Helston is an historic market town near the south Cornish coast and not far from the Lizard Peninsula.
Helston is a town and civil parish. It is situated at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula approximately 12 miles east of Penzance and nine miles south-west of Falmouth.
The town has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the 13th century. Many of the town’s roads and streets are named with a nod to the town’s past as a populous and vibrant place with close links to mining. Nowadays the streets are lined with attractive stone-fronted cottages with shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs aplenty. One notable pub is the Blue Anchor, home of the famous Spingo beer which is brewed here. There is on-street parking throughout the main roads through the town, as well as several carparks which offer easy foot access also.
A large boating lake lies just south west of the town centre where many ducks, swans and geese can be found enjoying the water, and is a pleasant and flat walk around.
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- Carpark (Free)
- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Dogs allowed (All year)
History of Helston
Helston is a market town located in the south-west of Cornwall. It is believed to have been founded in the 12th century and was an important port during the medieval period. Helston was also a center for tin-mining and copper-mining. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town saw significant growth and development, especially with the establishment of the Flora Day celebrations in the mid-1800s.
The Flora Day is a traditional event celebrated on May 8th every year, and is unique to Helston. It is a day-long celebration of the arrival of spring, where locals and visitors alike dance through the streets to the sound of the town band. The dance is known as the Furry Dance and it is performed by men, women, and children wearing traditional costumes. It is one of the oldest surviving customs in the UK, dating back to the medieval period.
Helston was also an important center for the development of the railway industry. In 1834, the Helston Railway Company was formed to construct a railway line from Helston to Gwinear Road. The line opened in 1887 and remained in operation until 1964. Today, Helston is a thriving town with a rich history, and visitors can still see many of the historic buildings and landmarks that have contributed to its unique character over the centuries.
Travel / Parking information for Helston
Directions to Helston
To reach Helston, drive on the A394 from either Penzance or Falmouth, which directly connects to Helston. This route passes through picturesque Cornish countryside and is well-signposted. Public transport options include regular bus services from major towns like Penzance, Truro, and Falmouth.
Parking for Helston
Parking in Helston is straightforward with several car parks around the town center, including Trengrouse Way car park and Tyacke Road car park. These are pay-and-display facilities offering short and long stay options.