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Welcome to Helston

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Holidays in Helston

The bustling market town of Helston lies between Falmouth and Penzance with the Lizard Peninsula to the south. Holidays in Helston are ideal for exploring the South West and South East of Cornwall, and there’s plenty to do for visitors of all ages. Meander through the town and see a mixture of Georgian and Victorian architecture, with one outstanding feature being The Monument at the end of Coinagehall Street, built in 1834.

Helston provides the perfect base to explore the different areas of Cornwall. With coastal towns such as St Ives, Falmouth, Penzance, and Porthleven all within easy reach, you’ll be able to experience much of what Cornwall has to offer while staying in Helston. It’s also referred to as the 'gateway to the Lizard'; a truly stunning area of Cornwall offering scenery unlike anywhere else. With the Lizard Peninsula on the doorstep, walkers, bird watchers and those looking to escape the crowds will be in paradise in this National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). 

Did you know...

Helston Flora Day, a traditional event with dancing and celebrations, is held on May 8th every year?

Things to do in Helston

While self catering in Helston, why not visit the Blue Anchor Inn, a thatched building, originally a monks’ rest house which became a tavern in the 15th century. Miners once received their wages in the pub, which is possibly the oldest private brewery in the country! They currently produce 4 different ‘Spingo’ ales brewed using traditional recipes from the on-site micro-brewery. 

As you head out of Helston, you can relax at the Coronation Park and try your hand at rowing or simply feed the ducks at the Boating Lake. Head towards the fishing village of Porthleven (just two miles away) and you’ll come to the Penrose Estate offering beautiful woodland walks. Here, you can relax on the banks of the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall, Loe Pool, separated from the sea by the infamous long sand bar.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in nearby Gweek is a great day out for the whole family. Here you will find rescued seals and sea lions from Britain’s beaches, along with other animals such as penguins and otters on show.

Famous Flora Day

Helston’s greatest claim to fame is the famous Flora Day. This is held every year on May 8th unless it falls on a Sunday or Monday when it is held on the Saturday before. The town is decorated by bluebells, gorse, laurel leaves and colourful flags and dancing begins at 7am. Don’t miss the mummer’s play at 8.30 known as the Hal-an-Tow at several venues in the town. Watch St George and St Michael slay the Dragon and the Devil, cheered on by a crowd dressed in Lincoln green and Elizabethan robes. Enjoy a self catering holiday in Helston and you’ll be in for a true Cornish experience!

Stay nearby

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Tamarind, Porthleven

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Sleeps 5

Seadrift

Seadrift, Praa Sands

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Sleeps 6

Four Winds

Four Winds, Praa Sands

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Sleeps 8

Ealing House

Ealing House, Porthleven

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Sleeps 6

The Gables

The Gables, Praa Sands

From £687 - £2336
Sleeps 8

Sydney House

Sydney House, Praa Sands

From £1031 - £3617
Sleeps 8

Sea Glass Cottage

Sea Glass Cottage, Porthleven

From £475 - £995
Sleeps 4

Spindrift, Porthleven

Spindrift, Porthleven, Porthleven

From £640 - £1685
Sleeps 4

Captain's Rest

Captain's Rest, Porthleven

From £765 - £1562
Sleeps 4

14 Bay View

14 Bay View, Porthleven

From £922 - £2953
Sleeps 8

Raymond Cottage

Raymond Cottage, Porthleven

From £557 - £1423
Sleeps 6