The Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Exterior photoThe Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Exterior photoThe Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Exterior photo

THE WATERWHEEL, St Austell

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From$193 /night
Check-in
23Jun
Check-out
24Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Bodmin Road, St Austell
-
Near the historic church
Perfect
9.1
9.6
/10
4.3
4.8
/5

3-star countryside retreat in St Austell

Accommodation

The Waterwheel Inn and Restaurant offers bed and breakfast accommodation, nestled beside The White River in a wooded valley. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms that provide a comfortable setting for restful evenings after exploring Cornwall. Each room is designed to cater to both individual travelers and families who wish to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Dining

The hotel's on-site restaurant serves a range of seasonal dishes, featuring local ingredients that reflect Cornwall's culinary heritage. Evenings can be spent enjoying meals like roast turkey and crab brûlée, all presented in a beautifully dressed setting. The restaurant operates from 18:30 and has last orders at 20:45, Monday to Saturday.

Location

The Waterwheel is centrally located in Cornwall, just a brisk 10-minute walk from St Austell town. Guests are within 4 miles of the Eden Project and 6 miles from The Lost Gardens of Heligan, making it a strategic base to explore local attractions. Many other renowned spots in Cornwall are accessible within an hour's drive.

Events and Activities

The area surrounding the hotel hosts various seasonal events such as Christmas markets, fireworks in nearby Lappa Valley, and craft workshops. Visitors can enjoy local attractions like the St Austell Brewery and the Wheal Martyn Museum. The hotel also offers venue hire options, making it suitable for private events and gatherings.

Pet-friendly Policy

The Waterwheel Inn welcomes pets, allowing guests to enjoy their stay with their furry companions. The presence of Kernow, the black lab, along with newly rescued Burty, adds to the pet-friendly atmosphere of the hotel. This inclusivity makes the inn a great choice for families traveling with pets.

Highlights

Location: Centrally located in Cornwall, just a brisk 10-minute walk from St Austell town

Dining: On-site restaurant with seasonal dishes

Events: Hosts various seasonal events like Christmas markets

Pet-friendly: Welcomes pets with open arms

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Eden Project for stunning gardens and unique biomes.
  • Try the famous Cornish pasty at Proper Cornish in St Austell.
  • Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan for a beautiful, secret escape.
  • Take a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path at Carlyon Bay.
  • Discover St Austell Brewery for local ales and a fascinating tour.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Small Double Room
    2 persons
    9 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    13 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Triple Room
    2 persons
    16 m²
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

View our calendar

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June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Adults only
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At The Waterwheel, dining transcends mere meals to offer a delightful tapestry of European flavors, infused with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Set in a romantic atmosphere, each evening promises a feast for the senses.
The Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Restaurant photo
The Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Restaurant photo
The Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Restaurant photo

The Waterwheel

European Cuisine
Ambiance
A charming and romantic setting perfect for intimate dinners, where softly glowing lights and the gentle sound of water create a soothing backdrop.
Key Offerings
Delight in a carefully curated menu featuring fresh seafood and innovative dishes, ensuring every palate is catered to. The use of local produce enhances the authenticity of each plate.
Reservation
Recommended due to limited seating.
Open for dinner from 18:30 to 22:00, daily.

The Waterwheel Location

Bodmin Road, St Austell
Explore St Austell
Explore St Austell
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Eden Project
14-minute drive
Famous botanical gardens showcasing unique plant species, with breathtaking Biomes exploring global ecology.
Wheal Martyn
25 minutes' walk
Historic clay works and museum with exhibits detailing Cornwall's clay mining history and stunning natural surroundings.
St Austell Town Museum
20 minutes' walk
Local history museum featuring artifacts and exhibitions that depict the rich heritage of St Austell and its industries.
Crinnis Beach
10-minute drive
Beautiful sandy beach ideal for family outings, sunbathing, and water sports, with stunning coastal views.
Barguse Riding Center
30 minutes' walk
Horse riding experiences for all skill levels, providing lessons and adventures in the beautiful Cornish countryside.
KidzWorld Adventure Play
12-minute drive
Indoor play center featuring climbing frames, slides, and soft play areas, perfect for families with young children.
The Clay Trails
20 minutes' walk
Scenic walking and biking trails through lush landscapes, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Cornwall Football Golf
35 minutes' walk
Combination of football and golf on a fun, interactive course, exciting for groups and competitive players.
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
25 minutes' walk
Brewery tours showcasing local beer making, complemented by a rustic restaurant featuring local dishes and brews.
The Cornwall Range
4-minute drive
Casual eatery offering a mix of British and international dishes in a family-friendly environment, ideal for all tastes.
The Victoria Inn
18 minutes' walk
Charming pub serving hearty pub fare and a selection of local ales, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Pizzeria 1926
5-minute drive
Cozy establishment known for authentic wood-fired pizzas and seasonal specials, catering to various dietary needs.
Charlestown Shipwreck Centre
35 minutes' walk
Maritime museum with fascinating shipwreck artifacts, plus family-friendly activities and a cinema nearby.
The Old Victoria
5-minute drive
Traditional pub featuring live music nights and quiz events, creating a lively atmosphere for locals and visitors.
St Austell Arts Centre
18 minutes' walk
Cultural hub hosting theater performances, art exhibitions, and creative workshops, catering to diverse artistic interests.
The Regal Theatre
5-minute drive
Historic theater showcasing films and live performances, with regular events that cater to audiences of all ages.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    St Austell 15 min  ·  1.2 km
  • Airports
    Newquay (NQY) 39 min  ·  25.7 km
    Penzance (PZE) 100 min  ·  66.1 km
  • Train
    St Austell Train Station 12 min  ·  1 km
    St Austell Railway Station 14 min  ·  1.1 km
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel The Waterwheel guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
16

