The Helford

From its wide mouth to the muddy creeks upstream, the Helford is loved by all who know it. Sailors take shelter in the entrance, moor up and have a run ashore to one of the waterside pubs.

On the northside of the estuary, close to Helford Passage, are the adjacent gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan. Both offer valleys full of sub-tropical plants dipping down to the water’s edge. The same can be said of the grounds of Budock Vean Hotel, which also has a golf course.

The main areas of settlement alongside the river are Gweek, Port Navas, Helford village, Helford Passage and Durgan. Helford and Helford Passage are linked by a passenger ferry that has existed for over 300 years. Both villages have popular pubs with views of the water where you can wait for the ferry to arrive.

For those who prefer the wilder side of things, there are many footpaths in the area giving access to some wonderful quieter spots. The South West Coast Path crosses via the ferry at Helford on its way to Falmouth or the Lizard and book lovers can wander through the woods to Frenchman's Creek, immortalised by Daphne Du Maurier.

The further you go up stream, the more the woods close in, access is restricted to the water until you get to Gweek where the Seal Sanctuary is a popular all year round visitor attraction.