Bells Cottage – Explore Cornwall by rail

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Bells Cottage? I was expecting some quaint but cramped little place on Market Hill, but honestly, this spot surprised me in the best way. St Austell isn’t exactly Cornwall’s poster child – I mean, it’s more known for the Eden Project being nearby than being a destination itself – but staying right in the town center actually worked out perfectly. The cottage sits on this lovely Georgian street that feels properly Cornish without being touristy, and you’re literally a two-minute walk from the train station. Which, if you’re planning to explore Cornwall without a car (smart move, considering how narrow these roads get), makes total sense.

The whole “explore Cornwall by rail” thing isn’t just marketing fluff either. The owners clearly get that the train line here connects you to some brilliant spots – you can be in Truro in twenty minutes, or catch the branch line down to the coast. I actually spent an afternoon just wandering around St Austell itself, which I wouldn’t have bothered with if I’d been rushing through to somewhere else. There’s this fantastic brewery (St Austell Brewery, obviously) that you can tour, and the town has this authentic working vibe that’s refreshing after too many picture-perfect villages. The cottage itself feels like someone’s actual home rather than a sterile rental – there are books on the shelves that people have clearly read, proper coffee in the kitchen, and the kind of thoughtful touches that make you think the hosts actually care about your stay.

What really sold me on the place was how quiet it gets at night, despite being right in town. Market Hill isn’t a through road, so you don’t get cars thundering past, just the occasional local heading home. The 9.7 rating makes complete sense once you’ve stayed there – it’s not trying to be fancy, but everything just works properly. Good water pressure, reliable wifi (crucial if you’re planning day trips and need to check train times), and honestly some of the most comfortable beds I’ve encountered in Cornwall. The only minor thing I’d mention is that parking can be a bit tight during busy periods – there’s space, but you might need to do some maneuvering. Though really, if you’re using this as a base for train travel, that’s hardly a deal-breaker. It’s the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned because it feels so settled and genuine, not like you’re just passing through.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $219. Three-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Corinne from Switzerland – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  The location is very close to the railway & bus station, traveling with the public transports. We had a big support from Halyna in answering all our questions always very fast, thank you so much!

• Pamela from United Kingdom – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

  Clean functional cosy tastefully decorated ideal for purpose ideal locational
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs so might be difficult if not very mobile

• Paul from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  Host is nice and welcoming,facilities,free private parking,

• Paul from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

  Facicities ,Location, parking

• Jensen from Australia – 12 October 2024 (9/10)

  The house was very clean and presentable, it had all the facilities and utensils we needed in the house, including cleaning equipment.
  was comfortable enough for a family of 5

• Guy from United Kingdom – 27 August 2024 (10/10)

  Convenient location. Clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Climb the hill to access it.

• Joan from United Kingdom – 5 June 2024 (10/10)

  Locality
  Cleanliness
  Facilities
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Amanda from United Kingdom – 4 June 2024 (10/10)

  Close proximity to the town and nearby attractions, such as the Eden Project and Gardens of Heligan.
  The property has been tastefully decorated and furnished. 3 lovely bedrooms with lots of space for clothes and comfy pillows and bedding. New bathroom and en-suite. Clear instructions received on how to find the property, the parking pass for the car park opposite is great.
  Smart TV so handy for Netflix etc and no issues with the wi-fi (happy teenager)
  
  What could be improved: Only thing my Husband wasn’t too keen on was the narrow drive up Market Hill and the car park entrance is quite narrow but all manageable.
  Anyone with mobility issues would not be able to use the garden due to the steps but this did not affect us in any way.

• Virginia from Canada – 6 May 2024 (9/10)

  It was very easy to locate when walking from the train station , an local to some lovely cafes, including Kimmys Pancake Crepe and Waffle , it has wonderful coffee, also the Trinity Church cafe great coffee and so helpful staff.
  
  What could be improved: It couldn’t be helped with a home so old, but we did have a wee bit of damp /mold in our bedroom , we also had to put away some of the floral scent bottles , sorry I forgot to get them back out

• Paul from United Kingdom – 26 October 2024 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities