Helston beach guide

Cornwall Beaches » The Lizard and Falmouth » Cornish towns » Helston

Helston Helston is perhaps most famous for it's 'Furry' or 'Flora' Dance held on the 8th May (unless it's a Sunday of course!). On Flora Day the streets are thronged with thousands of visitors and there's a carnival atmosphere all day and into the night.

Helston was granted it's charter in 1201 and was originally a thriving port town. However, as the river silted up over the years the port gradually ceased to be. Where the river joined the sea is now Cornwall's largest freshwater lake, seperated from the sea by Loe Bar.
More about the town can be found out in the museum which is free.

Close to Helston is Porthleven, a charming fishing harbour and world class surf break. Praa Sands is the nearest beach with a mile of sand and all year lifeguards.

Helston accommodation

The beaches...

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JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps.Church Cove

Narrow rocky cove set between cliffs on the eastern side of the Lizard. Slipway for launching boats, rock pools and gullies and great snorkelling / diving more...

Gunwalloe

Lovely sandy family beach. There is a stream running through the beach, ideal for paddling. No dogs allowed. There is reputed to be lost Spanish treasure at nearby Dollar Cove. more...

Loe Bar

Loe Bar is made up of 2 parts; The Loe, which is the largest natural fresh water lake in Cornwall and the Bar, a half mile shingle bank wich seperates the Loe from the sea.Loe Bar was orig more...

Porthleven

There is a sandy beach beyond the harbour wall that stretches all the way to Looe Bar at lower tides. Swimming can be risky at low tide and when the sea is rough.All facilities close to ha more...

Praa Sands

Large sandy beach ideal for families. Cafes and other facilities. more...

Rinsey Cove

Quiet beach for swimming. Sand at low water. more...

Local links

Helston | Helston hotels | Helston cottages

Amanda Brown - Iyengar Yoga Classes in Falmouth, Penyrn and Helston. Surya Eco Yoga Camp

Creftow Gallery - Creftow is an artists co-operative of over 20 members based in Helston and situated opposite the Folk Museum.

Goonhilly Craft Shop and Licensed Tea Room - Goonhilly Craft Shop & Tea Room is a well established, family run business located at the heart of the Lizard Peninsula on the B3293 Helston to St. Keverne road, ½ mile north of Future World @ Goonhilly. If you visit the satellites, call in to see us too

Helston Farmers' Market - Largest farmers' market in Cornwall with over 30 stalls of good qyality, locally produced food. Indoors.Tasters, music, disabled access. Ample parking. Open 1st Saturday of every month (except Feb) 9.30-1.30 Cattle Market Building boating Lake Helston

Helston Flora Day - 1,000s take to the streets of Helston to watch dancers of the Furry Dance in a procession through the town. Celebration held on the 8th of May each year

Helston Registry Office - Open Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri - 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. Weds - 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Poldark Mine - Located in the picturesque Wendron Valley, close to Helston, Poldark Mine has free admission to the main site and offers something for all the family

Telstar Taxis - Friendly Taxi Service based at Goonhilly, covering The Lizard Peninsula, Helston and West Cornwall. Short journeys & long distance. Stations & Airports. All major debit & credit cards accepted.