Welcome to the Helford
Nearby POI
Possibly the closest natural footpath to the Mill house. The 2km circular footpath around Argal traverses through woodlands, wetlands and meadows, featuring picturesque views of the lake and of Mabe church. A public footpath links Argal and College lakes together so there is the option to have a longer or shorter walk. There is also a children’s park, spots for fishing and a dog exercise field.
11 locals recommend
Argal Reservoir
Possibly the closest natural footpath to the Mill house. The 2km circular footpath around Argal traverses through woodlands, wetlands and meadows, featuring picturesque views of the lake and of Mabe church. A public footpath links Argal and College lakes together so there is the option to have a longer or shorter walk. There is also a children’s park, spots for fishing and a dog exercise field.
Part of the National Trust: a sheltered valley of jungle-like plants and flora. The garden dips down to Durgan village and beach overlooking Helford river. Also features a maze for all ages to complete (make sure you save some time for this!) and the Giant’s Stride, a huge rotating rope swing. There is a café with light bites to eat and a small shop.
160 locals recommend
Glendurgan Garden
Part of the National Trust: a sheltered valley of jungle-like plants and flora. The garden dips down to Durgan village and beach overlooking Helford river. Also features a maze for all ages to complete (make sure you save some time for this!) and the Giant’s Stride, a huge rotating rope swing. There is a café with light bites to eat and a small shop.
One of our frequent haunts for a local countryside walk. Bosveal features several walks dipping into woodland valleys, secluded coves and sheltered shores of the Helford river. Grebe and Durgan beaches can be reached on this route. Beautiful views here and highly recommended if interested in nature walks.
National Trust - Bosveal
One of our frequent haunts for a local countryside walk. Bosveal features several walks dipping into woodland valleys, secluded coves and sheltered shores of the Helford river. Grebe and Durgan beaches can be reached on this route. Beautiful views here and highly recommended if interested in nature walks.
Absolutely recommend Trebah garden for all visitors: new and old! Trebah is a gorgeous subtropical Cornish garden with plenty of little treasures hidden in nooks and crannies all year round from their own private beach, an outdoor ampitheatre (check online for shows and tickets) to dedicated children play spaces. There is a café at the top as well as a little ice cream hut down on the beach (the ice creams are worth the money—we have never had bigger ones!) The shop is full of local goodies and a wide variety of plants that are found in the garden. Booking is essential.
252 locals recommend
Trebah Garden
Absolutely recommend Trebah garden for all visitors: new and old! Trebah is a gorgeous subtropical Cornish garden with plenty of little treasures hidden in nooks and crannies all year round from their own private beach, an outdoor ampitheatre (check online for shows and tickets) to dedicated children play spaces. There is a café at the top as well as a little ice cream hut down on the beach (the ice creams are worth the money—we have never had bigger ones!) The shop is full of local goodies and a wide variety of plants that are found in the garden. Booking is essential.
A little sand and shingle beach tucked in Falmouth featuring a small café (known for its unique ice creams), mini golf course and water-sports and kayak hire. There is also a duck pond nearby. The South West coast path links Swanpool to Gyllyngvase Beach (see below).
77 locals recommend
Swanpool Beach
A little sand and shingle beach tucked in Falmouth featuring a small café (known for its unique ice creams), mini golf course and water-sports and kayak hire. There is also a duck pond nearby. The South West coast path links Swanpool to Gyllyngvase Beach (see below).
One of Falmouth’s most popular beach, close walking distance to Falmouth town (about 10 minutes), good for water-sports and is known for its fine sand. Gylly Beach café serves food and drinks for most of the day. Nearby is also the Queen Mary Gardens. Personally, we find it a little too busy for our tastes!
149 locals recommend
Gyllyngvase Beach
One of Falmouth’s most popular beach, close walking distance to Falmouth town (about 10 minutes), good for water-sports and is known for its fine sand. Gylly Beach café serves food and drinks for most of the day. Nearby is also the Queen Mary Gardens. Personally, we find it a little too busy for our tastes!
This gently sloping beach and shallow waters is ideal for children. It faces Falmouth beach and also has views of St. Anthony’s head. There is a small café here. The South West coast path links Maenporth to Swanpool beach. The Cove restaurant is right beside the beach.
