An insider guide to Charlestown & St Austell Bay
Nestled on the east coast of Cornwall, Charlestown is one of those places people stumble across… and then quietly fall in love with.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try too hard. But if you know where to look, it’s full of character, creativity and those little moments that stay with you long after you’ve gone home.
I live and work here, with my jewellery studio just by the harbour, so this is my personal guide — the places I genuinely return to again and again.
If you’re looking for things to do in Charlestown, Cornwall — from beaches and walks to food, coffee and unique experiences — this guide covers my favourite local spots.
Pop the kettle on… and let’s wander.
Shopping in Charlestown: independent, thoughtful and worth a wander
One of the things I love most about Charlestown is that the shops still feel real. Independent, well-curated and full of things you actually want to pick up and take home.
If you’re starting anywhere, start with Jangles. It’s one of those easy, welcoming shops where you’ll always find something — beautiful jewellery and gifts, with pieces for all budgets and a relaxed, friendly feel. It’s tucked just round the corner from Tall Ships Creamery and opposite Rebellion Smokehouse, so easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there — but well worth seeking out.
Just up the hill, Atishoo Gallery is always worth a visit. A lovely mix of art, gifts and locally made pieces, with genuinely excellent customer service. They also offer picture framing, which is a bit of a hidden gem if you’re local.
Down on the harbour, Harbour Gifts is great if you’re browsing with children but it’s not just for little ones. They also have a really lovely range of coastal-inspired jewellery — delicate pieces with shells and a soft seaside feel.
Genevieve’s is a beautiful boutique if you’re in the mood for clothing and gifts that feel a little different — definitely one to pop into while you’re wandering.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, Libby’s Fudge is hard to walk past without “just having a look” (which rarely stays as just a look).
If you’re here towards the middle of the week, it’s worth timing your visit with the artisan markets, currently held in the Harbour Beer House on Wednesdays and Thursdays during term time. There’s also a Sunday craft fair at the Pattern Hall (last Sunday of the month), which is another great way to discover local makers.
And if you’re drawn to something a little more personal, my jewellery studio in Charlestown is tucked just by the harbour. I design and make pieces here, and also offer hands-on experiences where you can create your own jewellery — something meaningful to take home rather than just a souvenir.
Shopping here isn’t about rushing in and out — it’s about taking your time, having a proper browse, and finding something you didn’t expect.
Coffee, cake… and reasons to sit down
- Ten Ten Coffee — my current favourite. Open early, chilled vibe, and genuinely the best coffee in Charlestown. Their iced coffees and matcha are worth trying and if you get there early enough, try a Da Bara bakery cinnamon swirl (to die for)
- The Deck Charlestown — great coffee, good cake, and street food done really well. Tucked out of the wind so it’s a proper little suntrap, and later on it’s a lovely spot to unwind with a cocktail.
Best walks in Charlestown
Head up towards Porthpean for one of the best views back over the harbour. The gun battery is always worth the short climb and gives you a brilliant vantage point across the bay.
Carry on to:
- Duporth Beach
- Porthpean Beach
Or head towards Carlyon Bay and stop at the National Coastwatch Station Charlestown.
Closer to the harbour itself, Charlestown’s East and West beaches are well worth exploring too, especially at low tide when the rockpools appear. They’re perfect for a slow wander, a bit of beachcombing or keeping children happily occupied while you take in the sea air. For something quieter, loop up past St Paul’s Church Charlestown and back through the old lanes, past the drying chimney. If you head up by the school and follow the footpath around the perimeter, you can also spot the standing stone within the grounds — not accessible, but visible if you know where to look.
Things to do (beyond wandering and eating)
- Lyndon’s walking tours & ghost walks — I did one at Halloween and genuinely loved it. A brilliant mix of history and storytelling.
- Swimming & kayaking in St Austell Bay — simple, effective reset
- Beachcombing & sea glass hunting — slow, grounding, and oddly addictive
A quieter kind of experience
Tucked just by the harbour, I run a small jewellery studio where you can do more than just browse.
