Sticker

Tiny fishing hamlets don't come much more authentic than Sticker. This working Cornish village sits in the rolling countryside between St Austell and the coast, where narrow lanes wind past stone cottages and the pace of life follows tidal rhythms rather than tourist seasons.

The surrounding landscape tells Cornwall's industrial story - china clay workings have carved dramatic white pyramids into the hills, creating an almost lunar backdrop that's utterly unique. St Austell lies just a few miles north, giving easy access to proper shops and the railway station for London connections. But it's the nearby coast that really sells this area.

Pentewan beach stretches out below, a proper sandy expanse that's brilliant for families without the Eden Project crowds. The South West Coast Path runs right past here, offering some cracking walks along dramatic cliffs towards Mevagissey. On clear days, you can see across St Austell Bay to the Roseland Peninsula.

Getting here means winding down single-track lanes - it's definitely a car job rather than public transport territory. The nearest main road is the A390, connecting you to both Truro and Plymouth within the hour. Several holiday parks dot the countryside around Sticker, including Pentewan Sands Holiday Park right by the beach and Heligan Caravan and Camping Park near the famous Lost Gardens.

Staying at one of these parks puts you perfectly placed for exploring both Cornwall's industrial heritage and its stunning coastline. You're close enough to St Austell for rainy day attractions, yet far enough from the main tourist trails to feel like you've found the real Cornwall.