Charlestown is a small harbour village, best known for its well‑preserved Georgian harbour and strong maritime history.
Built in the late 18th century to export copper and china clay, the harbour remains one of the last open Georgian harbours in the UK and forms part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobblestone quays, historic buildings, and tall ships give the harbour a distinctive character that feels both working and carefully maintained.
The village is also known as a filming location, having appeared in series such as Poldark and other film and television productions, thanks to its largely unchanged appearance. With coastal walks nearby, small beaches either side of the harbour, and regular events and visiting vessels, Charlestown offers a calm, character‑led place to spend time by the water.
Bus service
Transport for Cornwall's numbers 24, 24A and 25 services travel to Charlestone, with connecting routes between Fowey to St Austell.