Charlestown is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and yet, for many, is one of Cornwall’s undiscovered treasures. Certainly, it is surprising how many people have never heard of it and have been coming to Cornwall for years!  More surprising too is how many times they may have viewed Charlestown as a backdrop for TV films or dramas without not even knowing it.  However, once visited, it is a place everyone wants to return to.. Those stumbling onto it are in for a treat, for as the road to the harbour dips down and you get a first glimpse of the sea, if is an unforgettable moment. The sea seems to rear up in front of you when you least expect it and as you continue down to the harbour, the magnificence of it captures your imagination. There are often sailing ships resting there (or even just beyond, anchored at sea.)

As you walk down the steep slope to the harbour, there are pop-up cabins surrounding it, selling their wares. Also, kiosks selling teas,coffees cakes and ice-creams, wooden huts selling beers/wines and tables and chairs to sit outside to take in the full splendour of the harbour or to admire the surrounding coastline. At night, the harbour twinkles with lights and comes alive. People enjoy al fresco food and drinks and there is regularly an open air barbecue.throughout summer.

Above the harbour and surrounding it, there are many bars, small shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. There is also a ShipWreck Museum and artists studios so an afternoon in Charlestown is well worth a visit. In summer, it really is like being abroad yet with the added beauty of all that is Charlestown and the rugged coastline of Cornwall to admire and inspire you.

The beach which sits just in front of the harbour is just one of several in the area and is overlooked by The Pier House pub which serves fantastic food with a fantastic view!