Nestled in Charlestown, Cornwall, Pier House offers unrivalled views across the sea and is the perfect base for anyone that’s keen to explore the surrounding area
As a resident nestled in the heart of England, the rare sight of a sunrise over the sea from the window is a treasured experience. This was exactly the view savoured on a crisp autumn morning during a visit to this quaint port village, watching early birds walking their dogs and open water swimmers gathering at the harbour.
Nestled south of St Austell, Cornwall, Charlestown could easily be mistaken for a movie set. In fact, the Grade II-listed harbour has played host to film crews over the years, most notably for BBC’s Poldark, but also featuring in Tim Burton’s 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and Dr Who.
Once a bustling port for exporting copper and China clay, Charlestown is a dream destination for those keen to follow in the footsteps of ancient seafarers. With its colourful fishermen’s cottages, pubs and eateries, as well as a variety of independent shops, there’s plenty to explore – you might even spot a celebrity or two.
And right in the midst of all the action, you’ll find Pier House. Recently reopened, this sage green establishment perches directly on the historic harbour, offering unparalleled views across the sea regardless of the weather, making it an ideal choice for accommodation, reports the Express.
After parking up at the nearby Rashleigh Arms, we checked into our superior sea view room and were instantly charmed by its soothing green decor, reminiscent of a Pinterest board, and the luxurious super-king bed. The four categories of rooms on offer are all adorned with touches that make it feel like an upgraded version of home – think Roberts radios, Elemis toiletries and dry robes (for those brave enough to take a dip in the sea).
Our room boasted a breathtaking view of the harbour, providing us with endless amusement as we watched the waves crash from our snug viewing spot, binoculars at hand.
During a stay, we even had the unique opportunity to observe a film crew at work, which led us to the Pier House’s sea-facing bar and sun-drenched terrace for a closer look. Being a pub conversion by the family-run St Austell Brewery, it seemed only appropriate to celebrate the occasion with a pint of Tribute.
While Tribute may be a regular feature at the bar, the food is equally commendable. For dinner, we treated ourselves to Newlyn-caught haddock, crushed minted peas and chunky chips, which gave us that quintessential ‘holiday’ feeling and kicked off our trip on a positive note as we admired the sea view.
On the second day, the pea and shallot ravioli served as a refreshing palate cleanser. And the breakfasts are just as delightful – envision loaded pancakes, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and hearty full English breakfasts catering to meat-lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike.
But don’t let Charlestown’s quaint exterior fool you – there’s a plethora of activities to immerse yourself in. Whether it’s relishing a pizza at Harbour Beer House, treating yourself to some ice cream from Tallships Creamery, or browsing locally made ceramics at The Craft Kiln at The Old Workshop, you’re sure to leave with a contented palate and a bag full of mementos.
A trip to St Austell Brewery, merely a quick 10-minute drive from Charlestown, is an absolute must, regardless of your affinity for beer. The infectious enthusiasm of the tour guides and the chance to learn about the beer-making process make it a worthwhile experience.
You can even try your hand at pulling your own pint during the post-tour tasting session!
And if that wasn’t enticing enough, no visit to this area would be complete without a stop at The Eden Project to marvel at its Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes. Now that’s a staycation worth bragging about!