Although St Austell is mainly a residential town, there are a few places worth a visit. The town is an old market town and for centuries an important mining town.  However, in the mid 18th century William Cookworthy, a chemist from Devon, discovered massive deposits of kaolin (a form of decomposed granite), or china clay in the area.  From then on mining for China Clay was a main source of income for the town. The Eden Project has been built in a disused china clay pit, it has two Biomes which house plants collected from many diverse climates and environments and has a large tropical rain forest.  There’s lots to see at the Eden Project if you have time on your tour. Note: The Eden Project is not dog friendly.  Large parking available for larger vehicles The St Austell Brewery is one of the oldest businesses in the town and is still family owned. If you fancy picking up a few pints for your travels stop off and visit the Hicks Bar and restaurant, visitor centre and shop.