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The Good Beach Guide is compiled by the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity that cares for our seas, shores and wildlife.

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MCS now recommends twice as many
beaches for excellent water quality than 10 years ago. To continue we need your help...

Charlestown

Photograph: gary radford

© Copyright gary radford and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

St Austell, Cornwall

Lat/Long

50.3N 4.8W
 

Water grade 2010

MCS Recommended — Highest UK standard for bathing water quality. Only sites with properly treated
continuous sewage discharge (if any) considered. All available data from Summer 2009 used.

Guideline - European standard for good water quality. All available data from Summer 2009 used.

Basic pass - European minimum standard for water quality. Waterborne pathogens present in quantities
known to cause illness. All available data from Summer 2009 used.

Fail – Failed the European minimum standard. Waterborne pathogens present in high levels.
MCS advises against swimming. All available data from Summer 2009 used.

Stay out of the sea for at least 48 hours after a storm to avoid exposure to storm pollution.

See our "Clean seas matter" page to find out more about water quality standards.

MCS Recommended
2010: MCS Recommended
2009: Guideline standard
2008: MCS Recommended

Local sewage outflows

Sewage discharges which may be affecting the water quality at this beach.
See "Clean seas matter" to find out more about sewage treatment.
Combined Sewer Overflow

European designated bathing water

European Designated beaches are officially recognised bathing
waters which have to meet European water quality standards.
yes
Charlestown has a Georgian harbour that may be recognised from several television programmes. A fleet of tall ships currently resides in the harbour. There is a sand and stone beach to the east of the harbour and a small pebble beach.

Beach type

pebbles

Local facilities

toilets, disabled toilets, shops, litter bins, slipway
ToiletsShopsSlipwayParking

Litter

No current information

Parking

yes pay and display

Things to do

swimming sailing scuba diving

Wildlife & walks

The Cornwall Coast Path runs through Charlestown and there are cliff paths west to Porthpean and east to Carlyon Bay.

Animal restrictions

No current information
Scuba Diving — dive in and explore the sea hereSwimming — you can swim here