43 locals recommend
Maenporth Beach
This gently sloping beach and shallow waters is ideal for children. It faces Falmouth beach and also has views of St. Anthony’s head. There is a small café here. The South West coast path links Maenporth to Swanpool beach. The Cove restaurant is right beside the beach.
Part of English Heritage. Pendennis Castle is a Tudor fortress, dating back to Henry VIII’s time on the throne. Quite a popular site especially with events such as the joust or knight’s competition during the summer. Besides the castle, there are also historic cannons to explore on the grounds and plenty of amazing views of the Falmouth estuary. If interested in British history, Pendennis Castle is worth a visit to learn some interesting facts of the local area. There is a large acre of green space, perfect to bring your own picnic if weather permits!
203 locals recommend
Pendennis Castle
Castle DrivePart of English Heritage. Pendennis Castle is a Tudor fortress, dating back to Henry VIII’s time on the throne. Quite a popular site especially with events such as the joust or knight’s competition during the summer. Besides the castle, there are also historic cannons to explore on the grounds and plenty of amazing views of the Falmouth estuary. If interested in British history, Pendennis Castle is worth a visit to learn some interesting facts of the local area. There is a large acre of green space, perfect to bring your own picnic if weather permits!
This is a lovely estate featuring not just beautiful gardens but also a house with a bit of intriguing history and panoramic views of the Fal estuary. Outside the garden are different lengths of woodland walks, up to the walker to choose which they wish to embark on. Also on the grounds is a local art gallery, a second-hand book shop, National Trust shop and Crofters café with light bites.
220 locals recommend
National Trust - Trelissick Garden
This is a lovely estate featuring not just beautiful gardens but also a house with a bit of intriguing history and panoramic views of the Fal estuary. Outside the garden are different lengths of woodland walks, up to the walker to choose which they wish to embark on. Also on the grounds is a local art gallery, a second-hand book shop, National Trust shop and Crofters café with light bites.
Another National Trust one: Penrose is wooded country around Cornwall's largest natural lake—Loe Pool– featuring wide, woodland tracks (suitable for cyclists and scooters!), stretches of coastline and open parkland. The Stables Kiosk has light bites and drinks and Loe Bar is worth the traversing.
11 locals recommend
Penrose
Another National Trust one: Penrose is wooded country around Cornwall's largest natural lake—Loe Pool– featuring wide, woodland tracks (suitable for cyclists and scooters!), stretches of coastline and open parkland. The Stables Kiosk has light bites and drinks and Loe Bar is worth the traversing.
Part of the fort chain built in the 16th century during Henry VIII’s reign, St. Mawes Castle is the sister castle to Pendennis Castle. More historic guns preserved here and beautiful views of the estuary opposite of Falmouth. An English Heritage trust property.
56 locals recommend
St. Mawes Castle
Castle DrivePart of the fort chain built in the 16th century during Henry VIII’s reign, St. Mawes Castle is the sister castle to Pendennis Castle. More historic guns preserved here and beautiful views of the estuary opposite of Falmouth. An English Heritage trust property.
Possibly one of Cornwall’s biggest and most popular tourist attractions and justly so! The Eden Project is many things: from promoting regenerative sustainability to celebrating biodiversity in its two biomes: the rainforest and Mediterranean and connecting with communities across the world. It is carved into a sterile, ex-mining clay pit, making use of a massively huge, empty site and turning it into a place full of life. Visiting Eden would take the whole day and requires booking. Definitely worth a visit if you’ve never been before.
34 locals recommend
Eden Project, Cornwall
Possibly one of Cornwall’s biggest and most popular tourist attractions and justly so! The Eden Project is many things: from promoting regenerative sustainability to celebrating biodiversity in its two biomes: the rainforest and Mediterranean and connecting with communities across the world. It is carved into a sterile, ex-mining clay pit, making use of a massively huge, empty site and turning it into a place full of life. Visiting Eden would take the whole day and requires booking. Definitely worth a visit if you’ve never been before.
