The Shipwreck and historical artefacts on display in the centre are the largest private collection of this type on public display in Europe. Brought together over the last 45 to 50 years, it forms the basis of one of the most unusual and interesting collections open to the public.

There are countless items from a bygone age as well as artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks. The many and varied exhibitions reflect village life in Charlestown, it's history, shipwrecks and the once thriving China Clay industry.

The exhibition shows a tremendous range of maritime history dating back to 1715 and one of the largest underwater diving equipment collections in the country, including various suits used for treasure seeking and naval purposes.

Dig deep and discover the special ingredient in our everyday lives that still shapes Cornwall and our world today...china clay! Discover Cornwall's secret at the UK's only china clay museum, set within 26 acres of atmospheric woodlands.
Check out the original Victorian clay works, bursting at the seams with tools and machinery. Explore the real-life stories and tales of the industry which shaped the landscape and lives of people in mid-Cornwall. Find out about Cornwall's largest mining industry, past and present, and catch a glimpse of modern machines in action in the working clay pit.
Take a stroll along the nature trails, woodland walks and adjoining 'Clay Trails', scattered with nature and heritage. Why not bring your dog along too? On your way, see if you can find the workers' historic crib hut, view the rather curious settling tanks and beautiful vintage vehicles, and see Cornwall's largest working water wheel.
Explore the interactive Discovery Centre indoors, featuring displays and exhibitions. Test your understanding of local dialects, try your strength against the village tug-o-war team and meet a Victorian kettle boy.
Children can get active on the adventure trail, dive into the dressing up box and let off steam in the play area. Keep an eye out for our exciting activities throughout the year!

With over 6000 labelled plants, Pinetum Park is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of amateur horticulturists Ray and Shirley Clemo a who travelled the world collecting seeds and plants to establish this remarkable Garden. Naturalists will enjoy the wealth of wildlife that make the park their home; including permanent residents such as our pair of beautiful black swans.
Conveniently located, in the heart of St Austell, Pinetum Gardens is a place of tranquility, peace and breathtakingly beautiful garden scenery.
With a spectacular display across the seasons, it is a botanical delight for gardeners; a wonderful retreat for walkers; and a haven where families can explore and be at one with nature!

On Monday 16th February 1990, The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered from the brambles of time.

Today, Heligan remains one of the most loved and romantic gardens in the UK, appreciated as much for their beauty and mystery, as for the ground breaking restoration project - the largest in Europe.

Over 200 acres are now a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic. Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds beckon along winding paths laid out over two centuries ago. The Jungle takes you on a sub-tropical journey through bamboo tunnels and under majestic tree ferns, giant rhubarb and bananas whilst the estate reveals a lost world of traditional breeds, wildlife and ancient woodlands.

Heligan is a garden for all seasons, so whether you plan to visit in the hazy buzz of mid-summer, or the tranquillity of winter, you are guaranteed a unique experience.
Find out more about what to expect at The Lost Gardens and our year-round events from our website

The St.Austell Market House is a Grade II listed building which houses the St. Austell Town Museum (this is not open during the winter) and a wide selection of independent shops most of whom are open 6 days a week.

The present grade II listed building replaced an earlier Market House. It was opened in 1844, designed by Cope and Eales of London and built by Olver and Sons of Falmouth, at a cost of £6,000.The building has two floors with five splendid arched windows lighting the original Town Hall on the first floor.

At one time it also housed the Fire Station and two Police cells! Stone stairs lead from a secondary entrance to what was once the Town Hall and later the Picture House.

There is a vaulted ceiling over the main entrance hall which is supported by granite pillars and from each side of the ground floor market hall where the butchers plied their trade, stone stairways lead to the gallery landing on the first floor, beyond which is a further stone paved area, probably used for general stallholders.

The Market House’s most notable feature is it’s superb timbered roof, intricately constructed from yellow pine and spanning the full width of the building. At the time of it’s construction it apparently had the largest unsupported span of any roof in Britain, if not Europe!

Explore the Atlantic Coast Line (Par-Newquay), stopping off at pubs along the way to enjoy locally brewed ales and excellent food.
The trail is self-guided – read on to find out how to plan your trip. You can even win a T-shirt by getting 10 stamps on your printable stamp sheet

Travelling through the beautiful Luxulyan Valley, across the Goss Moor and finally glimpsing views of the Atlantic Ocean is a great way to arrive in the popular surf resort of Newquay.

Dogs are welcome on the train.

Tickets are great value. The Off-Peak Day Return from Par to Newquay is £5.30.

Download an Atlantic Coast Line timetable. Trains run regularly throughout the day all year round.

The Shipwreck and historical artefacts on display in the centre are the largest private collection of this type on public display in Europe. Brought together over the last 45 to 50 years, it forms the basis of one of the most unusual and interesting collections open to the public. There are countless items from a bygone age as well as artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks.

The Eden Project, an educational charity, connects us with each other and the living world, exploring how we can work towards a better future. Our visitor destination in Cornwall, UK, is nestled in a huge crater. Here, massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories serve as a backdrop to our striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts and exciting year-round family events. Registered charity number 1093070 (The Eden Trust). Money raised supports our transformational projects and learning programmes.