Luxury Holidays in Charlestown & Carlyon Bay
Step into Cornwall’s timeless charm along the south coast, where historic harbours, tall ships, and cobbled streets meet golden sands and sweeping sea views.
Charlestown captivates with its UNESCO-listed harbour, maritime heritage, and Poldark filming locations, offering a journey back in time, while Carlyon Bay provides a modern beachside escape with wide sands, watersports, and contemporary coastal homes.
Explore Charlestown & Carlyon Bay
Charlestown invites you to wander its cobbled quay, admire tall ships, and explore the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, where Cornwall’s maritime past comes alive. Poldark fans will recognise the harbour from the hit series, while scenic coastal paths reveal hidden coves and sweeping sea views over St Austell Bay.
Carlyon Bay offers a modern, relaxing beachside escape with long stretches of sand, a scenic promenade, and access to the Carlyon Bay Golf Club, set amid cliffside scenery. Both destinations provide the perfect mix of history, contemporary coastal life, and outdoor adventure.
Beaches & nature
Charlestown is ideal for harbour-side strolls, historic walks, and exploring small coves along the coast. Carlyon Bay boasts wide, sandy beaches perfect for families and watersports, and from April to September, the Carlyon Bay Beach Village comes alive with pop-up food stalls, live music, watersports activities, and seasonal events.
Nearby, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project provide lush trails and exotic landscapes, while coastal paths offer dramatic cliff-top views and wildlife spotting, ensuring every visitor finds something to inspire them.
Food & drink
Cornwall’s south coast offers a rich culinary scene, from historic harbour dining in Charlestown to modern beachside venues in Carlyon Bay. In Charlestown, enjoy fresh seafood and Cornish classics at The Longstore or The Pier House, indulge in rustic charm at The Boathouse, or grab a casual breakfast or coffee at Short & Strong Café & Deli. Just a short drive away, Carlyon Bay complements the scene with elegant options like the AA Rosette-awarded Bay View Restaurant and contemporary Cornish dishes at Taste Brasserie and Edie’s. During the warmer months, the Carlyon Bay Beach Village brings pop-up food stalls, casual bites, and beach bars alive with live music and events. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a lively family meal, or a casual beachside snack, both destinations offer something to delight every palate.
Family fun
Families can build sandcastles, try paddleboarding, or hire kayaks in Carlyon Bay, while history comes alive at Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Explore the exotic landscapes of the Eden Project, wander the hidden trails of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, or take scenic coastal walks along the South West Coast Path.
Where To Stay In Charlestown & Carlyon Bay
Whether you’re drawn to the historic cobbled streets of Charlestown or the sun-drenched sands of Carlyon Bay, our handpicked properties offer the perfect base for your holiday.
Choose from sea-view apartments, grand coastal manors, or spacious homes with pools, all within easy reach of beaches, restaurants, and Charlestown’s historic harbour. Wake to the gentle sound of waves, sip coffee as the harbour or sea glimmers in the sunlight, and unwind in style after a day discovering Cornwall’s coastline, heritage, and hidden gems.
