St Austell

Travelled by train down from Bristol to St Austell and, once I got settled in my new accommodation, went for a wee wander round.

I'm afraid to say that my first impressions of St Austell were not positive ones. It just wasn't what I imagined or expected; it seems to be somewhat lacking in character and in many ways quite run-down and tawdry. My hotel, it should be said, is excellent and there's a fine 15th Century church (see extra) across the road. Some of the exterior stone carvings are wonderful (main picture) and possibly unique. It's possible I'll discover more to enjoy over the next few days, although in truth my reason for being here is to visit the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan and they are more likely to feature in my Blip journal over the next day or two.