Charlestown Harbour
A historic 18th-century Georgian harbour, famous for Poldark filming and its role in Cornwall's industrial past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour vibes & pub drinks
Charlestown Harbour
Best Time
Golden hour vibes & pub drinks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 18th-century Georgian harbour, famous for Poldark filming and its role in Cornwall's industrial past.
"Historic and authentic link to Great Britain's dependency on it's seafaring traditions."
🚗 Parking & Toilets
Reasonable parking available. Toilets are 20p per visit at the car park.
🍽️ Food & Drink Options
Enjoy pop-up food stalls, cafes, bars, and pubs like The Pier House.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Georgian Harbour
Charlestown Harbour
Explore the well-preserved 18th-century port, a key filming location for Poldark.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Near Charlestown
Discover Cornwall's industrial heritage at this museum, home to the largest working water wheel in Cornwall.
Shipwreck Museum
Charlestown Harbour
Delve into maritime history with fascinating exhibits of shipwrecks and salvaged treasures.
Coastal Walks & Views
Charlestown Harbour and surrounding cliffs
Enjoy scenic strolls along the harbour and cliff tops, offering picturesque views of the Cornish coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Harbour Renovation Awareness
Embrace the History & Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Toilets
Reasonable parking available. Toilets are 20p per visit at the car park.
🍽️ Food & Drink Options
Enjoy pop-up food stalls, cafes, bars, and pubs like The Pier House.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Harbour
Don't miss the charming cottages, gardens, and the old gun battery on the cliff top.
🎬 Poldark Filming Spot
Recognize iconic scenes from the hit TV show Poldark filmed here.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Toilets
Reasonable parking available. Toilets are 20p per visit at the car park.
🍽️ Food & Drink Options
Enjoy pop-up food stalls, cafes, bars, and pubs like The Pier House.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Harbour
Don't miss the charming cottages, gardens, and the old gun battery on the cliff top.
🎬 Poldark Filming Spot
Recognize iconic scenes from the hit TV show Poldark filmed here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charlestown Harbour is a beautiful and historic spot, praised for its well-preserved Georgian architecture and maritime heritage, making it a popular Poldark filming location. While currently undergoing significant lock gate renovations which affect its appearance, visitors can still enjoy the charming atmosphere, coastal walks, and a good selection of eateries.
"It’s a beautiful spot in the summer to spend an afternoon. The beach has pebbles, but is crystal blue.
Lots of small shops and bars; harbour is under renovation and slightly jaded in parts, but a good stop to stopover on a camping trip or for afternoon drinks and snacks."
Ross McGill
"Historic and authentic link to Great Britain's dependency on it's seafaring traditions.
At the moment, the harbour is undergoing some major refurbishments to it's gate and bridge. It doesn't look like it's going to be fixed anytime soon.
In the meantime, you can walk around some of it and the are some street fooderies and bars along with pubs etc.
There's parking too (note: no apps)."
Nick Miles
"Trying to make a lot out of a fairly ordinary harbour by having lots of eateries around it and riding on the back of it being used in Poldark.
Maybe once the new bridge is completed and the sunken wooden ship is repaired or removed, it might look better.
They need to make a lot more of the history and reason for the construction.
The car park is reasonable and the 20p per visit toilets at the car park are good."
Ian Foster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charlestown Harbour is located near St Austell in Cornwall. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve buses to St Austell followed by a short taxi or walk.
Yes, there is parking available at Charlestown Harbour. The car park is described as reasonable, and there are also 20p per visit toilets located there.
While direct public transport to the harbour might be limited, you can typically reach St Austell by bus or train and then take a taxi or enjoy a walk to Charlestown.
You can enjoy walks around the harbour itself, along the cliff tops for scenic views, and explore the surrounding coastal paths.
While specific rules can vary, coastal areas and harbours in Cornwall are generally welcoming to dogs, especially outside of peak beach season. Always check local signage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Charlestown Harbour itself is generally free to access and explore. However, specific attractions within or near the harbour, like the Wheal Martyn Clay Works or Shipwreck Museum, will have their own admission fees.
The harbour is typically accessible at all times, though individual shops, cafes, and attractions will have their own operating hours. Pop-up food stalls and bars often have varied schedules.
No, there is no general entrance fee to walk around Charlestown Harbour. You can enjoy the atmosphere and views without charge.
For popular pubs like The Pier House or other eateries, booking in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, is recommended to secure a table.
The harbour is currently undergoing major refurbishment of its lock gates and bridge. While this impacts the appearance, it's for long-term improvement.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic harbour, visit the Shipwreck Museum, enjoy coastal walks, dine at local eateries, and soak in the Poldark filming locations.
Yes, families can enjoy the harbour's atmosphere, the beach (pebbly), and nearby attractions like Wheal Martyn. The open space allows for exploration.
You'll find a mix of small independent shops, gift stores, and pop-up stalls offering local crafts, Cornish drinks, and food.
The beach at Charlestown Harbour is described as having crystal blue water, making it potentially suitable for swimming, though it is pebbly. Always check local conditions and safety advice.
Charlestown Harbour was a vital 18th-century port for exporting Cornish China Clay and copper, playing a significant role in Britain's seafaring traditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Georgian architecture, the boats in the harbour, coastal views from the cliffs, and the golden hour light. Drone shots offer unique perspectives.
Drone photography is possible, as evidenced by aerial footage shared online. However, always check local regulations and any restrictions before flying.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the harbour's charm and coastal scenery.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. Be mindful of private property and any specific signage regarding commercial photography or drone use.
The combination of historic ships, Georgian buildings, the working harbour, and the dramatic Cornish coastline makes it a very photogenic location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach is pebbly, it's a great spot for rock pooling and enjoying the coastal air. Pack snacks and drinks, as there are various food stalls and cafes available. Be mindful of the ongoing harbour renovations, but the open spaces still provide room for children to move around.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, opt for picnics from local shops or enjoy affordable treats from the pop-up food stalls rather than formal restaurants. The 20p toilets at the car park are a small but appreciated amenity. Exploring the coastal paths for walks also offers free entertainment and stunning views.
🎬 Poldark Fans
Take your time to wander through the harbour, spotting the exact locations where pivotal moments unfolded. The Shipwreck Museum also adds to the maritime historical context that complements the Poldark experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poldark Connection
Visiting Charlestown allows you to walk in the footsteps of the characters, imagining the bustling port life of the era. The well-preserved architecture and the presence of traditional sailing vessels (when available) enhance this immersive experience, making it a must-visit for Poldark enthusiasts.
Industrial Heritage: China Clay and Copper
The harbour's design and infrastructure were instrumental in facilitating this trade. Understanding this history adds another layer of appreciation when exploring the harbour, connecting the picturesque scenery to Cornwall's economic backbone. The ongoing regeneration efforts also aim to preserve this heritage for future generations.
Navigating the Harbour Renovation
Despite the ongoing works, the harbour remains a worthwhile destination. Many pop-up food stalls, cafes, and pubs continue to operate, offering refreshments and a place to relax. The Shipwreck Museum and the general atmosphere of the historic port are still accessible, allowing visitors to appreciate its charm and history.
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