St Austell Cemetery Church

Walking through St Austell's cemetery might not sound like a typical holiday outing, but this Victorian church sits in surprisingly peaceful surroundings that offer a proper break from the town's busier streets. The building itself is a solid example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture, though it won't have you reaching for your camera like some of Cornwall's more famous churches.

What makes it worth a look is the sense of local history you get wandering the grounds. Plenty of old headstones tell stories of St Austell's past, particularly its connections to the china clay industry that shaped this corner of Cornwall. It's the sort of place that appeals to anyone interested in how ordinary people lived and died in this mining town.

Families staying at nearby Pentewan Sands Holiday Park or East Crinnis might find it a gentle half-hour stop if the weather turns. Kids probably won't be thrilled, but it's free and easy to combine with a wander through St Austell itself. The church appears to be accessible most days, though I'd check locally before making a special trip. Better as part of exploring the town than a destination in its own right, really.