Six things to do in St Austell for the whole family to enjoy
8 May 2019Salty sea air, delicious pasties and the picturesque bay all spring to mind when we think of St Austell. With one of the largest populations in Cornwall, St Austell boasts an incredible community spirit in addition to being extremely convenient. More and more house hunters are considering St Austell thanks to its easy travel links with Plymouth, excellent local amenities and award-winning attractions. With the recent launch of our St Austell site, Gwallon Keas, we share six of our favourite activities to do in and around this historic town:
Lose yourself in the Gardens of Heligan
Exotic jungle, enchanting giants and tropical flowers can all be found on the edge of St Austell at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. This secret garden was lost to overgrown shrubs during World War I when much of the workforce went to fight in the trenches. Years later, the discovery of a small door in one of the walled gardens sparked the imagination and desire in the estate’s new workforce and so the restoration project began. Today, visitors can explore Cornwall’s only outdoor jungle that features a magnificent rope bridge, learn about the produce that is grown in the fertile gardens and admire the beautiful flowers within the hot greenhouses. The gardens are open all year round, except Christmas Day, and are only seven miles away from Gwallon Keas.
Walk amongst a rainforest at the Eden Project
Home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world, the award-winning Eden Project attracts visitors from far and wide. With two biomes to explore, visitors can discover an array of tropical planting that come from many different climates all over the world. Mediterranean plant species, the rainforest canopy walkway and a giant bee are only some of the things you can see at the Eden Project. A great educational day-out for the whole family to enjoy, the Eden Project also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. All of this is only three miles away from our new homes at Gwallon Keas.
Taste award-winning beer at St Austell Brewery
If you are a beer-lover then you’re in for a treat as Gwallon Keas is only a short distance away from family-owned St Austell Brewery. From Monday to Saturday, visitors can partake in the ‘Brewing Experience’. This interactive tour allows you to learn all about the beer-making process at St Austell Brewery and at the end, you get to sample some of the latest beers plus old favourites. If you would rather sit back and relax, visit St Austell Brewery’s Hicks Bar where you can enjoy a range of refreshing ale, soft drinks and delicious pub grub.
Channel your inner Jack Sparrow at the Charleston Shipwreck Centre
Fascinating stories and artefacts are just waiting to be discovered at the Charleston Shipwreck Centre down by the quay in St Austell. With nearly 8,000 artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks to admire, this is a day out for the whole family to enjoy. Walk around the exhibition and uncover some fascinating shipwreck adventure stories. The displays include delicate porcelain, a 400-year-old cannon, coins and recovered artefacts from the warship Ramillies. The Charleston Shipwreck Centre is open seven days a week, 10am to 6pm.
Relax by an open fire at the Polgooth Inn
Located in a quiet valley just outside of St Austell, the Polgooth Inn is a classic Cornish pub offering a warm and friendly atmosphere plus excellent food and drink. Securing a Gold Taste of the West Award 2017/18, this cosy pub overlooks stunning views and hosts live music in the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a varied menu which includes Tikka Spiced Scallops, Chicken and Chorizo Pie and a tempting Spiced Apple Crumble. Well-behaved dogs are welcome so your beloved pooch can even enjoy a meal out with the family. If you decide to make Gwallon Keas your new home, you will only be four miles away from the Polgooth Inn.
Enjoy a pamper session at The Clearing Spa
Hidden amongst the greenery and woodland at The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate is The Clearing Spa. Open to day visitors as well as hotel guests, this award-winning spa provides you with the chance to truly unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy the heated infinity pool with a panoramic landscape view of the grounds, bubble pool, sauna, steam room and drench showers. Lie back on a lounger and indulge in a good book, unwind with a treatment performed by a professional beauty therapist and cleanse your body with a refreshing smoothie from the juice bar. This hidden world of luxury is only two miles away from our new homes site, Gwallon Keas.
These are just some of the fantastic things to do in St Austell. Our new homes at Gwallon Keas have now been released for sale. Please take a look at our developments page or email gwallonkeas@devonshirehomes.co.uk .