Charlestown Cornish Self Catering Cottages

This beautiful Cornish fishing harbour was built in the late 18th Century by local Cornish businessman Charles Rashleigh. Originally used to ship out the Cornish China Clay from St Austell, the harbour is now famous as the mooring place of several Tall Ships. The ships, and the unaltered Georgian harbour give the location a very original and historic feel, and the location has been used for several TV and film productions including 'The Eagle Has Landed', 'Moll Flanders', 'Return to Treasure Island', 'Shackleton's Endurance', 'Frenchman's Creek', 'Odyssey', 'The Onedin Line', 'The Three Musketeers', 'Mansfield Park', 'Longitude', 'A Respectable Trade' and 'Rebecca'.

Charles Rashleigh is honoured locally and as well as the town, the local pub even bears his name.'The Rashleigh Arms' (01726 73635) is just a short walk from the harbour and offers real ale and good food. As does the 'Pier House Hotel' (01726 67955) which is situated practically on the harbour wall. 'Austells' (01726 813888) is a fine restaurant, just a short drive away in Carlyon Bay. Offering modern British cuisine with an attention to detail and has two AA rosettes to prove it. 'Smorgers' (01726 67560) Cornish Deli in St Austell offers all that's good in Cornish cuisine and is open for lunch too!

As well as eating there is plenty to do and see in Charlestown. The kids will be thrilled with the sandy beaches that are available either on foot or by short car journey. Charlestown beach itself is just next to the harbour and is excellent for paddling and rock pooling. Porthpean beach (with parking, toilets and a shop) is just a couple of minutes in the car West from Charlestown and from here you can carry on round towards Mevagissey. A little further East and you have the little known but very worthwhile Polkerris beach before you reach Fowey (pronounced Foy).

The world famous 'Eden Project' is just 4 miles away from Charlestown and can be reached easily by bus train or even cycle route. Plants from all round the world can be seen in their 'natural' environment in the two Biomes, and there are plenty of hands-on things to do for the kids. If plants and gardens are your thing then you can't go wrong in Cornwall. 'Great Gardens of Cornwall' have information on all the major gardens that are open to the public. Due to its mild climate many subtropical species can be supported, even through the winter. Tim Smit, one of the driving forces behind The Eden Project was also the brains behind 'The Lost Gardens of Heligan', just 6 miles from Charlestown. Home of the Tremayne family for 400 years, Heligan was left to neglect in the late 19th century and only rediscovered in the early 1990s. Now restored to its original condition, Heligan offers a magical and historical day out for all the family.

The National Trust own many Cornish properties and one of the best known is 'Lanhydrock', home of the Robartes family since the 17th Century. Lanhydrock is just outside of Bodmin, a few miles North of Charlestown.

Mevagissey is a favourite of locals and holiday makers alike and within easy reach of Charlestown. A traditional Cornish fishing village, where you can wander the narrow alleyways, browse gift shops and art galleries, try the local ale in one of the many pubs and admire the colourful fishing boats in the harbour.

Fowey offers a very picturesque tidal estuary and even boasts its famous 'Royal Fowey Yacht Club'. Despite the food lovers' fascination with Padstow and Rick Stein, there are some very fine restaurants to be found in Fowey. 'The Old Quay House' (01726 833302) is situated right on the water and offers a wide range of local fish and shellfish dishes. 'Sams' (01726 832273) offers a Bistro a lounge and a bar and has a fun, young and friendly atmosphere. One of the best renowned restaurants in the area has to be 'Food for Thought' (01726 832221) on the Town Quay. Built as long ago as the 14th Century the restaurant has been running with the same owner now for over 30 years.

From Charlestown most of the Cornish county is reachable within an hour's car journey. With the beautiful beaches of Newquay on the north coast being only about 20 minutes away, further afield Penzance, St Ives and the beautiful Lizard Peninsula are about an hour.

Here is our featured cottage in Charlestown