Helford

Helford is a village of thatched cottages on the south bank of the Helford River, reached by narrow lanes that wind down through woodland to the water’s edge. The village has a creek where small boats moor, the Shipwright’s Arms pub (parking is very limited, so most visitors use the car park at the village entrance and walk down), and a seasonal passenger ferry across to Helford Passage on the north bank. Daphne du Maurier set her novel Frenchman’s Creek on one of the wooded tidal inlets upstream from the village.

The Helford River is a ria - a drowned river valley - sheltered from open sea by the headlands at its mouth. The water is calm enough for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the native oyster beds in the river have been harvested for centuries. The coast path follows both banks, with the southern section passing through the hamlet of St Anthony-in-Meneage and on toward Gillan and Coverack. Trebah and Glendurgan gardens lie on the opposite bank, close to Helford Passage: the seasonal ferry and a short walk is the quick way across, while the road route round the head of the river is much longer.

Holiday properties in Helford range from waterside cottages in the village to larger houses in the surrounding lanes. The village has no shop - the nearest is in Manaccan, about a mile south - so self-catering visitors need to plan supplies. Falmouth is about 9 miles by road, and Helston about 7 miles. The Lizard’s beaches and coves are within easy reach to the south, while the Helford River itself provides enough interest - walking, boating, wildlife - for days without needing to go further.