Lanhydrock is one of the furthest POI’s listed here but we feel like we have to mention it. Lanhydrock is a magnificent late-Victorian country house and estate but without the pretentiousness of some wealthy persons of the past. The house shows the two sides of Victorian life and even the gate house is worth a climb to see. Surrounding the estate are ancient woodlands and riverside paths—worth exploring. A very beautiful National Trust property and worth the drive.
119 locals recommend
Lanhydrock House and Garden
Treffry LaneLanhydrock is one of the furthest POI’s listed here but we feel like we have to mention it. Lanhydrock is a magnificent late-Victorian country house and estate but without the pretentiousness of some wealthy persons of the past. The house shows the two sides of Victorian life and even the gate house is worth a climb to see. Surrounding the estate are ancient woodlands and riverside paths—worth exploring. A very beautiful National Trust property and worth the drive.
Places to eat and drink
The Cornish Barista is based in Truro but has also opened up a little café tucked away near BF Adventure and Via Ferrata, like its title, in the quarryside. Serves your typical repertoire of hot drink, sweet bakes and light lunch options. Outside seating on the deck is covered so no need to worry about the sun too much as you enjoy your food and drink while overlooking the view. There is also indoor seating if weather is iffy.
The Cornish Barista - Quarryside
The Cornish Barista is based in Truro but has also opened up a little café tucked away near BF Adventure and Via Ferrata, like its title, in the quarryside. Serves your typical repertoire of hot drink, sweet bakes and light lunch options. Outside seating on the deck is covered so no need to worry about the sun too much as you enjoy your food and drink while overlooking the view. There is also indoor seating if weather is iffy.
Once an abandoned nursery, Potager Garden is now a café, workshops and evening events. Their menu is vegetarian and vegan, dependent on what is in season and what they have in their garden. Booking is recommended and they are only open from Thursdays to Sundays.
76 locals recommend
Potager Garden
Once an abandoned nursery, Potager Garden is now a café, workshops and evening events. Their menu is vegetarian and vegan, dependent on what is in season and what they have in their garden. Booking is recommended and they are only open from Thursdays to Sundays.
If you’re looking for a pub with a great view, Ferry Boat Inn is your place. Ferry Boat Inn sits along the Helford Passage with direct access to the beach and local coastal path. A reasonable, varied menu as well as wine and drink menu for adults plus a little sailors menu for the children. There is outdoor seating for sunny days and long evenings in the summer or in the winter, there is an open fire, making for a very cosy and intimate atmosphere. Booking is recommended.
132 locals recommend
Ferry Boat Inn
If you’re looking for a pub with a great view, Ferry Boat Inn is your place. Ferry Boat Inn sits along the Helford Passage with direct access to the beach and local coastal path. A reasonable, varied menu as well as wine and drink menu for adults plus a little sailors menu for the children. There is outdoor seating for sunny days and long evenings in the summer or in the winter, there is an open fire, making for a very cosy and intimate atmosphere. Booking is recommended.
Recently renovated Hotel Meudon has a restaurant with a menu showcasing local ingredients from Cornwall. Menu showcases fish and seafood from proximity to the sea and locally farmed meats and seasonal game due to its rural setting.
7 locals recommend
Meudon Hotel
Maenporth RoadRecently renovated Hotel Meudon has a restaurant with a menu showcasing local ingredients from Cornwall. Menu showcases fish and seafood from proximity to the sea and locally farmed meats and seasonal game due to its rural setting.
A beautiful, sophisticated restaurant overlooking Maenporth Beach and views of the Roseland, Pendennis Castle and St Antony’s Lighthouse. The Cove is run by Michelen-star chef Michael Caines and can boast of a delightfully creative and exquisite menu with locally sourced produce and ingredients. While there is the more formal aspect to the Cove dining experience, there are also informal options. Booking is recommended.
72 locals recommend
The Cove
A beautiful, sophisticated restaurant overlooking Maenporth Beach and views of the Roseland, Pendennis Castle and St Antony’s Lighthouse. The Cove is run by Michelen-star chef Michael Caines and can boast of a delightfully creative and exquisite menu with locally sourced produce and ingredients. While there is the more formal aspect to the Cove dining experience, there are also informal options. Booking is recommended.
