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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Charlestown

Built in the late 1700s and named after Charles Rashleigh, Charlestown is a beautifully preserved Georgian harbour near St Austell. Once a busy port for exporting china clay, it is now famous for its resident tall ships and starring role in Poldark.

Tall ships moored in the historic Georgian harbour at Charlestown on Cornwall's south coast.
A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Harbour guide

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Charlestown has the kind of harbour character we love: practical, weathered, and full of small details that reward a slower look.

Best forWorking-coast character with boats, tide, local history and plenty to notice at a slower pace.

Harbour strolls, seafood, families, boat watching and coastal photos.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Arrive early in peak season where possible, and leave time for parking, slopes and narrow streets.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A good family read before a visit: talk about boats, tides, old buildings and how harbour life works.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Check tides, parking and opening times if you are visiting for food, boat trips or a family wander.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

Charlestown used to be called West Polmear but the name was changed to Charles's town after Charles Rashleigh. This later became Charlestown. Charlestown is a busy port used for the exportation of china clay.

Porthpean

Porthpean is a small hamlet made up of Lower Porthpean and Higher Porthpean. The beach here is safe and sheltered and therefore ideal for families.

Par

Par is a fishing port and harbour. The harbour and beach are south of the actual town of Par. Par is a port that is used for the exportation of china clay.

Polkerris

Polkerris has a harbour and a small beach. The beach is sheltered by a curved harbour wall.

The RNLI stationed a lifeboat at Polkerris between 1859 and 1922.

Browse coastline guides

Common questions

Where is Charlestown?
Charlestown is on the south coast of Cornwall, roughly two miles from St Austell, signposted from the A390 on Cornwall's south coast.
What is Charlestown known for?
Charlestown is known for its historic Georgian harbour, its fleet of tall ships, and its long history as a port for exporting china clay. It is also a popular film and television location, most famously for Poldark.
Why was Charlestown built?
The harbour was created in the late 18th century by Charles Rashleigh, after whom the village is named, to ship out china clay and copper. The settlement was originally called West Polmear before the name changed in his honour.
What is there to do in Charlestown?
You can wander the historic harbour and quays, admire the tall ships, explore the maritime heritage and enjoy the harbourside inns. Nearby family beaches such as Porthpean are also within easy reach.
Is Charlestown worth visiting?
Yes. As one of Cornwall's most atmospheric and best-preserved historic harbours, with its tall ships and Georgian character, Charlestown is a memorable stop on the south coast.