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Waterwheel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, with some noting that a few rooms may have limited natural light. The hotel's location near the Eden Project and local walking routes is a highlight, and the lush gardens provide a beautiful setting. The on-site restaurant is very popular, with both hotel guests and locals enjoying the exceptional food and generous portions, particularly the breakfast which gets consistent positive feedback.
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Review score
Based on 373 verified reviews
9.4 /10
Perfect
97 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Staff
9.6/10
Free WiFi
8.2/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Comfortable room
Superb breakfast
Beautiful garden
Caring staff
Good shower
Cons
Noisy road
Dinner time
Tricky access
Guest reviews
based on 373 reviews
9.4/10
based on 413 reviews
9.1/10
Riley from United States
Single
King Room Garden View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 15, 2025
9/10
friendly staff relaxing garden view convenient dinner
The staff was friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Dinner was available directly at the hotel, and it was convenient after a long day. the garden view from my room was very relaxing and provided a calm backdrop. breakfast was good and set me up for the day.
the pillows were a bit too soft for my preference.
0 Helpful
Ken from United Kingdom
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 10, 2025
9.3/10

superb hotel experience

attentive staff beautiful gardens extensive options free parking
i REALLY enjoyed my stay, especially the attentive staff. the gardens are beautiful and provided a peaceful atmosphere. my room was cleaned daily, and the breakfast options were extensive. i also used the free parking lot, a real plus.
the road outside was a little bit noisy at peak times, it did not cause huge problems.
Facilities
9/10
ample space is available in the free car park near the entrance. gardens include a stream and waterfall. the hotel has a bar, also a restaurant.
Rooms
9/10
the room included daily cleaning service and fresh towels. i noted the twin room had comfortable beds. there was a tv in the room, too.
Dining
10/10
breakfast offers both cooked and continental choices, providing many options. the restaurant offered variety on the dinner menu. fresh ingredients WERE used.
Location
9/10
the hotel location makes local sites very accessible. the eden project is easy to reach. the town center is only a short drive.
0 Helpful
|
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Georgia from United Kingdom
Couple
King Room Garden View
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 26, 2025
9.3/10

Wonderful Hotel Stay

varied options wide selection ample parking
The breakfast menu offered varied options. I customized my order each morning. The bar featured a wide selection of beverages. The gardens provided a beautiful area for a walk. I found it quite relaxing. There were many parking spaces available , which was very convenient.
Dining
9/10
The menu presented diverse hot options, and I found many selections that met my dietary needs. The dinner portions were generous. I tried different items from the varied menu each evening, enjoying the freshly prepared dishes.
Location
10/10
The hotel's location proved ideal for visiting various local attractions , I made the most of it. I found it easy to access nearby sites and experiences. The surrounding area offered many places of interest.
Rooms
9/10
The room was spacious , and very clean. I appreciated the comfortable furnishings and found the space relaxing. The room had all necessary amenities for a comfortable stay , I noticed with joy.
0 Helpful
|
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Naomi from Israel
Single
Small Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 22, 2025
6/10
erratic shower temperature non-functional remote
the breakfast was fine (i did like the eggs).
My room, the 'small double room', was indeed small. the tv remote didn't work. I had to get up to change the channels, which reminded me of a throwback to the stone age. also, the shower temperature was erratic. It switched between freezing and scalding, made showering an adventure of its own.
0 Helpful
Jason from Canada
Single
King Room Garden View
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: September 07, 2025
9/10
clean space friendly staff
The room included a very clean space and a great view! Dinner offered excellent quality and presentation. Serving staff are friendly and they take pride in their jobs.
The road outside was a bit noisy.
0 Helpful
Judy from Canada
Single
Twin Room
4 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: June 13, 2025
9.5/10

awesome stay!

great menu spacious room clean service hot water
i ate breakfast and i loved the great menu for everyone. the room was so spacious and clean! service was all excellence around, so pleasant and so helpful, never intrusive. the shower room? clean, hot water flowing, great lighting!
the mattress i had? soft. i asked for a firm one, they changed it, but it still quite soft. my back hurted a little after.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant food was very tasty and i got very large portions. breakfast had a very good menu, mix orders to suit your tastes. large portions again!
Rooms
10/10
bedrooms are very comfortable and clean! the room was nice sized. i had a quiet room with a window to the garden that i could open, so good ventilation for me!
Service
10/10
the staff, i tell you, was uniformly excellent. they were friendly, helpful, and very efficient. all staff members were warm and friendly, and i felt a calm and relaxing atmosphere there.
Location
9/10
The location is just beautiful, with a magnificent garden to walk around. it's really central in cornwall. there are plenty of parking spaces. It was so easy to find a spot!
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The Waterwheel
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Waterwheel?
Check-in is at 16:00, and check-out is by 10:30.
What breakfast options are offered at The Waterwheel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 12 GBP, featuring a full cooked breakfast with vegetarian and vegan options.
How far is The Waterwheel from the Eden Project?
The hotel is approximately 6 km from the Eden Project.
What dining options does The Waterwheel provide?
An elegant dining room serves home-cooked meals, including a 3-course menu and à la carte options.
What room amenities are featured at The Waterwheel?
Rooms include flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and en-suite shower rooms.
Are there nearby attractions accessible from The Waterwheel?
Nearby attractions include Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is approximately 15 minutes away by car, and Charlestown Harbour, about 10 minutes' drive.
What types of activities can guests enjoy at The Waterwheel?
Guests can enjoy mountain biking and hiking in the surrounding area.
Is free Wi-Fi available at The Waterwheel?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What unique features does The Waterwheel offer?
The Waterwheel features stunning gardens and ponds, providing a tranquil environment for relaxation.

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Check-in
23Jun
Check-out
24Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room