Set in Victorian country manor house, Penmorvah Manor’s own restaurant serves up traditional British home cooking style. Known for its Sunday roasts and afternoon teas overlooking a manicured lawn with sea views.
Penmorvah Manor Hotel
Penjerrick HillSet in Victorian country manor house, Penmorvah Manor’s own restaurant serves up traditional British home cooking style. Known for its Sunday roasts and afternoon teas overlooking a manicured lawn with sea views.
Neighbourhoods
Constantine has its own Spars grocer plus general store with a very large selection of wines and whiskies. Fore street is lined with traditional granite cottages and features a 19th century Methodist chapel. Around the corner is a 13th century Parish church, St Constantine. For eateries, there is the Queens Arms and slightly outside the village, Trengilly Wartha, a country pub which serves very good food.
10 locals recommend
Constantine
Constantine has its own Spars grocer plus general store with a very large selection of wines and whiskies. Fore street is lined with traditional granite cottages and features a 19th century Methodist chapel. Around the corner is a 13th century Parish church, St Constantine. For eateries, there is the Queens Arms and slightly outside the village, Trengilly Wartha, a country pub which serves very good food.
Best known for its two beautiful gardens, Trebah and Glendurgan, Mawnan Smith is also a lovely, quaint and peaceful village. The village has a 15th century church overlooking the mouth of the Helford river which can be reached via public foothpath. There is a local pub, the Red Lion, local coffee shop and village shop.
6 locals recommend
Mawnan Smith
Best known for its two beautiful gardens, Trebah and Glendurgan, Mawnan Smith is also a lovely, quaint and peaceful village. The village has a 15th century church overlooking the mouth of the Helford river which can be reached via public foothpath. There is a local pub, the Red Lion, local coffee shop and village shop.
A little village within the Helford woods known for the Seal Sanctuary. It used to be a thriving port town back when the mining industry was flourishing. Nowadays, that has receded. Under new management recently, there is a quaint little shop in the heart of the village.
11 locals recommend
Gweek
A little village within the Helford woods known for the Seal Sanctuary. It used to be a thriving port town back when the mining industry was flourishing. Nowadays, that has receded. Under new management recently, there is a quaint little shop in the heart of the village.
Opposite of Falmouth, Flushing is an unique little village with Dutch influence (a small Dutch community settled in the 17th century from a place called Vlissingen, known as ‘Flushing.’) There are some impressive houses built in the Queen Anne style here.
14 locals recommend
Flushing
Opposite of Falmouth, Flushing is an unique little village with Dutch influence (a small Dutch community settled in the 17th century from a place called Vlissingen, known as ‘Flushing.’) There are some impressive houses built in the Queen Anne style here.
City/town information
Falmouth is the biggest town nearby and definitely a hub for tourists. Perched at the mouth of the Fal harbour, Falmouth is known for its maritime heritage. With the influx of Falmouth University, the town has creatively flourished. The National Maritime Museum has interactive galleries and a collection of model boats with special exhibits in rotation. There is the King Harry ferry connecting to St Mawes and the Roseland and Truro, surf schools down at the beaches Gyllyngvase and Swanpool and an array of shopping and eateries in the high street.
303 locals recommend
Falmouth
Falmouth is the biggest town nearby and definitely a hub for tourists. Perched at the mouth of the Fal harbour, Falmouth is known for its maritime heritage. With the influx of Falmouth University, the town has creatively flourished. The National Maritime Museum has interactive galleries and a collection of model boats with special exhibits in rotation. There is the King Harry ferry connecting to St Mawes and the Roseland and Truro, surf schools down at the beaches Gyllyngvase and Swanpool and an array of shopping and eateries in the high street.
The “urban hub” of Cornwall situated in the middle of the county. It isn’t the largest town (St Austell) or the county town (Bodmin) but it’s definitely the city with a very impressive cathedral with the largest spire in the country. It’s a very easy city to meander and peruse at your leisure, especially if you love shopping. The Hall for Cornwall has recently finished renovations and is back to hosting an array of shows so do check out their website if you wish to book tickets for an evening (or matinee) performance. In addition to this, the Royal Cornwall Museum in River Street is worth a visit with its geological collection and exhibits on Cornish history and culture.
