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Town in Cornwall, England
Photo: Rod Allday, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Helston (Cornish: Hellys) is a small market town in the south west of Cornwall which is famous for its Flora Day celebrations and Furry Dance (on or around the 8th May each year). It is the most southerly town in mainland United Kingdom, and it acts as a gateway to the Lizard Peninsula. There is easy access from here to the picturesque fishing village of Porthleven and the unspoilt beaches or coves of Gunwalloe, Poldhu, Mullion, Kynance and the Lizard Point. Helston is adjacent to the beautiful grounds of the Penrose National Trust Estate. The Estate contains Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake, Loe Pool, which is cut off from the sea by a large natural sand bar called Loe Bar (accessible from Helston by a moderate walk through the Penrose Estate).
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Churchyard contains the grave of Henry Trengrouse and some pirates’ graves.
Site of former Henliston Castle.
Boats and cycles can be hired in summer; has a Lakeside Café.
Managed by the National Trust. No swimming or boating is allowed in the lake.
The largest natural fresh water lake in Cornwall, one of several lakes claimed to be the abode of the Lady of the Lake from the King Arthur legends. No swimming or boating is allowed in the lake.
A natural sand bar (composed of shingle) that blocks the mouth of the River Cober. Geologists believe it has its origins in the last ice age. It is a site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique geomorphology, and rare flora and fauna. Do not swim in the sea here, there are strong tides and currents. More than a few people have died swimming here
Turquoise sea, beautiful sandy beaches and caves when the tide is out.
Guided tour through ancient tin mine workings, museum of mining equipment and craft workshops. Located within the Wendron Mining District of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. It is the only complete tin mine in Cornwall that is open for underground tours.
A Sealife Centre which focuses on rescuing, nurturing and releasing stranded seal pups. There are seal pools and exhibitions. Feeding time is popular.
Historic house with medieval garden.
Historic Cornish Manor House and 1,000-acre grounds.
The cannon was retrieved from a shipwreck at Loe Bar.
Take a ride on the newly restored section of this historic branch line.
also known as Hendra
Some years there is very little sand.
Celebrations and Furry Dance on or around 8 May each year, unless the 8th falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case Flora Day is the Saturday before. The Furry Dance is a celebration of the passing of winter and the arrival of spring. There are several dances during the day and the Hal-an-Tow pageant in the morning. The midday dance is the best known: the men wear top hats and tails while the women dance in their finest frocks.
A late medieval inn with regular live music and a brewery producing traditional ales, including the extra-strong "Spingo" local brew.
Edwardian railway hotel perched on the cliffs with great views.
Relaxing hotel with grand cliff top views and fine dining.
Chic hotel with 14 rooms on Coverack Cove, excellent dining. Open mid Mar - mid Dec, no babies or very young children.
The nearest train station is Redruth station, with trains from London Paddington. From Redruth, take Bus 37 to Helston.
Read in the guideEverything in town is reachable on foot, though there are lots of inclines and steps down to the Coronation Park boating lake (from the back of the Grylls monument).
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Newquay · Regional · NQY
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