Charlestown

Charlestown is a remarkably well preserved Georgian harbour village near St Austell, its working tall ships and unspoiled dockside having made it a favourite filming location, most famously for Poldark.

Beyond the harbour, the village offers the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, a handful of coastal walks toward Carlyon Bay, and a real sense of stepping back into the eighteenth century that few other Cornish ports can match.

This page brings together everything we cover in Charlestown, with detailed guides below to the best beaches, walks, places to eat and stay, and things to do in the area.

Best places to park in Charlestown

Read our full guide >The best places to park in CharlestownVisiting the Poldark harbour? Our essential parking guide to Charlestown covers the main car park on Barkhouse Lane, the rules for the Rashleigh Arms, and the best nearby overflow at…

Best things to do in Charlestown

Read our full guide >The best things to do in CharlestownCharlestown is a living museum. It is the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking along the quay feels like walking onto…

Best places to eat in Charlestown

Read our full guide >The best places to eat in CharlestownCharlestown is famous for its resident Tall Ships and its starring role in Poldark, but in recent years, it has transformed into a serious foodie destination. The harbour is now…

Best places to stay in Charlestown

Read our full guide >The best places to stay in CharlestownCharlestown is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Cornwall. Because the harbour is unspoilt and devoid of modern development, staying here feels like stepping back into the…

More guides about Charlestown

Read our full guide >10 fascinating facts about CharlestownCharlestown is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque and best-preserved harbours, offering a glimpse into the county’s rich maritime past. With its tall ships, cobbled quays, and timeless character, it’s a…