St Austell was once the centre of Cornwall’s china clay industry; today it lies at the centre of some of the county’s most beautiful – yet sometimes overlooked – coastline and countryside. So it’s perfectly placed to explore some of Cornwall’s (indeed Britain’s) most magical places.
Eden project, the so-called eighth wonder of the world; “a miracle” according to the prestigious New York Times, and “the most talked about garden on Earth” (Homes and Gardens Magazine).
It's a great place for a walk, with many push chair friendly paths.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were re-discovered from the brambles of time. Today, Heligan remains one of the most loved and romantic gardens in the UK, appreciated as much for its beauty and mystery as for the ground breaking restoration project
The Lost Gardens provide families with possibly the best natural playground ever, making them of the top family days out in Cornwall! There's a network of magical gardens, woodland walks and farmland brimming with interest and intrigue; and with over 200 acres - enough room to tire the most energetic little legs!
A whole host of exquisite country houses and gardens such as Lanhydrock, with its fifty rooms, its incredible Long Gallery with its extraordinary ceiling depicting scenes from the Old Testament, and set in a glorious landscape of gardens, parkland and wood overlooking the valley of the Fowey river.
If you want try something different, the town of Fowey offers a ferry ride across the mouth of the river to the tiny village of Polruan, stroll past a couple of boatyards, (yes, working Cornish boatyards and boat builders still exist), then walk the horseshoe of small hills around the river (around an hour, and not strenuous), before taking the Boddinick ferry back into Fowey.
For the industrial historian there’s Wheal Martyn – the China Cay Museum. With a history dating from 1746 to the present the museum tells the story of the men, women and children who lived worked and played in the shadow of the clay tips around St Austell.
Your children will love tearing around and exploring everything there is to see at Wheal Martyn. There’s plenty to capture their imaginations from giant waterwheels to vintage trucks, a train plus a fantastic adventure play area where they can let off steam in the fresh air. Wheal Martyn Museum is the perfect place to enjoy come rain or shine.
For the enthusiast (or perhaps those with just a touch of nostalgia) a steam engine journey on the Bodmin and Wenford railway.
It’s not only the trains that let off steam at this heritage attraction, all the family will relax on scenic rides, plus there are bike trails and picnic spots nearby, too.