Things To Do
in Helston
Helston is a small market town located in Cornwall, United Kingdom. It is known for its annual Flora Day celebration, where people dance through the streets in traditional costumes. The town has a rich history dating back to medieval times, with notable landmarks such as the St. Michael's Church and the Monument Walk.
Helston is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a popular destination for tourists exploring the rugged coastline of Cornwall.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $12 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a walk at the nearby Penrose Estate. Enjoy the stunning lake views and lush countryside.
Visit the Helston Museum to learn about the town's rich history and heritage. Take some time to stroll through the local shops afterward.
Have dinner at a cozy local pub and sample some traditional Cornish dishes. End your day with a peaceful walk around the town.
Visit the annual Flora Day festival, celebrating the arrival of spring. Witness the colorful parades and traditional Cornish dancing.
Grab lunch at a nearby café featuring local ingredients. Explore the vibrant streets and enjoy the festival's offerings.
Join in the evening festivities with music and more dancing. Relax with a drink at an outdoor terrace as the sun sets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and proximity to the coast.
- Rich history with significant historical sites.
- A strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Access to various outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Public transport options may be less frequent.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger urban areas.
- Potential for inclement weather, particularly during winter months.
- Limited access to specialized medical services.
Best Activities in Helston
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the traditional Helston Flora Day, held annually on May 8th, featuring a historic dance procession and beautifully decorated flowers around the town.
Take a guided tour of RNAS Culdrose, the largest naval air station in the UK, and learn about its history and operations while enjoying the surrounding scenic views.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque Penrose Estate, where you can explore trails leading to beautiful gardens, woodlands, and waterfront views of the Loe Pool.
Discover the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, located nearby, where you can learn about and see rescued seals and other marine wildlife.
Go birdwatching at the Loe Bar, a unique coastal habitat that provides a variety of bird species to observe, particularly during migration seasons.
Cycle along parts of the South West Coast Path, which offers stunning coastal views and access to hidden beaches and coves around Helston.
Try your hand at fishing in Porthleven Harbour, just a short distance from Helston, where you can catch a variety of fish while enjoying the sea breeze.
Tours
Uncover the best of Helston with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Helston
Visit one of these nice places.
A charming village close to Helston, offering stunning views of the Helford River. The coastal paths provide excellent photo opportunities of the river and surrounding nature.
This historic estate features beautiful gardens and lake views, along with walking trails that lead to scenic vistas over Loe Pool and the coastline.
A natural barrier of sand and pebbles that separates Loe Pool from the sea. It offers spectacular views and is a popular spot for photography, especially during sunsets.
The nearby village of Gweek offers picturesque views of the countryside and the River Helford, with opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
A tranquil spot in Helston with lush greenery, swans, and benches for relaxation. It's ideal for capturing reflective photos of the lake and surrounding park.
A short hike will reward you with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Helston, and is a fantastic location for landscape photography.
Food in Helston
Helston Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory pastry filled with beef, onion, potato, and swede – A must-try at Gear Farm Pasty
Must-Try!
A unique fish pie adorned with fish heads poking through the pastry, available at The Ship Inn
Indulge in scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and a pot of tea at The Cornish Deli
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every first Saturday, offering locally produced goods including cheeses, bread, and pastries
An annual event featuring a diverse range of street food vendors offering global cuisines
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Helston, as in much of the UK, it's important to be polite. A simple 'please' and 'thank you' goes a long way. When meeting someone, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are common. Saying 'hello' or 'good morning' when entering a shop or pub is appreciated.
Helston is known for its local traditions, such as the annual Flora Day celebration. Showing respect for these customs and participating or asking questions can help foster good relationships with locals. Avoid making negative comments about their traditions.
The British are known for their love of queuing. In Helston, it's important to wait your turn in line without pushing or cutting ahead. If someone offers to let you go ahead, it's polite to accept but also to thank them for their kindness.
Safety
Tipping in Helston
Ensure a smooth experience
In Helston, as in much of the United Kingdom, tipping practices are generally seen as a way to show appreciation for good service. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill if service is not included. In pubs, it is common to round up the bill or leave small change. Tipping is also appreciated in taxi services, hairdressing, and other personal services, though it is not obligatory.
Payment methods in Helston are diverse, with an increasing preference for card payments and contactless transactions due to their convenience. Most restaurants, shops, and service providers accept major credit and debit cards. Cash is still accepted, but its use has declined. Additionally, some businesses may offer digital payment options through apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. In general, businesses display clear signs regarding accepted payment methods at their premises.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Helston. Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, especially in the local gardens and parks. This season is excellent for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as the landscape comes alive with greenery.
Summer (June to August) brings warm weather, with temperatures often reaching the low 20s°C (70s°F). It's a busy season for tourism, making it ideal for enjoying local festivals and outdoor events. However, it can also be quite crowded, especially during peak holiday weeks.
Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. This season is great for walking trails and enjoying the local food harvest. The tourist crowds begin to thin out, providing a more peaceful experience.
Winter (December to February) is the quietest season in Helston, with colder temperatures and occasional rainfall. Expect a range of festive activities during the holiday season. It's perfect for a tranquil visit, with fewer tourists and the charm of winter scenery.
Helston at Night
Hiking in Helston
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning coastal area known for its beautiful beaches and scenic walking trails, offering picturesque views and diverse wildlife.
A tranquil location for walking with opportunities to observe local wildlife, including various bird species along its trails.
Features a network of trails with breathtaking clifftop views, ideal for both challenging hikes and leisurely strolls.
Offers a variety of walking paths through lush woodland and along the lakes, ideal for family-friendly hikes.
An area with coastal walks that provide stunning sea views, along with opportunities to explore nearby beaches and villages.
Aiports
How to reach Helston by plane.
The nearest international airport to Helston, located approximately 30 miles away.
An international airport located around 70 miles east of Helston.
An international airport located approximately 130 miles northeast of Helston.
Located around 130 miles to the west of Helston, serving international flights.
Approximately 150 miles to the northeast of Helston, offers various international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, encompassing individuals of English, Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Irish descent.
Includes individuals of other white nationalities such as Irish, European, or those from other white ethnic backgrounds.
Includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and other Asian backgrounds.
Comprising people from mixed ethnic backgrounds, often including White British and other ethnicities.
Includes individuals of Black African or Caribbean descent.
Covers individuals from various ethnic backgrounds not specified in other categories.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a highly popular sport in Helston, with local teams and leagues that engage many residents at both youth and adult levels.
Rugby has a strong presence in Helston, particularly with the Helston Rugby Club, which offers opportunities for players of all ages.
Cricket is enjoyed in Helston, with local clubs providing a platform for both casual and competitive play during the summer months.
Athletics is popular among younger residents, with local clubs offering training and competitions throughout the year.
With proximity to the coast, surfing is a popular activity among residents, especially at nearby beaches like Porthleven.
The scenic countryside around Helston provides great opportunities for walking and hiking, making it a favored pastime among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Helston.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
A vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant offering creative and wholesome plant-based dishes
Known for its excellent gluten-free options, from baked goods to hearty meals