Charlestown Harbour

Charlestown Harbour - South Cornwall

Charlestown Harbour

Unless you have visited Cornwall, there may be a place that you have not heard of, yet it is famous for its inclusion in Film and TV because of its unique position in that it has remained largely unchanged over hundreds of years which makes it perfect for the producers of both movies and TV series.
Charlestown Harbour was built back in the late 1700s, and named after local man Charles Rashleigh, who saw the opportunity in what was then West Porthmeur, to create a sheltered port to facilitate the transport of china clay which was then a major export of Cornwall.

Charlestown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the last open 18th Century Georgian Harbour in the UK. The harbour is pretty much dry when the tide goes out which is why the locks were built to house the ships and are especially useful when there is a storm as it provides good security against the elements. The walk around the harbour is delightful with a good amount of eateries, pubs, and cafes, where you can take refreshments and take in the local atmosphere or just watch the world go by in a visually pleasing setting. I believe there are numerous holiday lets in and around the port which vary according to requirements and numbers, but most things in Cornwall are not that far because the whole of Cornwall is a large peninsular so North and South are fairly close, East and West are more spread out so take longer to traverse.
Harbour view
Charlestown is still a working port, but the manner of the work has changed considerably. No longer moving tin, copper, or china clay, it has morphed into an entertainment provider with the biggest asset being its untouched streets and harbour which provides a setting like no other.
Movies have used these facilities, not just in the harbour, but all around the coast which Cornwall is famous for.
The Three Muskateers, 1993, Dr. Who, 2011, and believe it or not, the Mel Gibson film Apocalypto, had the ending scene filmed at Carlyon Bay and Polgaver Beach. Alice in Wonderland was set here as Alice sailed away at the end.
TV series too have made use of its attractions and the most famous one, Poldark, was set here. Tourism has of course been a big draw as the rugged and natural beauty of Cornwall brings tourists back year after year regardless of the weather. However, Charletown's latest move is to become a recognized Heritage Harbour and a hub for Traditional Sailing.

Home to many classic sailing ships such as the Anny of Charlestown, a topsail schooner built in 1930. The Mascotte, a 1904 Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. The I.R.I.S, a 1921 Looe Lugger. And even more down-to-earth boats such as the Penglas: ex-fishing trawler currently being renovated. The Ryder, a 1902 Looe Lifeboat, the Irene, a 1907 Trading Ketch, and the Olga, a 1909 Cornish-built Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. As more ships are added and the training facilities of the port increase, Charlestown would be unique indeed in the UK, if not the World!
Charlestown Arial View
To see the moving 360-degree view of the harbour, click on the following link: https://charlestownharbour.com/360/#s=pano10

The walk around the harbour is fascinating and breathtaking, and you will come across another of Charlestown's treasures, The Shipwreck Treasure Museum, located at the top end of the inner harbour where you will find over 8,000 recovered artifacts and treasures from over a hundred ships, including the only ever barrel of coins to be found at sea.
We never get tired of visiting Charlestown as it has a magnetic quality that draws you back time and again, so do not miss your chance to see it for yourself.