11 Best Things to Do in Charlestown & Poldark Filming Locations
⋆˙⟡♡︎ This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Thanks for your support ⋆˙⟡♡︎
The historic harbour village of Charlestown in Cornwall makes you feel like you have travelled back in time.
When you step out onto the haven and stroll along its cobbled pathways, you’ll see tall ship sails floating in the breeze.
Explore a labyrinth of docks and a quirky Harbourmaster’s hut overlooking the horizon.
This quaint village near St Austell has risen to fame for being used in Hollywood movies like Alice in Wonderland and the BBC’s Poldark.
Here’s a complete guide with the very best things to do in Charlestown, Cornwall.
Why is Charlestown called Charlestown?
It may surprise you to know that Charlestown isn’t called Charlestown due to King Charles I & II, like other Charlestons around the world.
It was actually renamed around two hundred years ago to honour the man who made the harbour village what it is today, Sir Charles Rashleigh.
Until around two hundred years ago, Charlestown was called West Polmear, which translates in Cornish to Porth-meur, meaning ‘Little Cove’.
At that time, there were only nine residents in three cottages who made a living from Pilchards.
In the 18th century, St Austell was becoming quite an industrious area with its flourishing mines and china clay pits.
It needed somewhere to trade China Clay to potteries in the north and over to Europe. So Charles Rashleigh stepped in to make it happen.
The history of Charlestown Cornwall
Sir Charles Rashleigh spotted the need for the village to have protection and opportunity for a port.
So, he hired the help of John Smeaton, who was a famous lighthouse and harbour architect.
Together they made a design and construction plan. Rashleigh then got to work to construct the harbour walls.
As well as the harbour, he created a battery as a defence for the Napoleonic Wars, which also acted as a Huer Hut for Pilchard spotting.
A Huer was someone who would cry out when they’d spotted the pilchard shoals coming into the shore.
The village name changed to Charlestown in 1799 to honour Charles Rashleigh.
Over time, the harbour became a bustling trade port and so more residents settled in the area. 28 ships were built and launched out of the harbour.
It remained a busy port for years, and the last china clay ship left the harbour in the year 2000.
Nowadays, the Grade II-protected harbour remains, and most visitors come to admire the spectacular scenery, tall shops and Poldark.
What was filmed in Charlestown?
Over 100 films and TV shows have used Charlestown as a filming location ever since 1929, with silent movies.
It’s easy to see why, with its picture-perfect look of an ancient port town for the screen. Plus, it has the largest marine film tanks.
It was used in big swashbuckling movies like The Three Musketeers starring Kiefer Sutherland and Treasure Island.
Tim Burton used the spot to film Alice in Wonderland, and other British period dramas like Taboo and Mansfield Park.
Dr Who fans will not need reminding that this was where Matt Smith landed his TARDIS on board a Pirate Ship in The Curse of the Black Spot.
But it’s most famously a location in the five-part BBC series Poldark.
Charlestown Poldark filming location
Poldark is an incredible historic show with love triangles, family feuds, star-crossed lovers and battles between the elite and poor. Poldark has it all.
Plus, it gives insights into Cornwall’s maritime history and mining trade.
Charlestown has appeared many times in the popular BBC period drama throughout its five seasons.
In the first season, Charlestown featured as the bustling historic port town of Truro, where Poldark and Demelza visit.
It also doubles up as Falmouth, where Verity elopes with her sweetheart Captain Blamey.
In series two, Charlestown beach and slipway are St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.
Things to do in Charlestown, Cornwall
Beyond the film locations of Charlestown, there are plenty of things to do in Charlestown near St Austell.
Here’s a complete list of things to do in Charlestown on your visit:
1. See the Tall Ships in the Historic Port
Centuries ago, Tall Ships and their many sails were all you would see arriving in Cornish ports.
Traditionally rigged sailing vessels were common sights. All carrying cargo for trade, soldiers sailing out to battle, colonists travelling overseas.
