Lat 50.1020° N, lon 5.2710° W●Cornish village

GweekCornwall

Gweek is a small village at the head of navigation of the Helford River, about 3 miles east of Helston.

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Gweek at a glance

Gweek: a quiet quay village at the head of the Helford River, home of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Gweek is a small village at the head of navigation of the Helford River, about 3 miles east of Helston. It lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its name comes from the Cornish gwig, meaning forest village.

Gweek has been a port since Roman times and had its own Customs House in the Tudor period. In the 19th century ships brought coal, lime, timber and slate here for the local mines. A tin smelting blowing house once worked on the quay.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary sits beside the Helford River on the edge of the village. It is run by the SEA LIFE Trust charity and rescues grey seal pups from the Cornish coast. Visitors can see the seal hospital and meet permanent residents that need special care.

The Black Swan is the village pub, formerly the Gweek Inn, with a view down to the harbour. Gweek also has a shop. The Tolvan Holed Stone, a three cornered standing stone, is about 800 metres north of the village.

Buses run between Falmouth and Helston and stop at Gweek Quay. Constantine and the creeks of the Helford River are just to the east.

Planning questions

Frequently asked questions about Gweek

What is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek?

It is a seal rescue centre beside the Helford River, run by the SEA LIFE Trust charity. Each season, from September to March, it cares for more than 70 rescued grey seal pups. Visitors can see the seal hospital, meet resident seals and follow a woodland trail. There is a cafe and free parking.

How do I get to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary?

From Helston, take the A3083 towards RNAS Culdrose and the Lizard, turn left at the roundabout onto the B3293, then turn left for Gweek after about half a mile. In the village, turn right just before the Black Swan and follow the signs. Buses from Falmouth and Helston also stop in Gweek.

What pubs are there in Gweek?

The Black Swan is the pub in Gweek, postcode TR12 6TU. CAMRA lists it as open, with real ales, food all day, a garden and a bay window looking down to the harbour. It was formerly called the Gweek Inn.

Is the Gweek Inn still open?

The Gweek Inn is now called the Black Swan. CAMRA says it was refurbished and reopened in 2012 and lists it as open. It is dog and family friendly and has rooms.

What is there to do near Gweek?

Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, explore the old quay and walk along the upper Helford River. Look for the Tolvan Holed Stone just north of the village. Constantine and Helston are a short drive away.

Can I get a bus to Gweek?

Yes. Buses run between Falmouth and Helston and stop at Gweek Quay. The Seal Sanctuary also recommends these buses for reaching the village. Check the current timetable before you travel.

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