Cafes, Gifts, Museums and Galleries

The Shipwreck & Heritage Centre

Charlestown, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NJ

Tel: 01726 69897

e-mail: admin@shipwreckcharlestown.com

website: www.shipwreckcharlestown.com

The Centre is housed in an old clay dry built on top of the tunnel formerly used to transport clay to the harbour and through which you can still walk. The tunnel leads to a viewing gallery where one of the best views of Charlestown harbour can be enjoyed. It is estimated that there are 3000 wrecks around the coast of Cornwall and the centre has an amazing collection of artefacts and memorabilia from some of them.

One of the most famous shipwrecks of all time was the Titanic and the displays include letters from Frederick James Banfield, born in Helston in 1884, who perished in the disaster, along with various Titanic artefacts.

The Diving Display portrays underwater scenes of salvage and rescue and has an array of diving suits and apparatus. Treasure and artefacts from around 200 wrecks can be seen such as muskets, coins, telescopes, candlesticks, pieces of eight and even a large consignment of Chinese porcelain.

The shop sells a wide selection of maritime souvenirs, coins and 'treasure' for the children, as well as fudge, cards, books and Titanic memorabilia. Above the Centre, with splendid views of the harbour, is the Bosun's Diner where refreshments are available.

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