By
Editor
Updated on
Not very popular, though, Helston is a fantastic place to stay when in North Cornwall.
Many people prefer this town because it’s still unspoilt and has a charm that other towns have lost with the growth of tourism. What makes Helston unique is that it’s a place where a rich heritage meets a vibrant community and a friendly welcome.
Inspiring outdoor and indoor spaces and a buzzing cultural events calendar mean there are oodles of opportunities for enjoyment for friends, couples and families.
Whether you’re planning to visit Helston for a day, a week or more than a month, we are here to help you make the most of your vacation. From meeting seals and feeding them fish to exploring ancient castles, here are 8 things you can do at Helston.
8 Things To Do In Helston
1. Soak In The Beautiful Views Of The West Coast Of England At Kynance Cove
Are you after a beach holiday? Then Kynance Cove, a beautiful beach, is worth visiting because it offers stunning vistas of the west coast. No surprise, it’s one of the top Helston attractions among tourists in Cornwall.
This beach is perched at the Lizard Peninsula in southwest England, approximately 2 miles north of Lizard Point. When the tide is low, your eyes can feast on the series of coves and interconnected caves, such as the Drawing Room and the Ladies’ Bathing Pool.
If you visit this cove between May and June, you may be the lucky one to spot basking sharks.
Or, if you’re a family that loves watersports, why not set out on surfing? Many people visit Cornwall because it’s famed to be excellent for surfing. So, grab your surf gear and surfboard and hit the waves!
2. Plan A Family Day Out To Flambards Theme Park
If you’re seeking out places which offer something for all the family members, theme parks would be an excellent option. In this regard, there’s nothing quite like Flambards Theme Park, an amusement park which is nestled on the outskirts of Helston.
With its fun mixture of indoor attractions and rides, this theme park promises countless hours of entertainment for an unforgettable family day out.
For thrill-seekers, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping rides. The Hornet Roller Coaster ride will give you the adrenaline rush through its rapid turns and large drops. No wonder it has been a family favourite ride for ages.
Also, check out Skyraker, sky swinger, sky-force, and thunderbolt and go-karts at the theme park- we are sure you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Not just you, but your children will also have lots of fun at Flambards Theme Park. With rides like the western mine train, the new mini carousel and the classic teacup ride, your children will have a good time.
Besides outdoor activities, there are numerous indoor attractions to explore. In the Victorian village, you can step back and experience what life was like in Great Britain. Then check out Britain in the Blitz exhibition, which is a replica of a London street blitzed during World War II.
Before you head to a nearby cafe for food, check out the Chemist shop time capsule and other attractions.
3. Feed Seals At The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, SEA LIFE Trust
We bet you’ve never gotten up close with the seals of Cornwall, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary offers this once-in-a-lifetime experience to tourists. The underwater viewing experience at this animal sanctuary allows tourists to witness how seals fight for their fish and interact with adult grey seals.
This West Cornwall sanctuary is a famous attraction because of the incredible experience it offers. By booking a “Breakfast with the Seals” experience, you’ll learn about how its resident animals made their way into the sanctuary. As you enjoy your delicious Continental breakfast, you get the chance to feed a seal.
But if you’re visiting between April and August, booking a “Keeper for the Day,” experience would be excellent. Besides seals, you’ll get a chance to get up close with penguins. Good food is also included in the package, so you need not carry extra baggage or spend money on food. Also, there’s no restriction on clicking pictures, so bring a camera to click as many pictures as you want.
Other than that, the Seal Sanctuary offers VIP cream and tour, behind the seals, sanctuary photography tour, and beaver tour with Pasty and Pint experiences.
4. Take A Walk At Godolphin House And Gardens
Sure, theme parks have many attractions, but nothing can compare to the charm of historical sites. That’s why we included the Godolphin House and Gardens.
