Visit - A8 Luxulyan Valley with Charlestown

A8 Luxulyan Valley with Charlestown - Nans Logsulyan ha Porthmeur West 

The creations of two extraordinary industrialists 

From tranquil green woods to a bustling harbour village, the landscapes of Luxulyan Valley and Charlestown are very different. However, they share important similarities: both are stunningly beautiful places with fantastic walks and rich mining histories to explore, and both were created by two locally prominent industrial entrepreneurs. 

‘Charlestown was built between 1792 and 1801 and is the best-preserved china clay and copper ore port of this period anywhere in the world’.

Places to visit

The Luxulyan Valley

Charlestown

The Luxulyan Valley and Charlestown is Area A8 of the World Heritage Site. 

Hop on the train at Par and head to Luxulyan on the Atlantic Coast Line. From here you can discover the hidden gem of the Luxulyan Valley. Once a site of busy industrial activity this peaceful oasis is now the perfect place to escape the crowds. Check out @DCRP Great Scenic Railways – Walks from the Railway – Luxulyan Valley mining heritage walks for circular routes around the valley - https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/luxulyan-valley-walk-directions-DIVERSION-VERSION-2023.pdf

A stroll around Charlestown is always a treat with lots to discover for the mining heritage explorer. Hop on the 25 bus outside either Par or St Austell railway stations which takes you to the heart of the village. The Charlestown History Group’s history trail is a good place to start - https://charlestownhistorygroup.com/history-trail/

While you are in the area, Wheal Martyn Clay Works - https://www.wheal-martyn.com/ - is a great place explore and you can get there from St Austell railway station on foot via the Clay Trails, a collection of multi-use trails winding their way through the former industrial landscape - https://www.claytrails.co.uk/