Helford Cottages for that unforgettable stay

Helford, south of Falmouth, is a lovely old village which was once a busy port, dealing in lace, rum and tobacco, until the River Helford silted up to form the Loe Bar. It is set within an unspoilt, very tranquil area of calm, secluded creeks, isolated woodland and semi-tropical gardens, with many places along the estuary only accessible by water. You can even sightsee by kayak.

With a reputation for smuggling, ships, fishing and hustle and bustle, it was the setting for Cornish writer Daphne du Maurier’s book, Frenchman’s Creek. She spent her honeymoon in the village and was inspired to write her only romance by the pretty port, where vehicles are prohibited (parking is free at the top of the hill) making it a beautiful spot to sit and reflect.

A wooden trail from the village leads to the Creek, a handy spot for birds, especially herons and egrets. You are sure to spot some wildlife in this area, where the woods are known for deer, and the plant life could be Mediterranean, with magnificent azaleas and rhododendrons which thrive in the subtropical climate.

While the Lizard Peninsula has a wild reputation, remote, with savage seas and a spectacularly ravaged coastline, the Helford Estuary is the northern, softer edge of the Lizard. Villages, hamlets, gardens and calm are the order of the day here. While once a tin exporting port, it is now a secluded backwater with a chilled vibe, though also beloved by the wealthy sailing community.

The medieval church of St-Anthony-in-Meneage sits near the mouth of the Helford. Other interesting historic buildings include the thatched Shipwrights Arms pub, Rosemullion (dating to around 1660) and Penkestle with its stone chimneys.

For a change of scenery, the seasonal foot ferry will take you to the hamlet of Helford Passage. Walking here is quite gentle and boats can be hired to explore the creeks of the estuary. Nearby are the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, Falmouth’s Pendennis Castle and Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens.

This is another side to Cornwall, an idyllically scenic area for walks, with gentle coastline where life moves at a quieter pace. Definitely one not to miss.

Helford, south of Falmouth, is a lovely old village which was once a busy port, dealing in lace, rum and tobacco, until the River Helford silted up to form the Loe Bar. It is set within an unspoilt, very tranquil area of calm, secluded creeks, isolated woodland and semi-tropical gardens, with many places along the estuary only accessible by water. You can even sightsee by kayak.

With a reputation for smuggling, ships, fishing and hustle and bustle, it was the setting for Cornish writer Daphne du Maurier’s book, Frenchman’s Creek. She spent her honeymoon in the village and was inspired to write her only romance by the pretty port, where vehicles are prohibited (parking is free at the top of the hill) making it a beautiful spot to sit and reflect.

A wooden trail from the village leads to the Creek, a handy spot for birds, especially herons and egrets. You are sure to spot some wildlife in this area, where the woods are known for deer, and the plant life could be Mediterranean, with magnificent azaleas and rhododendrons which thrive in the subtropical climate.

While the Lizard Peninsula has a wild reputation, remote, with savage seas and a spectacularly ravaged coastline, the Helford Estuary is the northern, softer edge of the Lizard. Villages, hamlets, gardens and calm are the order of the day here. While once a tin exporting port, it is now a secluded backwater with a chilled vibe, though also beloved by the wealthy sailing community.

The medieval church of St-Anthony-in-Meneage sits near the mouth of the Helford. Other interesting historic buildings include the thatched Shipwrights Arms pub, Rosemullion (dating to around 1660) and Penkestle with its stone chimneys.

For a change of scenery, the seasonal foot ferry will take you to the hamlet of Helford Passage. Walking here is quite gentle and boats can be hired to explore the creeks of the estuary. Nearby are the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, Falmouth’s Pendennis Castle and Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens.

This is another side to Cornwall, an idyllically scenic area for walks, with gentle coastline where life moves at a quieter pace. Definitely one not to miss.