Charlestown Regatta Week is a community celebration that has run for over 50 years, taking over the harbour and village of Charlestown for a full week in late July. The programme includes boat races in the harbour, raft races, gig rowing, a fun triathlon, children’s sports, live music on multiple stages, craft stalls, and a grand carnival procession with Flora dancing.
Charlestown’s Georgian harbour was built in the 1790s for the china clay trade and has been used as a filming location for Poldark, and the harbour setting gives the regatta a character that purpose-built festival sites can’t match. The week builds to fireworks over the harbour on the final night.
Free entry to all events. Run entirely by volunteers to raise funds for the village and local charities.
Visitor Information
Dates: 25-31 July 2026.
Cost: Free.
Getting there: Charlestown is 2 miles from St Austell. Limited parking in the village - arrive early or use the park-and-ride from St Austell if available.
Family friendly: Yes. Children’s sports, carnival, and family activities throughout the week.
Where to Stay
5 The Old Smokehouse is a dog-friendly cottage in Charlestown. Cobblers Cottage is also dog-friendly and in the village. St Austell and Fowey are both within 15 minutes. Browse places to stay.