Frenchman’s Creek

Things to do · Helford

About Frenchman’s Creek

Frenchman's Creek is a wooded tidal creek on the south side of the Helford River, the setting Daphne du Maurier borrowed for her 1941 novel of the same name. There is no road to the water. The usual way in is on foot from Helford village, where the car park (TR12 6JX) is the start of a 2.7 mile South West Coast Path route that follows the river through woodland and farmland to the creek and back by Penarvon Cove, a small sandy beach. A longer 3.8 mile circular takes in Kestle Barton, an old farmstead with an art gallery open in summer. The woods above Penarvon Cove at Pengwedhen were given to the National Trust and carry bluebells and wild garlic in spring. Back in Helford there is a pub, the Shipwrights Arms, a village shop and the Riverside Cafe, and a seasonal foot ferry crosses from Helford Point to Helford Passage. The 323 bus between Helston and Mullion stops at the car park.

Good to know

• Tidal creek on the south bank of the Helford River
• Setting of Daphne du Maurier's 1941 novel Frenchman's Creek
• Reached on foot from Helford village car park, TR12 6JX
• 2.7 mile out and back walk or 3.8 mile circular via Kestle Barton
• Pub, shop and cafe in Helford village

Address: Helford village car park, Helford, Helston TR12 6JX.