The Eden Project

When it comes to family attractions in St Austell, where to start but with the Eden Project? This corner of Cornwall has become synonymous with the sight of the famous biomes and the message of conservation the project promotes.

Whether you’ve a passion for all things plant-related, or just visit to marvel at the world’s largest indoor rainforest, you’ll be amazed at the thousands of unique plant species housed in the attraction, and it was all designed with children in mind. The Eden Project is also a hub of activity, so check to see which events your visit coincides with so you can choose your day. By the way, did you know that the Tower of London could fit into the Eden Project biome?!

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Staying on the garden theme, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are the most mysterious of St Austell family attractions. The gardens surround Heligan, a historic estate owned by the local Tremayne family, and their fascinating story starts when they were abandoned for the Great War.

The workers departed for the war efforts, leaving the gardens to grow wild and untended for decades, but not before they inscribed a message onto a wall.

The inscription was discovered in 1990 and led a descendant of the Tremaynes to restore the gardens to their former glory, and the results you can visit today are breathtaking.

Caerhays Castle and Garden

If you visit Caerhays Beach during your holiday you won’t be able to miss the beautiful Caerhays Castle that overlooks it! Another top St Austell attraction, Caerhays remains a family home, but the gardens are open during Spring when they’re at their best, and the castle occasionally welcomes the public behind its doors.

The house is open between March and May on weekends, and the gardens are open between February and June, but please double check the dates and times before making your way to the attraction.

St Austell Brewery

St Austell Brewery remains both a working Victorian brewery and one of the most popular family attractions in St Austell. The brewery opened in 1851 and is still one of the biggest employers in Cornwall. If you’ve always wondered what goes on behind the foreboding walls, there are regular tours from the visitor centre as well as a fascinating interactive museum.

Children must be 8 years or over to join the tour, due to the working machinery inside. Also, please note that there are many steps included on the tour too. The visitor centre is open all year round.

China Clay Country Park

Cornwall’s history is entwined with the mining industry, so this is a great family attraction in St Austell for gaining an insight into life in the mines. China Clay Country Park is the only clay museum in the UK, and there really is something for everyone.

The attraction is set in 26 acres of country park, so there are some gorgeous woodland walks to enjoy during your visit, as well as the opportunity to see mining in action, the county’s biggest working waterwheel, interactive displays and enthralling artefacts to explore.