Although devoted to the china clay industry, and (formerly) copper and tin mining, the town is very picturesque. The Perpendicular tower of the Church is finely sculptured and bears an inscription in the old Cornish language. Extensive views from The Archdeacon of Cornwall, a hill 1,034 feet above the sea. There is a visitor centre interpreting the story of Charlestown the port from which all the China Clay was exported and inland of Wheal Martyn is a museum for the China Clay mines. There are beaches in St. Austell Bay.