Premier Inn St Austell

Yes, St Austell is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re planning a trip around South Cornwall. It’s a great base for exploring the region, with easy access to the coast, countryside and some of Cornwall’s most famous attractions. You’re only a short drive from places like Mevagissey, Charlestown and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. It’s also home to the St Austell Brewery and close to the Eden Project, which draws visitors from all over the world. 

St Austell has been historically important because of its role in the china clay industry. In fact, it was once the centre of the global trade in white clay, and that heritage can still be seen today in the landscape and local museums. It’s also home to one of Cornwall’s oldest and most successful breweries – St Austell Brewery – which has been producing local ales since 1851. On top of that, it’s just a stone’s throw from the Eden Project, one of the UK’s top eco-tourism spots, which has really put the town on the map for many travellers. 

St Austell isn’t exactly a classic seaside town, but it’s very close to the sea. The town itself sits a couple of miles inland, but beaches and harbour villages are just a short trip away. Within 10 minutes you can be walking along the sands of Porthpean or exploring the historic harbour at Charlestown. So, while it’s not directly on the water, it’s close enough to enjoy a coastal holiday vibe. 

No, it doesn’t have a seafront in the traditional sense, since the town centre is set a little inland. However, it’s really well-connected to nearby beaches and harbours. Charlestown, which is part of the St Austell area, has a lovely historic harbour with tall ships, a small beach and great places to eat. Porthpean Beach is also nearby and great for families or paddleboarding. So while you won’t find a promenade in the town itself, the coast is easily within reach. 

Yes, it does. St Austell’s town centre has a mix of independent shops, cafes and high street stores. White River Place is the main shopping area, and you’ll also find a cinema and a few local markets. There’s also a railway station right in town, making it a convenient spot for getting around. 

Yes, you can walk to the beach, but it depends on your pace and where you're headed. The nearest beaches like Porthpean or Charlestown are about 1.5 to 2 miles from the town centre. That’s roughly a 30 to 40-minute walk each way, so it’s doable if you’re up for a bit of a stroll. The walk itself is scenic in parts, and you’ll pass through residential areas and countryside paths. 

There’s plenty to explore around St Austell. Just down the road, Charlestown is a must-see with its historic harbour and maritime museum. The Eden Project is one of the UK’s top attractions and only a 10-minute drive away – it’s an enormous set of biomes filled with rainforest, gardens and interactive exhibits. You’re also close to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey (a working fishing village), and the picturesque town of Fowey. Inland, you’ll find clay trails that are perfect for cycling or walking, and several country parks and nature reserves. 

Absolutely! In town, you can visit the St Austell Brewery for a tour and tasting, explore local art galleries or see a film at the White River Cinema. Just outside town, you’ve got some of Cornwall’s top attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The surrounding area is full of beaches, walking trails and small villages to explore. It’s also a great place for foodies, with plenty of local pubs, seafood restaurants and traditional Cornish bakeries nearby. Whether you're into nature, history, or simply relaxing by the coast, St Austell has a bit of everything. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.