Caravan parks in St Austell provide a great base for exploring the south Cornwall coast and the landscapes surrounding St Austell Bay. Visitors searching for holiday parks in St Austell can stay close to sandy beaches, historic harbour villages and countryside attractions while enjoying easy access to one of Cornwall’s most famous visitor destinations, the Eden Project. Located on the south coast of Cornwall, St Austell is one of the largest towns in the county and forms part of the wider network of Cornwall caravan parks and holiday parks, you can browse Cornwall touring and caravan sites here. 

St Austell grew rapidly during the nineteenth century when the surrounding area became the centre of Cornwall’s china clay industry, an industry that shaped much of the landscape around the town. Today the area combines its industrial heritage with coastal scenery and nearby attractions. Just a few miles from the town centre lies Charlestown Harbour, a historic Georgian harbour that has become one of the most picturesque coastal locations in Cornwall. 

Visitors staying in caravan parks in St Austell can easily explore nearby coastal villages and beaches. The harbour village of Charlestown sits just outside the town, while the fishing village of Mevagissey lies further along the coast and is known for its narrow streets and traditional harbour. With its mixture of historic character, coastal scenery and nearby attractions, St Austell holiday parks offer a convenient base for exploring south Cornwall.

Things to Do and Places to Visit Near St Austell

Holiday parks near St Austell place visitors close to several of Cornwall’s most famous attractions. The Eden Project sits just outside the town in a former clay quarry and is one of the most visited attractions in the region, featuring giant biomes that recreate rainforest and Mediterranean environments. 

Another popular destination nearby is the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a large historic garden estate covering more than 200 acres of woodland, farmland and subtropical planting that was rediscovered and restored in the late twentieth century. 

The coastline around St Austell Bay includes several beaches such as Porthpean Beach, Carlyon Bay and Pentewan Sands, all offering sheltered waters and scenic coastal views. Visitors can also explore the historic harbour at Charlestown, where tall ships and traditional harbour walls reflect the maritime history of the area.

With famous attractions, historic harbours and nearby beaches all within easy reach, St Austell offers a varied base for visitors exploring the south coast of Cornwall.

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  • fishing lake at meadow lakes holiday park near st austell
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hoseasons holiday parks

Best for: Anglers, families and couples seeking a relaxed countryside and lakeside break.
Accommodation Types: Self-catering lodges, cabins and holiday homes.
Highlights: On-site fishing lakes with easy access for guests. Scenic park setting with walking routes and peaceful outdoor space.

Meadow Lakes Holiday Park offers self-catering accommodation tucked into a tranquil lakeside environment near St Austell, making it ideal for guests who enjoy fishing and outdoor leisure. The park’s lakes are well stocked and designed for easy fishing right from your doorstep.

The location places guests close to the heart of Cornwall, with the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and St Austell’s shops, cafés and pubs just a short drive away. Nearby countryside and coastal areas provide scenic walking and cycling routes, while sandy beaches on both the north and south coasts are easily accessible for day trips.

Why it’s a top pick
It’s a top pick for visitors who want a peaceful, lakeside holiday with excellent on-site fishing and a convenient base for exploring central Cornwall’s attractions.

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  • Icon of a beach, umbrella and sun Beach
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  • Icon of a fishing hook and fish Fishing
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  • Par Sands Coastal Holiday Park looking down from the air
  • the indoor swimming pool at Par Sands Coastal Holiday Park
  • adventure playground for kids on holiday in Cornwall at Par Sands Coastal Holiday Park
Park Holidays logo

Best For: Beachfront stays, families, relaxed coastal breaks
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges
Highlights: Opposite Par Beach, indoor pool, nature reserve

Par Sands Coastal Holiday Park sits directly opposite Par Beach, offering a peaceful seaside base with modern caravans and lodges just steps from the sand. The park includes an indoor pool, sports facilities and play areas, making it well-suited to families and couples looking for a laid-back coastal holiday.

Its location provides easy access to the Eden Project, Charlestown and local walking trails, giving guests plenty of options for days out. With simple beach access and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an appealing choice for slow-paced Cornwall breaks.

