The Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and the beaches along the St Austell coastline are the three main reasons people head for St Austell, but the town is also a good base for exploring atmospheric Bodmin Moor, and the tiny, but entirely charming harbour of Charleston. The best places to stay in St Austell are idyllic Cornish retreats, but St Austell is far less popular as a holiday destination than it is as a day-trip destination from elsewhere in Cornwall so quiet a bit quieter than many other coastal spots. But stay overnight and you’ll have easy access to some of Cornwall’s best beaches (Dupforth and Parthpean spring to mind); Charleston Harbour, where Poldark was filmed; and of course the Eden Project and Heligan.

None of our recommendations here are close to the centre of town, they’re surrounded by lush green countryside, with almost magically tropical gardens. So they're surrounded by fabulous walking and cycling opportunities and close to other local highlights including the Charleston Shipwreck and Heritage Centre on Charleston Harbour. 

As with most of Cornwall the best places to stay in St Austell are incredibly busy during the peak summer season. If you're planning a visit in July or August, you'll need to book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in St Austell

For Families

• The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate is a four star hotel, set in 43 acres of grounds. Accommodation is in rooms, suites, apartments and villas, with both hotel and self-catering options. So there’s plenty of choice for families, and couples. The hotel also has a large indoor pool, an impressive spa, a gym, and a well-regarded Cornish restaurant. 

Best B&Bs

• Lower Barns is a charming stone bungalow converted into a six room B&B, set amid beautiful, mature gardens in the rolling Cornish countryside just outside St Austell. Each room is individually designed and decorated, with plenty of colour, and objets collected from the owners’ travels; two of the them have a private hot tub. Table d’hote style suppers are offered on some evenings, and by request. Ideally positioned for walkers, and romantic too.

For a pub with rooms

• The Pier House is a charming inn located overlooking Charlestown Harbour. As well as a range of lovely rooms, there's a seafacing bar with great outdoor area for sunny days, and restaurant serving pub classics featuring delicious local produce. Friendly and relaxed.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to St Austell is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about half an hour away by car or tax. Exeter Airport is second closest, about an hour and a half by car or taxi. If you’re travelling via London trains leave from Paddington, and the quickest journeys are four hours and 40 minutes direct.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• St Austell is busiest in the summer, it’s just two miles from the Eden Project, which is now one of Cornwall’s most significant tourist attractions, and it’s close to some of Cornwall’s loveliest beaches. St Austell’s closest port is the pretty harbour of Charlestown, which has a very nice collection of old sailing ships. The Eden Project is open year round, so there’s always a reason to visit St Austell. 

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall
• Expand your search just beyond St Austell, to include neighbours, like the best places to stay in Mevagissey or Fowey
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families, Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms, the most romantic hotels in Cornwall or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.