I offer:
- private jewellery workshops in Charlestown
- Make your own wedding rings in cornwall
- Beginner jewellery making experiences
It’s a chance to create something personal — whether that’s a memory of your trip or something meaningful to take home.
(Beginners very welcome.)
Where to eat in Charlestown (this bit really matters)
Charlestown has quietly become a bit of a foodie spot.
My favourites:
- Springtide — my personal favourite. Lovely seafood, relaxed feel, fantastic service
- Rebellion Roasthouse — big portions, bold flavours
- The Boathouse Charlestown — great for brunch, coffee or cocktails
- Tall Ships Creamery — award-winning pasties (honestly the best I’ve found), plus ice cream and cream teas
- The Rashleigh Arms — classic pub, easy and reliable
- Charlestown Fish Co. — more than just fish and chips
- The Pier House Hotel — not just for staying. The food here is genuinely good, with incredible views across the harbour and bay
Nearby:
- Edie’s — relaxed and consistently good
- Sam’s on the Beach — just along the coast, right on the beach and perfect for a relaxed meal with a view
A slower moment (if you need one)
Charlestown has a way of making you slow down anyway — the sea air, the sound of the harbour, the slightly unhurried pace of everything.
If you feel like leaning into that a bit more, I also offer Reiki sessions just a few minutes from the harbour.
It’s not complicated or overwhelming — just time to properly switch off.
Some people book it after a morning exploring the beaches, others save it for the end of their stay as a bit of a reset before heading home.
It’s quiet, calm, and very much in keeping with the feel of this place.
Somewhere for a drink in Charlestown
- The Scuttlebutt Tavern — friendly, relaxed, easy place to end the day
- The Deck Charlestown — cocktails, street food, a proper suntrap and nicely out of the wind
- The Pier House Hotel — classic, comfortable, unbeatable views
Places to stay (and eat very well) in Charlestown
- The Pier House Hotel — right on the harbour, full of character and one of my personal favourites
- Carlyon Bay Hotel — spa, golf and beautiful views across the bay
A perfect day in Charlestown (if you only have one)
If you’re visiting Charlestown for the day, here’s how I’d do it — slow, simple and making the most of everything this little harbour has to offer.
Start early (it’s worth it)
Begin your morning at Ten Ten Coffee. They open early, which makes it perfect for that first coffee and a quiet wander before the harbour fills up.
Stretch your legs
Head up towards Porthpean and stop at the gun battery for one of the best views back over the harbour.
Or wander up through the village and along the footpath around the school grounds, where you can spot the standing stone tucked within — not accessible, but visible if you know where to look.
If you’d rather stay by the sea, Charlestown’s East and West beaches are perfect at low tide, when the rockpools appear. Ideal for a gentle potter and a bit of beachcombing.
Late morning wander
Explore the shops — Jangles, Atishoo Gallery and Harbour Gifts.
Lunch
- Springtide
- The Pier House Hotel
- or The Deck Charlestown for relaxed street food
Afternoon
Wander, explore the beaches at low tide or head towards Carlyon Bay. Maybe even a swim.
If you’re ready to slow things down a little, this is also a lovely time to build in something quieter. I offer Reiki sessions just a few minutes from the harbour — a chance to properly switch off and reset before the evening.
Something different
Book a jewellery experience at my studio and make something meaningful to take home.
Evening
Head to Sam’s on the Beach or stay in Charlestown and finish with a drink at:
- The Deck Charlestown
- The Scuttlebutt
- The Pier House Hotel
Why Charlestown stays with you
Charlestown isn’t about ticking things off.
It’s slower than that.
It’s the coffee you didn’t rush.
The shop you nearly missed.
The walk that turns into something more.
Not all treasure is silver and gold.
Sometimes it’s just finding a place that feels right.
If you’re planning a visit to Charlestown and fancy doing something a bit different, you’re always welcome to book a jewellery experience with me at the harbour studio. Or if you want to build in a little time to properly switch off, you can find details of my Reiki sessions here.
It’s a lovely way to turn a day out into something you keep.