Why it’s a top pick: Perfect for guests who want a beach-on-the-doorstep holiday with straightforward facilities and good local attractions.

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  • luxury hot tub breaks at penmarlam lodge retreat near fowey
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  • luxury lodges in cornwall near fowey
hoseasons holiday parks

Best for: Couples and small families seeking a peaceful, luxury lodge escape in Cornwall.
Accommodation Types: Self-catering luxury lodges.
Highlights: Stylish, contemporary lodges with private outdoor space and scenic views. Tranquil countryside setting ideal for relaxation and nature walks.

Penmarlam Lodge Retreat offers high-quality self-catering lodges set in a serene Cornish countryside location, designed for comfort and tranquillity. Each lodge features modern interiors, generous outdoor areas and easy access to rural surroundings perfect for unwinding.

The location places guests close to both countryside walks and Cornwall’s beautiful coast, with sandy beaches and cliff paths within easy reach. Nearby villages offer local pubs, cafés and shops, while scenic lanes invite exploration by foot or bike.

Why it’s a top pick: It’s a top pick for visitors who want a luxury lodge break with peace and privacy, set in scenic countryside yet within easy reach of Cornwall’s coast and attractions.

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St Austell Holiday Parks – FAQs

Where do people actually go from St Austell on holiday?

Most people head straight out of St Austell to the coast. Charlestown is about 10 minutes and is one of the best nearby spots with its historic harbour and tall ships. Mevagissey is around 15 minutes and is a classic working fishing village with narrow streets and plenty of places to eat. Fowey is about 20 minutes and feels more upmarket with great views and restaurants. The Eden Project is also just outside town and is one of the main reasons people stay in this area.

Which beaches are best near St Austell?

You have a strong mix within a short drive. Porthpean Beach is the closest and easy for a quick visit. Carlyon Bay offers a much larger stretch of coastline and is popular for walking. Pentewan Sands is one of the best all-round beaches nearby with a long sandy stretch and good facilities. If you head towards Fowey, Readymoney Cove is smaller but very scenic and sheltered.

What are the best places to eat and drink around St Austell?

Charlestown is the standout for food and atmosphere. The Rashleigh Arms sits right on the harbour and is one of the best places to eat in the area. In Mevagissey, places like The Sharksfin and Harbour Tavern are popular. Fowey has a stronger food scene with spots such as The King of Prussia and Sam’s on the Beach just outside at Polkerris. These are the places most visitors end up returning to.

What is there to do apart from the beaches?

The Eden Project is the main attraction and is only a few minutes from St Austell. It is one of the most visited sites in Cornwall and easy to spend a full day at. Charlestown is also worth visiting just to walk around the harbour. Boat trips run from Mevagissey, and you can also take ferries across the river at Fowey to explore places like Polruan.

Are there any good walks near St Austell?

Yes, especially along the coast. The walk from Charlestown to Porthpean is short but scenic and easy to access. Around Fowey, you can walk along the estuary or take the ferry and explore the coastal paths on the Polruan side. Carlyon Bay also offers a longer open stretch for walking without the crowds you get elsewhere.

Can you get to places like Fowey and Mevagissey easily?

Yes, and that is one of the main advantages of staying in St Austell. Mevagissey is about 15 minutes, Fowey around 20 minutes, and Charlestown even closer. This makes it easy to visit multiple coastal towns in a single trip without long drives.

Are there holiday parks and caravan parks around St Austell?

Yes, this area has a high number of holiday parks. Pentewan Sands Holiday Park is one of the best known and sits right on the beach. Carlyon Bay and the surrounding area also have several caravan parks and touring sites. There are a mix of larger family parks and smaller countryside sites just outside the town.

Is St Austell worth staying in or just used as a base?

It is mainly used as a base. The town itself is practical, but the real value is how close you are to some of the best places on the south coast. You can reach beaches, harbour towns and major attractions within 10 to 20 minutes, which makes it one of the most convenient locations in Cornwall.

Nearby Caravan Parks and Holiday Parks Around St Austell

Several nearby destinations also offer caravan parks and holiday parks along the south Cornwall coastline and surrounding countryside.

Together these locations sit within the broader network of caravan & holiday parks in Cornwall.