directly with each venue, as we don't list them here.

Family favourites

If you've got children in tow, Spingfields Fun Park and Pony Centre is the obvious place to start, with its theme park setting and ponies. Kernow Adventure Park, listed as a water park under Falmouth, is another one for burning off energy. Smaller children often love Polperro Model Village & Land of Legend, and animal lovers have a good choice too: the Screech Owl Sanctuary, The Monkey Sanctuary and The Tamar Valley Donkey Park are all worth a look.

Rainy-day options

Cornish weather can turn quickly, so it helps to have a museum or two up your sleeve. Closest to home are the Mevagissey Museum and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, both listed under St Austell. Further afield you'll find the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing, with its tales of the coast's less law-abiding past. Some sites mix indoor and outdoor areas, so check how much is under cover before you set off in the rain.

Outdoors and fresh air

On a dry day, head for the castles. Restormel Castle and Saint Catherine's Castle both reward a wander outside, and the wildlife sanctuaries give you a good reason to spend a few hours in the open air. Pack layers and sensible shoes, as you'll often be on uneven ground.

Castles and heritage

History fans are well served. Alongside Restormel Castle and Saint Catherine's Castle there's Castle Canyke, and Glynn House is a stately home worth adding to your list. For industrial heritage, King Edward Mine and Michell's Engine House tell the story of Cornwall's working past. Military history runs deep here too, with the Predannick Anti-Aircraft Battery, the Cornwall at War Museum and the RAF Davidstow Moor Memorial Museum. The Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre covers the coast's maritime side.

Grouping attractions into a sensible day

The easiest way to avoid hours in the car is to group attractions by the town they're listed under:

Close to base (St Austell): Mevagissey Museum and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum make a gentle, low-mileage day.
Looe: combine The Monkey Sanctuary with the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing and Polperro Model Village & Land of Legend.
Falmouth: pair King Edward Mine with Michell's Engine House, or add the Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre if you want a longer heritage day.
Bude: the Cornwall at War Museum, RAF Davidstow Moor Memorial Museum and Davidstow Creamery Museum are all listed here, so they sit naturally together.

Two attractions a day is usually plenty with children. Leave room for a proper lunch and a bit of slack in case the weather changes your plans.

Where to eat

The following places all hold a 5-star food hygiene rating:

Malcolm Barnecutt, a bakery, handy for picking up picnic supplies before a day out
Bread & Butter, a tea room for a sit-down break
Kellaway's Fish and Chips, for a classic seaside supper
Victoria Inn and Try Dowr, both pubs and inns

Check where each one is in relation to your plans for the day, and book ahead for pubs at busy times.

Turning it into a short break

BritStays lists 271 places to stay in the St Austell area, so you've got plenty of choice whether you want a couple of nights or a longer stay. For a three-day break, try one day close to base (St Austell's museums and a castle), one day further out (Looe or Falmouth) and one flexible day you can switch to museums if the forecast turns. A longer stay lets you fit in the Bude-listed museums without rushing.

Practical tips before you go

Confirm opening times, seasonal closures and prices directly with each attraction before you travel.
Check journey times from your accommodation, as some attractions are listed under towns some way from St Austell.
Keep a rainy-day plan ready, using the museums.
Book popular pubs in advance during school holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Which attractions are listed under St Austell itself?

The Mevagissey Museum and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum are both listed under St Austell, so they make a good low-mileage day.

What are the best family attractions to consider?

Spingfields Fun Park and Pony Centre, Kernow Adventure Park, Polperro Model Village & Land of Legend and the Screech Owl Sanctuary are all good options for families. The Monkey Sanctuary and The Tamar Valley Donkey Park are also popular with animal lovers.

What can we do on a rainy day?

Museums are your best bet, including the Mevagissey Museum, Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing and the Cornwall at War Museum. Check with each venue how much of the visit is under cover.

Are there castles or historic houses to visit?

Yes. Restormel Castle, Castle Canyke and Saint Catherine's Castle are all listed, along with Glynn House, a stately home.

Where can we eat with a good hygiene rating?

Malcolm Barnecutt (bakery), Bread & Butter (tea room), Kellaway's Fish and Chips, Victoria Inn and Try Dowr (both pubs and inns) all hold 5-star food hygiene ratings.

How many places to stay does BritStays list in the St Austell area?

BritStays lists 271 places to stay in the St Austell area.