St. Austell is a bustling market town often referred to as the capital of the Cornish Alps. The ethereal white mini-mountains, the spoil heaps of the china-clay industry lend an eerie atmosphere to the landscape. William Cookworthy discovered the clay in 1755, and with the opening of the pits to mine the clay St. Austell’s population and prosperity soon began to grow. Kao-Lin, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of porcelain, had previously only been found in northern China. Today Cornwall still exports clay, which is also used to produce paint, paper and in some medicines.

St Austell is arguably one of the six largest centres of population in Devon and Cornwall and the largest single conurbation in Cornwall. St Austell is also home to the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Wheal Martyn, St Austell Brewery  and Roseland Observetary all top tourist attractions.