Image supplied by Visit Cornwall

St Austell is arguably one of the six largest centres of population in Devon and Cornwall and the largest single conurbation in Cornwall.

The ethereal white mini-mountains, the spoil heaps of the china-clay industry lend an eerie atmosphere to the landscape.

William Cookworthy discovered the clay in 1755, and with the opening of the pits to mine the clay St. Austell’s population and prosperity soon began to grow. Today Cornwall still exports clay, which is also used to produce paint, paper and in some medicines.

St Austell is also home to the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum, St Austell Brewery, Pinetum Gardens  and Roseland Observatory are all top tourist attractions.