Helford

The village of Helford makes an excellent centre for exploring the Lizard peninsula. The Helford Estuary marks the northern, softer edge of the Lizard. This is an area of gardens, gentle breezes, and quiet villages. Helford itself was once a major centre for tin export, but today it is a secluded backwater, notable more for the wealthy sailing community who make it a regular stop. You will likely find the harbour filled with yachts and pleasure craft.

A popular spot for readers of Daphne du Maurier is Frenchman's Creek, the secluded waterway used as the inspiration for her novel of the same name. The area is a popular bird habitat, especially rich in herons. Frenchman's Creek is best accessed by way of a footpath.

At Porth Navas is an oyster farm traditionally owned by the Duke of Cornwall. Across the river from Helford is Helford Passage, a small hamlet with a sandy beach. The Cornish Coastal Footpath can be joined at the beach, offering fairly gentle walking and good views. Boats and dinghys can be hired to explore the estuary. In the summer a ferry connects the hamlet with Helford.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is located one mile up the Helford River at Gweek.