Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre

Quay Road
Charlestown
St. Austell
Cornwall
PL25 3NJ

Tel: +44 (0)1726 698 97
Fax: +44 (0)1726 69897
Email: admin@shipwreckcharlestown.com
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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The centre is set on the edge of an unspoilt 18th century, Cornish working seaport, which is also the home of a fleet of square-rigged sailing ships and location for many films.

Discover for yourselves what life was like in a Geogian Village and seaport, tracing the history of Charlestown, the oldest Cornish port built for commercial use. Followed by the opportunity to pass through a reconstruction of Charlestown Road with its life-size tableaux's showing various trades and an exhibition of gas appliances past, from the British Gas Museum.

The Centre, originally part of a huge complex of buildings used for the handling of china-clay, is built over a network of underground passages and tunnels. Men pushed wagons loaded with dried bulk clay through the tunnels to the ships in the dock below. Some of the tunnels are open for you to explore. Here is 'Prospectors Corner' a large collection of Geological Specimens and early mining equipment.

The Centre tells the history of diving, salvage and shipwrecks from the earliest times to the present day, with historic diving equipment, including a replica of the 1740, John Lethbridge's wooden diving barrel, observation chambers and one atmosphere armoured diving suits. The Centre is full of hundreds of relics and artefacts from sunken ships, including cannon-balls, modern shells, guns as early as 1450, personal items and treasure.

There are many aspects of history to discover from Roman and Tudor through to Victorian times, much of which falls within the National Curriculum. Our school and teachers packs reflect these areas.

Admiral Lord Nelson
200 Year Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar


This new collection of Nelson memorabilia is a fascinating insight into the man and his predominantly victorious career. A range of artifacts include many medals, 1805 Times Newspaper with interesting information regarding dispatches delivered to the Admiralty on Nov 1805. Also, a letter by Nelson dated 1804, before Trafalgar and much more not to be missed.

Roland Morris Collection (As Seen on Channel 4'S Time Team!)

This impressive collection has recently been added, includes artifacts and lost equipment from the British fleet of 1707. commanded by Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, including his own ship, H.M.S Association. This extremely rare collection containing exhibits nearly 300 years old from the sea bed.

Visit the Titanic exhibits and also the other great liners owned by the White Star Company.

General Information:
  • Disabled toilet and access
  • Café and restaurant
  • Souvenir and gift shop


    Opening Times
    (2011 times)
    1st March to 31st October: 10.00am - last admission at 5.00pm.

    Admission Charges
    (2011 prices)
    Adult £5.95; Student & disabled £3.95; Senior Citizen £3.95; Child 10 to 16 £2.95 Child under 10 accompanied by paying adult Free.

    Group prices and booking by prior arrangement.

    Directions
    Signposted off the A390 from St. Austell. Very close to the Eden Project.
    Show map of Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre...

    Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre Postcode for SatNav: PL25 3NJ

    Nearby Attractions
    Pinetum Park & Pine Lodge Gardens. (1 Mile)*
    Growing the largest collection of plants in any garden in the south west.
    Eden Project (2 Miles)*
    This Living Theatre of Plants and People is a vibrant reminder of our place in nature and is a living demonstration of regeneration.
    Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and Country Park (3 Miles)*
    Wheal Martyn offers a great day out for everyone, set within 26 acres in the heart of Cornwall on the site of two former clay pits, the picturesque site includes nature trails, woodland walks and is home to the UK's only china clay heritage centre.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Pier House Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    Overlooking Charlestown Harbour, Pier House Hotel offers spacious rooms with traditional charm and wonderful views. With free parking and cooked breakfasts, there is also a popular restaurant.
    Porth Avallen Hotel (1 Mile)*
    From our country house hotel by the sea, the only thing we overlook is the bay. Our spectacular clifftop location offers a 180 degree sea view over Carlyon Bay.
    Carlyon Bay Hotel Spa and Golf Resort (1 Mile)*
    The Carlyon Bay Hotel Spa and Golf Resort commands an awe inspiring location on a magnificent cliff top overlooking the stunning St Austell Bay.
    more hotels near Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Seasalt (< 1 Mile)*
    Seasalt located in an award winning building, looking seaward just 50 metres from the harbour in the vibrant village of Charlestown - one of the most fascinating places in Cornwall.
    The Bothy (3 Miles)*
    "The Bothy" is a high quality, comfortable cottage set in the gardens of "Poldurn". The garden is yours to use at your leisure.
    Poltor Cottage (4 Miles)*
    Poltor Cottage is always in popular demand as it is in a rural setting with sea views in South Cornwall. It is surrounded by a World Heritage Site. In a field beyond the cottage, there is an old Wheel House ruin from the mining days.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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