This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy.
Charlestown
Image by Matt Jessop - supplied by Visit Cornwall
Charlestown is a village and port on the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, in the parish of St Austell Bay.
The port at Charlestown developed from what was in the late 18th century the fishing village of West Polmear. Prior to the building of the harbour trading vessels landed and loaded on the beach.
It was developed in the Georgian era (specifically from 1790 when work on building an outer quay began to 1799 when the first dock gates were erected) as a new town, and named after local landowner Charles Rashleigh who had a hand in its design.
Following the death of Charles Rashleigh in 1823 the fate of Charlestown was caught up in the financial problems of Rashleigh's estate.Throughout the nineteenth century the little dock was packed with ships and the harbourside sheds and warehouses thronged with complementary businesses: boatbuilding, ropemaking, brickworks, lime burning, net houses, bark houses and pilchard curing.
Upcoming Events
The Skipper Festival - Saturday 29 August 2026 to Sunday 30 August 2026
The Skipper Festival is a brand new late-summer celebration of harbour life, coastal culture and good company, taking place at Charlestown Harbour over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Entry is free!
Set against the backdrop of one of Britain's most iconic historic harbours, the festival will bring together visiting boats, live music, watersports, food and drink, maritime workshops, art installations and family-friendly activities for a relaxed weekend by the sea.
Whether you're arriving by boat, joining us for the day, or spending the whole weekend soaking up the atmosphere, there will be plenty to discover around the harbour. Expect harbour-side music, visiting vessels, rum, cider and spritz bars, opportunities to get out on the water, and a programme of activities celebrating Charlestown's unique maritime character.
At the heart of the festival is a simple idea: bringing people together to enjoy the best of summer on the Cornish coast. From sailors and sea lovers to families, visitors and locals, everyone is welcome.
Full programme details, visiting vessels, music line-ups and activity announcements will be released throughout the summer.
