Charlestown

Charlestown is a small harbour village on the south coast of Cornwall, close to St Austell. Its historic harbour was built in the late 18th century by Charles Rashleigh and originally served the export of china clay mined in the surrounding area. Remarkably well preserved in its Georgian architecture, the site still moors period tall ships along its quaysides, giving it a picturesque character that has made it a popular filming location, notably for the television series Poldark. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum, dedicated to maritime history and shipwrecks of the region, sits directly on the harbourside. The village offers a quiet setting, ideal for coastal walks and exploring small shingle beaches nearby. Charlestown also makes a convenient base for visiting St Austell and the wider area, known for its gardens, including the Eden Project a short drive away. Overall, it retains an authentic feel, set apart from Cornwall's busier tourist spots while remaining easily accessible.