Helston in Cornwall

Lat 50.1020° N, lon 5.2710° W●Main town · Lizard gateway

Helston

Helston is the gateway market town for the Lizard: Flora Day traditions, a practical high street, and coastal villages such as Porthleven within the wider territory.

Where to stay

Helston at a glance

Helston, a market town at the top of the Lizard Peninsula, close to Kynance Cove and Loe Pool

Helston sits at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula, about 12 miles east of Penzance and 9 miles south west of Falmouth. It is described as the most southerly town in Great Britain. King John granted its charter in 1201, and it was a stannary town where tin was weighed for duty.

The town is best known for Flora Day, usually held on 8 May, when couples dance the Furry Dance through the streets from 7am. Buildings are dressed with greenery and the Hal an Tow pageant tells stories from the town's past.

In the town, the Museum of Cornish Life on Market Place covers Cornish social history and is free to enter. The Blue Anchor on Coinagehall Street dates back to the 1400s and has brewed its own Spingo ale for centuries.

Just south west of town is the National Trust's Penrose estate and Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural lake, with a level 1.6 mile trail from Helston. Swimming is not allowed at Loe Bar or Loe Pool.

Helston is the gateway to the Lizard. Kynance Cove, Lizard Point, Porthleven and the coves at Gunwalloe and Mullion are all within a short drive, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is near Gweek.

Use Cornish.co.uk to find places to stay, food and drink and things to do around Helston. Open the interactive map for pins, including nearby beaches, or jump to Cornwall walks and local services. Discover & connect lists neighbouring towns and parishes.

Planning questions

Frequently asked questions about Helston

How do I get to Kynance Cove from Helston?

Take the A3083 south from Helston towards The Lizard. The National Trust car park turn off is about half a mile before Lizard village, postcode TR12 7PJ. From the car park it is about a 10 minute walk to the beach, steep in places with steps.

Is Kynance Cove busy and can I take my dog?

The National Trust says the cove is extremely busy with limited parking in July, August and September, and the road access closes when the car park is full. Dogs are banned from the beach from 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm, but are allowed on the cliff paths all year. There are toilets in the car park and at the cove, and a cafe.

What are the best things to do near Helston?

Walk around Loe Pool on the Penrose estate, visit Kynance Cove, or watch for seals and choughs at Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary near Gweek rescues seals. In town, the Museum of Cornish Life is free to visit.

What beaches are near Helston?

Porthleven is the closest, with RNLI lifeguards from mid July to early September. Further south are Church Cove at Gunwalloe, Poldhu and Polurrian at Mullion, and Kynance Cove. Dogs are banned at all of these from 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm. Do not swim at Loe Bar.

What is the Blue Anchor in Helston?

The Blue Anchor is a historic inn at 50 Coinagehall Street, TR13 8EL. It dates to the 1400s and brews its own Spingo ales in a brewery behind the pub. It has a skittle alley and outdoor seating.

Are there holiday cottages in Helston?

Helston makes a practical base for a self catering stay on the Lizard. Book early if you plan to visit around Flora Day on 8 May or in July and August, when Kynance Cove and the beaches are at their busiest. The 34 bus links Helston with Mullion and The Lizard, and with Redruth station.

Is there a live tide reading for Helston?

This page shows observed levels from the Environment Agency Newlyn tide gauge, the nearest national gauge in Cornwall. It is not a local Helston harbour prediction or a navigation forecast.

⌖

Interactive map

Looking for somewhere to stay in Helston?

See the stays on the map, add your dates and guests, then check availability on Booking.com.

Plan your stay in Helston on the map