Name: The Waterwheel
Address: Bodmin Road, St Austell, Cornwall
Price range: US$123+
Rating: 8.7

The Waterwheel Hotel St Austell Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Bodmin Road, St Austell

Near the historic church

Perfect

9.1

9.6

/10

4.3

4.8

Loved by The Waterwheel guests

Beautiful grounds

Friendly staff

Delicious breakfast

Spacious rooms

Homemade dog biscuits

Lush garden

"The gardens are truly amazing; they are easily accessible and ideal for those moments when you just want to sit and ponder."

997keith from United Kingdom

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"The food standard was exceptional with huge portion. Value for money."

Bina from United Kingdom

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"Our stay at The Waterwheel was relaxing, in a beautiful garden setting."

Anonymous

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Adults-only St Austell inn with 1.5 acres of subtropical gardens

Gardens & Grounds

The Waterwheel sits in a wooded valley and includes 1.5 acres of subtropical gardens with ponds, a stream, and two waterfalls. Within the grounds, guests find a 13th-century well, a summerhouse, and numerous seating areas tucked among tree ferns, palms, and Acers. The garden connects to a park at the rear, and outdoor furniture and a sun terrace are available for guests.

Rooms & Facilities

Garden View Rooms at The Waterwheel open onto French doors or Juliet balconies overlooking the grounds, while the Junior Suite provides extra space for guests. Some rooms retain original wooden beams, and all have private shower rooms. Accessible rooms include emergency cords, raised toilets, and grab rails.

Dining

Breakfast at The Waterwheel includes a full cooked breakfast plus vegetarian and vegan options, with homemade jams, yoghurt, and muesli served in the conservatory. The restaurant serves a three-course menu and à la carte dishes such as chargrilled steaks, fresh fish, local sausages, and slow-braised pork. The bar/lounge serves wine, champagne, and local ales, and special diet menus are available on request.

Pet-Friendly & Adults-Only

The Waterwheel is adults-only and welcomes dogs, with a resident Labrador on the property. Pet amenities include access to the resident Labrador, breakfast sausages for dogs, and staff who look after pets. The hotel provides pet-friendly rooms with patio doors onto the garden.

Location

The hotel sits in a wooded valley a 10-minute walk from St Austell town. The Eden Project is 4 miles away, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are 15 minutes by car, and Charlestown Harbour lies a few minutes' drive. Historic fishing villages including Fowey, Mevagissey, and Padstow are within a 60-minute drive, and Land's End is 41 miles from the hotel.

Highlights

Grounds: 1.5 acres of subtropical gardens with two waterfalls and a 13th-century well

Rooms: Garden View Rooms with French doors or Juliet balconies

Dining: Three-course menu and full cooked breakfast with vegan options

Pet-Friendly: Resident Labrador and dog-friendly amenities

Adults-Only: An adults-only environment with no children

Location: 10-minute walk to St Austell and 4 miles to Eden Project

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
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
13 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Triple Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

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

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

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

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

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

Map view

City landmarks

Church

Holy Trinity Church

1.4 km

Landmark

St Austell Market House

1.48 km

Botanical Garden

Eden Project

3.93 km

Landmark

St Austell Town Museum

1.73 km

Museum

Wheal Martyn

2.02 km

Landmark

St. Austell Viaduct

1.15 km

Museum

Wheal Martyn Clay Works

2.01 km

Landmark

The Clay Trails

1.73 km

Landmark

Charlestown Shipwreck Centre

3.22 km

Golf Course

St Austell Golf Club

2.64 km

Landmark

Carn Grey

2.34 km

Gallery

Atishoo Gallery

3.06 km

Landmark

Charlestown Harbour

3.22 km

Landmark

Barguse Riding Center

2.54 km

Garden

Pinetum Park and Pine Lodge Gardens

3.37 km

Landmark

Cscape Art

3.32 km

Nearby

81 Bodmin Rd

Menacuddle Well

470 m

Restaurants

St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre

2.19 km

63 Trevarthian Road

Explore St Austell

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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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 12.0 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Waterwheel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

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.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

8.7 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Staff

9.7/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Value for money

8.9/10

Pros

Comfortable room

Superb breakfast

Beautiful garden

Caring staff

Good shower

Cons

Noisy road

Dinner time

Tricky access

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

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

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 2026

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 2026

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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