History buffs who are interested in exploring centuries-old manors must definitely pay a visit to Godolphin. This 17th Century old manor is surrounded by historic gardens whose natural beauty will mesmerise you.
The interiors of the Godolphin house are also remarkable. A pillared entrance extends around the facade of a magnificent 6-bedroom mansion with superb architectural detailing that will transport you to the bygone 17th Century era. Linenfold panelling coupled with a whimsical arrangement will make your stay memorable.
As a guest, the whole Godolphin House and Gardens is yours. After meandering through the gardens, stroll along the river, where stunning views of the St. Michael’s Mount and St. Ives Bay await you. Then you can either loop onto the South West Coast Path or head to St. Michael’s Mount in the opposite direction.
5. Relax At Porthleven Beach
Is a restful holiday a part of your vacation trip to Helston, Cornwall? Then drop by Porthleven Beach, whose stunning views and the calming sound of waves breaking on the coast will calm your nerves and rejuvenate your spirit.
Besides picturesque views, this historic harbour offers good food, thanks to the numerous eateries around the beach. After enjoying scrumptious Cornish food, go boat-spotting or walk along the 3-mile stretch to reach the Loe Bar.
As a word of caution, do not try to swim at this beach like you’d do on other beaches, as the tides here are rough.
6. Splash About In Poldhu Cove Beach
While Porthcurno Beach offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy, it is at a walking distance of 7 hours and 24 mins from Helston. That’s where Poldhu Cove Beach, about 17 mins away from Helston, Cornwall, comes in.
Poldhu Cove Beach is among the top Helston attractions because it offers plenty of seaside activities. Want to make sandcastles? Check. Want to play volleyball? Check. Want to try surfing? Check.
During the summer months, lifeguard cover is available, so you can set out swimming with your family and friends.
7. Visit The Largest Yet Mysterious Natural Freshwater Lake, Loe Pool
The Loe Pool is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Helston, which is incredibly popular among nature lovers, walkers, cyclists, dog owners, bird watchers and locals. Wondering why? The National Trust has done a great job in managing the pool, and its magnificent scenery is one reason people prefer dropping by this lake.
But that isn’t the only reason people flock to the pool. Myths about Jan Tregeagle, a local demon, and devils, dragons and buried treasure abound at the pool.
Many believe that King Arthur abandoned Excalibur, his sword, in the pool. You never know, you may witness the sword glimmering in the depths while observing the beauty of the tranquil waters and glorious nature and learning about the local legends.
And mind you, don’t jump into the water, as legend has it that a life is lost every 7 years. So, watch your step when walking along the coastline.
8. Enjoy Water Sports At Kennack Sands
Another beach at Helston where you can enjoy water sports with your kids is Kennack Sands.
Only about 4 miles off the southern tip of Britain at Lizard Point in Helston, Cornwall, lies this sandy beach, which is deemed safe for surfing and swimming with 5ft waves in good condition. When you feel hungry after swimming, step into one of the many restaurants and indulge in your favourite delicacies or try a new Cornish dish.
Final Words
As you can see, Helston, Cornwall, is home to abundant attractions, which is why there are lots of things you can do as a traveller. As a matter of fact, it’s an ideal base to soak in stunning views of St. Ives Bay, Minack Theatre, Pendennis Castle and other beautiful places located in South Cornwall.
Besides the activities mentioned above, you can explore the Helston Folk Museum, Poldark Mine, Penrose, The Customs House Gallery and numerous other places.
Still trying to figure out where you should start exploring Helston? Start by relaxing at the beach, then plan a day at the Flambards Theme Park, learn everything about seals at Cornish Seal Sanctuary and explore the Godolphin House and Gardens.
If you intend to stay for over a week, explore Porthleven Beach and Poldhu Cove Beach, whose picturesque beauty will take you aback. Amid all this, don’t forget to check out local cafes and restaurants to enjoy Cornish foods.
About The Author
Reviewed by
Editor
Related Posts
[wp post shortcode here]
