Charlestown – Historic Harbour on the stunning South Cornish Coastline
Charlestown is the last open 18th Century Georgian harbour in the UK and is proud to be a UNESCO world heritage site.
When you enter Charlestown Harbour you are transported back in time. The Harbour has a unique history and geography and remains a vibrant working port, with classic tall ships, beautiful beaches and great places to eat and drink whilst enjoying the breath-taking views. The Harbour’s UNESCO listing is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
PLEASE NOTE DUE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS THERE IS STRICTLY NO ACCESS TO THE WEST AND OUTER HARBOUR BEACH AREAS (PIER HOUSE SIDE) WHILE WORK IS IN PROGRESS ON THE LOCK GATE PROJECT.
Latest News
Find out what’s happening in Charlestown Harbour
Lock Gate Installation and Looking Ahead to Christmas
As we reach the end of another busy season, Charlestown Harbour is preparing for its usual winter routine. From 1st November, the inner harbour and harbourside pop-ups will close as part of our regular seasonal schedule. This quieter period allows the team to focus on…
Lock Gate Update: A New Era for Charlestown Harbour
After months of careful preparation, Charlestown Harbour is installing a brand-new lock gate this week – the most significant upgrade to the harbour in decades. The new gate marks a huge milestone in the harbour’s restoration and long-term investment programme. Once installed, it will once…
Christmas Markets & Santa’s Grotto at Charlestown Harbour
Join us for two sparkling festive weekends this December, set against the enchanting backdrop of our UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A New Chapter for Charlestown Harbour: Retiring the Winch and New Lock Gate on the Way
Charlestown Harbour is entering an exciting new chapter with the lock gate regeneration project. The 70-year-old winch has been retired and a brand-new gate is on its way. Once installed, the harbour will remain full of water year-round, protecting its future and transforming its appearance. Works continue through winter, with boats returning in early 2026 and a grand reopening celebration planned for April 2026.
LOCK GATE REGENERATION UPDATE: A Big Step Forward
It’s been a little while since our last update, and we know many of you have been eager to hear how the Lock Gate Project is progressing. We’re pleased to say that some major milestones have been reached this summer, marking an important step towards…
CHARLESTOWN HARBOUR REOPENS AS LOCKGATE REGENERATION PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION
Charlestown Harbour, the last open 18th-century Georgian harbour in the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now open to the public. The cobbled walkways of this grade II listed inner harbour are once again welcoming visitors without charge, as the lock gate project…
Kajsamoor: The End of a Journey
Kajsamoor, a two-masted gaff-rigged ketch, has been a striking feature of Charlestown Harbour since 2017 when it was purchased by previous harbour owners from a charter business in Estonia. Built in 1939 in Norway, she was originally a coastal cargo vessel, navigating the cold waters…