St Austell is the perfect place to stay in Cornish holiday cottages if you are looking for a combination of beautiful beaches and other attractions.
This south Cornish town is situated within easy reach of the county's stretch of coastline which is often referred to as the Cornish Riviera.
It is also just two miles away from the Eden Project, offering plenty of scope for a day trip to see the impressive biomes and all that they house.
Before heading off to see the modern attractions, you might want to explore some of St Austell's history.
The town developed due to the mining industry and grew substantially during the 18th century following the discovery of china clay deposits nearby.
If you're interested in the history of St Austell then a trip to the Wheal Martyn Museum could be good choice to discover the industrial heritage of this part of Cornwall.
No stay in a holiday cottage in Cornwall would be complete without a visit to one of the county's many ports and Charlestown harbour in St Austell is the ideal choice.
Frequented by sailing ships and fringed by the picturesque buildings for which Cornwall is famous, you could spend a happy afternoon watching the world go by while eating a delicious ice cream.
St Austell lives up to its promise when it comes to beaches too.
As part of the Cornish Riviera, you will find a number of sandy beaches around St Austell Bay, surrounded by clear blue seas.
One of the most popular stretches of sand is Carlyon Bay, while Duporth and Porthpean are both havens for sun-seekers during the summer months.
Another seaside location worth visiting is Polkerris.
This picture-perfect cove boasts a famous former resident, namely author Daphne du Maurier.
If you are familiar with her books, you might want to seek out the house which inspired Manderly in Rebecca.
Relax in the evening with a refreshing beer from the St Austell Brewery and if you get a taste for the local tipple then you can always take a tour of the facility which produces the ale.
Slightly outside of St Austell is the Eden Project, which is perfectly placed for a visit while staying in self catering cottages in Cornwall.
If you fancy a day away from the beach then you can always travel the short distance to the attraction and soak up its varied gardens and plant life.