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St. Austell is a significant town in Cornwall and a popular resort, thanks largely to the arrival of the Eden Project. Although St. Austell is set back from the sea, the area that connects to the sea is the port of Charlestown, a favourite among visitors.
In the past, St. Austell's growth was a result of china clay extraction rather than tourism. Local chemist William Cookworthy discovered large deposits of this mineral in the mid-18th century, leading to the town's growth for many years. While china clay extraction is still important to the local economy, tourism has become increasingly significant. The town's beautiful environment and stunning scenery attract visitors from all over the world. St. Austell is a mix of old and new, with narrow twisting streets in some areas and modern shopping precincts in others. However, it's the abundance of beaches and coastal views that draw people to the area.
The Eden Project, a recent and exciting tourist attraction, has significantly boosted the town's popularity. The project transformed a large disused quarry site into a centre for studying and cultivating plants from around the world. The site features three large biomes, acting as massive greenhouses for tropical plants and includes a restaurant and shop area.
Charlestown is a small settlement close to St Austell and situated on the coast. It used to serve as the port for the main town. Today, it still carries out repair work on tall ships and other sailing vessels.
Carlyon Bay is the area's largest beach, boasting a large, flat, sandy beach. As of 2006, there are plans to build a £200m resort on the beachside area of Carlyon Bay. The developers, Ampersand, claim that this development will bring significant economic benefits to the area, although some locals remain skeptical. Nearby are Gorran Haven Beach and Porthluney Cove Beach, which offer more secluded spots.