Helford

The Helford River is a large estuary that nestles snugly between the western edge of Falmouth Bay and eastern side of The Lizard Peninsula. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and marine ecology and is a popular tourist destination. Long ago, Helford Village was quite an important port. This is difficult to believe today as one approaches the sleepy little place on the banks of the Helford River. Trading ships once brought French rum, tobacco and lace from the continent and the duty was collected at the old custom house. During the Napoleonic Wars, pirates and free traders populated the reaches of the river. Daphne du Maurier's novel, Frenchman's Creek, tells the story of one of these- this was her only romantic novel. Viewed early in the morning with the sea mist over the still water you can understand why, although it may have something to do with the fact that this was where she spent her honeymoon. This famous creek can be found by walking along a wooded track from the top of the village. The Helford is probably one of the most unspoilt rivers in Cornwall, with its deep sheltered valleys, ancient oak forests and hidden creeks.