Today, Tall Ships are quite a rarity here in the UK, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to see them docked up.
The Grade II Historic Port of Charlestown is a museum that you can pay a small fee to explore the old granite harbour.
You can get up close to the ships, and there are a few notice boards about what they were used for.
2. Charlestown Harbour
Just a little further from the Historic Port, one of the best things to do in Charlestown is to visit the harbour.
It has a labyrinth of cobbled streets, docks, slipways and steps. You can walk over the harbour walls and around the cliffside at low tide.
It’s almost otherworldly to go on a little adventure here. You can sit on the rocky front and take in the ocean views.
This part of the village does get really crowded on busy days or in summer. So if you want to avoid crowds, I’d arrive early or around sunset.
3. Old Harbourmaster’s Office
An iconic part of the shoreline of Charlestown is the quirky-looking hut that sits on the edge by the sea.
This eight-sided building used to be the Old Harbourmaster’s Office, built sometime in the 18th century.
The position would allow him to see ships sailing into the harbour, call out if there was any danger, and of course, charge landing fees.
It’s now a beach hut that you can rent for the day. Click here to book.
4. Charlestown Beach & Smuggler’s Cave
Another free attraction in Charlestown is the shingled shoreline under the harbour front known as Charlestown Beach.
When the tide is low, you can stroll along the shore and get closer to the cliffs of Charlestown.
It isn’t white sand, but that doesn’t stop people from sunbathing. You can even hunt for caves.
Smuggling was rife in the 18th century with the introduction of huge tax levies. Wreckers would purposely lure ships aground.
They would smuggle the cargo into caves, secret tunnels and pubs, then move it on for trade.
Charlestown Beach has such a cave. There are also tunnels that run from the shoreline to the harbour.
These could have been used to avoid the authorities and smuggle the cargo.
Related Post: Things to do in the Jamaica Inn
5. Charlestown Galleries
This quaint village has inspired artists, painters and novelists for centuries. So, it makes sense that there are some galleries in the area:
Charlestown Gallery has a diverse range of paintings from local artists as well as pottery, glass and ceramics.
Cscape Art is set in The Old Workshop of Charlestown. It’s both an art gallery and studio of artist Sarah Blakey and photographer Mick Blakey.
6. Pier House
The Pier House used to be called the Charlestown Hotel and was built in 1794.
This popular restaurant and bar is owned by the St Austell Brewery. It’s a fantastic spot for a drink or dinner.
If you’re looking for more Charlestown pubs, the Rashleigh Arms is nearby. We stopped here for a delicious Sunday carvery.
7. South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is a huge 630-mile National Trail that takes you over the coasts of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.
Completing it would take months, but you can easily experience small parts along the coastline.
Charlestown has access to the South West Coast Path, and a popular walk is towards Mevagissey.
This scenic trail over the cliffs takes you to Pentewan Village, Black Head and Porthpean.
8. Craft Kiln
Years ago, the precious China Clay that was found in the pits of Saint Austell was extremely valuable and brought in wealth to the area.
This was until fairly recently, with the last china clay ship launching in the millennium.
But there are still plenty of traditional pottery workshops in Charlestown that make handmade crockery.
The Old Workshop Charlestown has The Craft Kiln with homewares, coasters, mugs, magnets and felts.
9. Quay Road
One of my favourite streets in Charlestown was Quay Road with its row of historic colourful houses.
Many of these residences are now Grade II listed and are Airbnbs.
Aidan Turner, who starred as Ross Poldark, stayed in one of these houses while filming Poldark.
10. The Longstore
If you’re looking for a sundowner for seafood, restaurant and cocktails, make sure to visit The Longstore tucked away by the Historic Harbour.
Their cosy restaurant has indoor seating and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views.
We stopped in here just for some cocktails as a nightcap before heading off.
