Charlestown Cornwall — what to see, do and eat at this historic harbour
Published by Baybreeze · St Austell, Cornwall
Charlestown Cornwall — what to see, do and eat at this historic harbour
Just five minutes from Baybreeze, Charlestown is one of Cornwall’s most remarkable places — a perfectly preserved Georgian harbour town that looks much the same today as it did 200 years ago. It’s no coincidence that it’s become one of the county’s most filmed locations.
A brief history of Charlestown
Charlestown was built in the late 18th century by local entrepreneur Charles Rashleigh — hence the name — as a port to export copper ore and, later, china clay from the St Austell area. The harbour, lock gates, and surrounding buildings are almost entirely original, giving it an atmosphere that’s genuinely rare in the UK.
The tall ships
Charlestown is home to a fleet of square-rigged tall ships, which are berthed in the harbour when not out on voyages. Seeing a tall ship moored against the Georgian harbour walls is one of those Cornwall moments you don’t forget. Check before you visit as the ships come and go — but even without them, the harbour is spectacular.
On screen in Charlestown
Charlestown has appeared in dozens of film and TV productions, most famously as the harbour in the BBC’s Poldark series. It has also featured in Hornblower, The Eagle Has Landed, and numerous other period dramas. Walking the harbour is a genuine step back in time.
Where to eat and drink
- The Pier House Hotel — the best restaurant in Charlestown, with a terrace overlooking the harbour. Book ahead in summer.
- The Rashleigh Arms — a proper Cornish pub with good food and a great atmosphere. Dogs welcome in the bar.
- Harbour Beach Club — relaxed dining with harbour views, popular with locals and visitors alike.
The beach
Charlestown has a small sandy beach just outside the harbour entrance, sheltered and south-facing. It’s not the biggest beach in Cornwall but it’s one of the most atmospheric, with the tall ships and harbour walls as a backdrop.
Walking from Charlestown
The South West Coast Path runs through Charlestown, offering excellent walking in both directions. Head west towards Duporth and Carlyon Bay for easy, scenic cliff-top walking. Head east towards Porthpean and beyond for a quieter stretch of coast. Both routes are dog friendly.
Charlestown is 5 minutes from Baybreeze. Our luxury pet friendly apartment in St Austell is the ideal base for exploring Charlestown and the surrounding coast. Check availability: https://baybreezeproperties.co.uk/pricing/
Charlestown is the kind of place you visit for an hour and stay for three. If you’re based nearby, you’ll find yourself returning again and again — for dinner, for a morning walk, or just to watch the light change over the harbour in the evening.