beach
Kynance Cove
Spectacular cove on the Lizard Peninsula with turquoise waters, serpentine rock stacks and caves revealed at low tide.
15 km · about 30 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Helston
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Helston
Helston works well as a base: 5 minutes from Wendron, 15km from St Michael's Mount.
Helston is in England, United Kingdom, with about 12,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Wendron, about 4 km away.
Helston (Cornish: Hellys [ˈhɛlːɪs] ) is a town and civil parish in Cornwall, England. It is situated at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula, approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) east of Penzance and 9 miles (14.5 km) south-west of Falmouth. Helston is the most southerly town on the island of Great Britain and isRead more
around 1+1⁄2 mi (2.4 km) farther south than Penzance. At the 2021 census, the population of the parish was 11,611 and that of the built up area was 11,360.
The former stannary and cattle market town is best known for the annual Furry Dance, known locally as the Flora Dance. It is said to originate from the medieval period; however, the Hal-an-Tow is reputed to be of Celtic origin. The associated song and music, The Floral Dance, is known to have been written in 1911. In 2001, the town celebrated the 800th anniversary of the granting of its charter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Helston?
Within an hour or so of Helston: Kynance Cove (15 km), St Michael's Mount (15 km), Lizard Point (17 km), St Ives (19 km).
Are there any good drives near Helston?
The nearest famous roads are B3306 St Ives to Land's End, Atlantic Highway (A39) and B3212 across Dartmoor.
Where is Helston?
Helston is in England, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Wendron.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 11,611
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.1032, -5.2705
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Helston
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
castle
St Michael's Mount
Magical tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church, connected to Marazion by a cobbled causeway revealed at low tide.
15 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Lizard Point
The most southerly point of mainland Britain, with dramatic serpentine rock formations and a historic lighthouse.
17 km · about 20 min drive
beach
St Ives
Beloved Cornish seaside town renowned for its turquoise waters, golden beaches and thriving art scene including the Tate St Ives gallery.
19 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Mousehole
A tightly built granite fishing village near Penzance with a horseshoe harbour, famed for its Christmas lights.
19 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
St Mawes
A sheltered sailing village on the Roseland peninsula, guarded by Henry VIII's clover-leaf artillery fort.
19 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Tate St Ives
Modern art gallery dramatically positioned on Porthmeor Beach, showcasing works by the St Ives school and international modern artists.
20 km · about 25 min drive
cafe
The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick
Off-grid beach shack above Porthcurnick Beach on the Roseland Peninsula, cooking over fire for a queue that snakes along the coast path. Its summer feast nights sell out in minutes; a 500m walk from the car park.
23 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near Helston
- 17 kmLizard PointThe most southerly point of mainland Britain, with dramatic serpentine rock formations and a historic lighthouse.
- 23 kmB3306 St Ives to Land's EndA narrow granite-walled road along Cornwall's wild north-west coast past Zennor and Pendeen, slow but stunning.
- 24 kmSt Agnes HeadA cliff-top headland on Cornwall's north coast with ruined engine houses of the tin mining World Heritage Site along the shore.
- 31 kmCape CornwallA rugged headland near St Just, once thought to be England's most south-westerly point, topped by a former mine chimney.
- 32 kmLand's EndThe most south-westerly point of mainland England, where rugged granite cliffs plunge into the Atlantic with views towards the Isles of Scilly.
- 46 kmBedruthan StepsGiant rock stacks marching across a wild sandy beach below towering cliffs on the rugged north Cornwall coast.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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