Helford
OS Grid ref:- SW759261
The tranquil, sleepy village of Helford, considered by many visitors to be the loveliest villages on the Lizard Peninsula, lies on an inlet off the Helford River and makes an excellent base for exploring the area.
Surrounded by wooded banks and sloping fields, this is one of Cornwall's most breathtaking locations.
Helford was once quite an important port. Ships delivered French rum, tobacco and lace from Europe, taxes were collected at the old custom house. During the time of the Napoleonic Wars, pirates and free traders sailed up the Helford River.
The village has a post office, an inn, the thatched Shipwright's Arms and a restaurant situated on the banks of the river. The single street winds around the inlet which is crossed by a small wooden bridge. Many of the villages characterful stone cottages have thatched roofs with neat front gardens containing honeysuckle, fuchsias and roses. The Ferryboat Inn at Helford Passage dates back to the seventeenth century and is situated on the waterfront and offers good meals.
Due to the narrow roads, p arking is not permitted in Helford village from June to September, visitors must park at the car park at the church above the inlet. Ferries can be taken from the Shipwright's Arms to the north bank at Helford Passage, which allows walkers from the coastal path around the Lizard to continue towards Falmouth.
Frenchman's Pill, now owned by the National Trust, presents a very different landscape from the rest of the Lizard Peninsula and makes an interesting and attractive walk from the village, it was immortalised as the setting for Daphne du Maurier's famous novel 'Frenchman's Creek'. The area is a popular bird habitat, especially frequented by herons. Frenchman's Creek is best accessed by way of a footpath.
Between Helford and Helford Passage the ferry, which has existed since medieval times, allows walkers from the coastal path around the Lizard to continue towards Falmouth and beyond.
Nearby Glendurgan Garden is said to be one of the best sub-tropical gardens in the area, the garden inspired its creators, Quakers Alfred and Sarah Fox, to describe it as a 'small peace of heaven on earth', while Trebah Garden is also well worth a visit. Around the Headland lies the village of St Anthony -in-Meneage with its boatyard and ancient church.
Visitor Attractions on the Lizard Peninsula
Lizard LighthouseThe Lizard Lighthouse is open to the public, a visitor car park is provided by the entrance gate. Visitors may ascend the 70 metre high lighthouse tower from where there are stunning views. The coastline around the lighthouse offers spectacular walks along the cliffs. Open July 11.00 - 18.00, August 11.00-19.00
*Lizard Countryside Centre fully interactive exhibition based on local countryside, history and wildlife. Open Easter - Oct, daily, 11am - 5pm.
Bonython Manor The superb garden at Bonython covers 20 acres and its plantations of Montrerey pine and beech trees were planted in the 1830s. There is much for the gardening enthusiast to see at Bonython. Open April - October, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10.00am - 4.30pm
*Trelowarren House and Craft Centre Magwan-in-Meneage, Elizabethan style Stuart building with a Victorian interior, home to the Vyvyan family, hosts crafts exhibition. Open all year.
*Marconi Memorial , Poldhu, art deco obelisk just south of Poldhu Bay, first radio signals across Atlantic were sent from here by Guglielmo Marconi.
*Goonhilly Earth Station, futuristic satellite tracking station built in 1962, visitor centre with interactive displays and hands on exhibitions, tours of the site. Open, Easter - Oct, 10am - 5pm (6pm in high season).