The Lizard Peninsula
Helston forms a part of Cornwall known as the Lizard Peninsula, a ruggedly beautiful stretch of coast that juts, almost defiantly, into the sea. Quite probably the UK's warmest climate is experienced here, accounting for the proliferation of sub-tropical vegetation. Here you can see palm trees and pine trees co-existing.
Beaches
Only two and a half miles from the nearest beach, Helston is ideally placed to enjoy the best that the Cornish coast has to offer. Porthleven's sandy beach stretches from the impressive harbour to the Loe Bar, a patch of land between the sea, and Cornwall's largest natural freshwater lake. Cornwall's coast is renowned for its surfing and Porthleven in particular represents the county's most challenging surfing location.
Museum
Market House was built in 1837 and is now Helston's Folk Museum. The first display item that you'll see, even before entering, is a cannon. This piece of artillery was retrieved from the wreck of HMS Anson which foundered off Loe Bar in 1807. The museum has two floors containing five separate halls full of artefacts and displays. You'll see three centuries of the town's history reflected in exhibits that cover everything from fishing, farming and mining to marine and military history.
Walking
It's possible to walk along 630 miles of coastline in Cornwall. Of course, not everyone has the time or inclination to do this but the county does offer up a plethora of trails. There's something to suit everyone from easy walks to more challenging treks. The area around Loe Pool makes for a dramatic, scenic hike that takes in the rich farmland and woodland of the Penrose Estate.
Eating out
The Greenhouse is an extremely popular restaurant whose food is cooked using local fish and Cornish game. The menu always depends on whatever produce is bought at the time which means there's an ever-changing roster of dishes to entice. The ice cream, desserts, pastries and bread are all homemade, and they have a vegetarian menu too. The Wendron New Inn, a delightful 18th-century granite building, provides a good selection of real ales and home-cooked food. For delicious coffee, a pasty and some of the best views in Cornwall, the Polpeor Café is hard to beat.
Shopping
Helston has convenience stores for any essentials that you might need. There are a host of independently owned shops selling all sorts, including shabby chic, jewellery, tableware and gifts. There's an establishment that sells herbs, spices, pulses and seeds, and pasties are, naturally, widely available. A Farmers' Market is held on the first Saturday of each month (apart from January), from where you can buy the best fish, meat, vegetable and herbs that the area has to offer.