397 locals recommend
Truro
The “urban hub” of Cornwall situated in the middle of the county. It isn’t the largest town (St Austell) or the county town (Bodmin) but it’s definitely the city with a very impressive cathedral with the largest spire in the country. It’s a very easy city to meander and peruse at your leisure, especially if you love shopping. The Hall for Cornwall has recently finished renovations and is back to hosting an array of shows so do check out their website if you wish to book tickets for an evening (or matinee) performance. In addition to this, the Royal Cornwall Museum in River Street is worth a visit with its geological collection and exhibits on Cornish history and culture.
For those with little ones
A wholesome animal shelter for sick, injured or maltreated donkeys needing love and care. Open area to see them roam and nibble at grass or watch them feed inside the barns. There is a café serving light bites and plenty of outdoor seating to bring your own picnic lunch. A working charity with no entrance fee but donations welcome.
18 locals recommend
The Flicka Foundation
A wholesome animal shelter for sick, injured or maltreated donkeys needing love and care. Open area to see them roam and nibble at grass or watch them feed inside the barns. There is a café serving light bites and plenty of outdoor seating to bring your own picnic lunch. A working charity with no entrance fee but donations welcome.
The seal sanctuary is right alongside the Helford, offering refuge and medical assistance to seal pups that the charity rescues. It is a great place to learn more about seals and how they’re looked after before being returned to the wild. The sanctuary also houses sea lions, penguins as well as a small beaver group that is being reintroduced to the area. A small café with pasties and sandwiches plus a donut shop for food and drinks is available as well as a play area for young ones.
187 locals recommend
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The seal sanctuary is right alongside the Helford, offering refuge and medical assistance to seal pups that the charity rescues. It is a great place to learn more about seals and how they’re looked after before being returned to the wild. The sanctuary also houses sea lions, penguins as well as a small beaver group that is being reintroduced to the area. A small café with pasties and sandwiches plus a donut shop for food and drinks is available as well as a play area for young ones.
A family favourite (especially for our eldest)! It is what we would call the perfect first-time theme park experience. There is a mix of rides, indoor attractions and entertainment for a family fun day out. In the summer, there are occasional firework shows too. Your ticket admission will allow you to return for free within one week as well.
207 locals recommend
Flambards Theme Park
Clodgey LaneA family favourite (especially for our eldest)! It is what we would call the perfect first-time theme park experience. There is a mix of rides, indoor attractions and entertainment for a family fun day out. In the summer, there are occasional firework shows too. Your ticket admission will allow you to return for free within one week as well.
A haven for over 130 species of animals from a wide variety of birds (African grey parrots, scarlet macaws, hawks, flamingos, penguins, just to name a few) to mammals such as red squirrels and red pandas. There are animal shows throughout the day to learn about different species as well as a miniature train to ride for little ones. Paradise Park also has the JungleBarn, an indoor play area in case of rainy days.
134 locals recommend
Paradise Park
16 Trelissick RdA haven for over 130 species of animals from a wide variety of birds (African grey parrots, scarlet macaws, hawks, flamingos, penguins, just to name a few) to mammals such as red squirrels and red pandas. There are animal shows throughout the day to learn about different species as well as a miniature train to ride for little ones. Paradise Park also has the JungleBarn, an indoor play area in case of rainy days.
Traditionally one of the only parks where miniature steam trains run. Boarding a steam train upon arrival takes you deep into the valley to a 35 acre site. There is plenty of fun to be had, making it a full day excursion: go paddling in a swan paddle boat in the boating lake, friendly competition with the mini golf, bounce on trampolines and explore outdoor play parks as well as a recently new indoor play area.
63 locals recommend
Lappa Valley
Traditionally one of the only parks where miniature steam trains run. Boarding a steam train upon arrival takes you deep into the valley to a 35 acre site. There is plenty of fun to be had, making it a full day excursion: go paddling in a swan paddle boat in the boating lake, friendly competition with the mini golf, bounce on trampolines and explore outdoor play parks as well as a recently new indoor play area.