11. Poldark filming locations
If you’re visiting Charlestown to find Poldark filming locations, here is a list:
- Charlestown Harbour: where Ross rides his horse into Truro.
- Quay Road: where Verity sneaks off to see her Captain Blamey.
- The Tall Ships: various scenes with Ross Poldark.
- Charlestown Beach: St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.
Just walking around Charlestown will transport you to the series, and you can almost imagine Ross and Demelza strolling around here.
Where to stay in Charlestown
If you want to stay in Charlestown, it’s a perfect base with spectacular views. When the crowds go home, you’ll have the area to yourself.
- Pier House Hotel – a historic coaching inn with 27 panoramic rooms.
- Rashleigh Arms – named after Sir Charles Rashleigh, this historic inn was built in 1851 with 18 boutique rooms.
When is the best time to visit Charlestown?
Cornwall is one of the busiest places to visit in the UK, especially in the summer holidays.
For fewer crowds, the shoulder months of spring or autumn are best.
Where is Charlestown in Cornwall?
Charlestown is near the vibrant town of Saint Austell. You’ll find supermarkets, high street stores and all modern conveniences here.
The village is easy to locate and is well signposted with brown tourist signs.
The most convenient way to arrive in Charlestown is by car. But there are public transport options.
The nearest train station to Charlestown is Saint Austell. From here, you can take one of the local bus services to the harbour.
The Charlestown postcode for your SatNav is PL25 3NT. Click here for a Google Pin.
Where to park in Charlestown
There is a pay-and-display Charlestown Car Park, or the Rashleigh Arms has a paid car park behind the pub.
We arrived on a Sunday when parking was free on Charlestown Road. But always make sure to double-check restrictions.
Places to visit near Charlestown
Charlestown is an incredible base to explore more of North Cornwall and the amazing attractions it has to offer:
St Austell Brewery
Just a few miles down the road in St Austell is the famous St Austell Brewery visitor centre.
St Austell Brewery has been serving its popular ales and beers for the last 150 years. They own many local pubs, like the Pier House in Charlestown.
Inside the visitor centre, you can take a tour of their brewing process. You’ll be able to see, smell, feel and taste it.
Afterwards, you can sample products in Hick’s Bar, where they have over 15+ cask and kegged ales.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a mysterious estate that all but disappeared after the destruction of World War I.
It was rediscovered in 1990 and became one of Europe’s largest garden restoration projects.
It now has over 200 acres of gardens to explore, with forest glades, rare flora and fauna, Burma bridges, potting sheds and all more.
Related Post: How to Visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Eden Project
The Eden Project is another popular attraction in Cornwall that brings the rainforest and desert to England.
It’s the largest indoor tropical rainforest in the world. You can explore their unique biomes with waterfalls, canopy walks, dunes and tree houses.
There are outdoor gardens to explore, organic restaurants, sculpture trails, a farm shop and even zip-lining.
It’s the perfect attraction if it’s raining, but prepare for it to be busy in inclement weather. See here for more details.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is an underrated place away from the busy coast, filled with ancient sites, waterfalls and walks.
Plus, this is another Poldark filming site and the location of Nampara.
There are plenty of attractions such as Golitha Falls, Hurlers Standing Stones, the Cheesewring and Trevethy Quoit.
Bodmin Moor is also famous for being haunted by many ghosts, but none so famous as the Jamaica Inn, a notorious Smuggler’s Pub.
Related Post: Things to do on Bodmin Moor Cornwall
Recommended Travel Resources
–
Read more of my Cornwall guides
St Aubyn Estates Cottages review
How to visit Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall
Things to do in Mousehole Cornwall
How to visit St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall
The Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle
A complete guide to Porthgwarra Cove
Why you must visit Minack Theatre
Secrets of the Admiral Benbow Inn
Where is Driftmark filmed in House of the Dragon
How to visit Holywell Bay from House of the Dragon
Magical things to do in Kynance Cove
Discover England
Save these things to do in Charlestown
