Join me on a picture-postcard journey around St Austell town and beaches on what was one of the most prefect days of the summer of 2022.

After a stroll around St Austell town centre we head over to the historic harbour at Charlestown. This Georgian port is wonderfully preserved and for this reason has become one of the most used film locations in Cornwall. You may recognise it from Poldark, Treasure Island, or if you're old enough, The Onedin Line.

Whilst Charlestown does have a fairly pleasant beach you really need to travel a mile or so along the coast in either direction to see the best St Austell has to offer. To the west are the sheltered coves of Porthpean and Duporth - fairly similar to each other both are lovely, although Porthpean just about edges it with its wooded backdrop and better facilities.

To the east is the expanse of Carlyon Bay, which stretches for almost a mile from Crinnis to Polgaver. Whist the sand here isn't the finest the water is crystal clear and there's more than enough room even in mid summer...