The Lost Gardens of Heligan 3.8 miles away (1/2 day)
The famous ‘Lost Gardens of Heligan’ covers an area of over 200 acres and is located in a valley close to Mevagissey. The gardens are very relaxing with a variety of different walks. You will find a Rare Breeds Farm Park, one of just 23 in the UK, and a Beaver enclosure. The Lost Valley and Jungle make interesting walking with their misty lakes and luxuriant foliage.
From mid April until the end of September there are Sunrise Sessions where the gardens are opened at 7am (or earlier) to enjoy the sun rise.
There is a choice of places to eat and, with Lobb’s Farm Shop on site. Here you can pick up some delicious food to cook back at Hillside Cottage.
Mevagissey Harbour 4.2 miles/2.7 via Portmellon (whole day)
The 14th Century village of Mevagissey is a popular destination, that is still a working fishing harbour with plenty of excellent restaurants, takeaways and pubs. It is very picturesque and is still laid out on it’s medieval plan, with narrow, cobbled streets.
Also here, along the harbour edge, is the Mevagissey Sea Life Aquarium and a Museum which fills three floors with exhibits, large and small telling the history of this fascinating village. The building itself, formerly part of a boat builder’s yard, dates from 1745.
If you walk out of Mevagissey on the South West Coast Path towards Pentewan you will find the quiet beach of Polstreath. The steps down to the beach mean that it is not ideal for those with mobility problems or for families with pushchairs.
Charlestown 10 miles away (1/2 day)
Near to St Austell is an 18th Century Georgian harbour at Charlestown, home of a fleet of square-rigged sailing ships and location for many films including Alice in Wonderland, period dramas and even an episode of Dr Who. It is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Don’t forget to stop off for an ice cream at the Tall Ships Creamery – lots of different flavours all hand made and fresh that day.
You’ll be spoilt for choice deciding where to have your lunch with a variety of restaurants and the Rashleigh Arms to choose from.
The China Clay Country Park & Museum at Wheal Martyn 11 miles (1/2 day)
Set in 26 acres of woodland nestling in the historic Ruddle Valley on the outskirts of St Austell, the China Clay Country Park provides a fascinating day out for all the family.
The China Clay Country Park is set in the grounds of two former working China Clay Pits and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into China Clay – how it was mined, what it was used for and what it meant for the families who lived in the area.
There’s a lovely cafe and gift shop on site.
The Eden Project 13 miles away (whole day)
Visit the unique, world famous, Eden Project, with it’s amazing Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes carved into Bodelva, an old Cornish clay pit, chosen for it’s Southern aspect, a few miles from St Austell.
Hang loose is England’s fastest Zip wire and traverses high above the biomes. It is 660 metres long and achieves speeds of 60 mph.
Eden sessions take place every day in the summer featuring world class live music from the likes of Crowded House, Fatboy Slim, Paolo Nutini, Peter Gabriel, Tom Jones, Jessie J and Elton John to name just a few. Tickets are available from the Eden Sessions own website.
Screech Owl Sanctuary 17 miles away (1/2 day)
As well as the many owls at the sanctuary they also have meerkats, pygmy goats, emus and shetland ponies. A great day out for all the family – learn about the care and rehabilitation programs, get close up to the owls (under supervision) – you can even adopt an owl.