Set amid farmland and at the end of a long private drive, we are just outside the historic market town of Helston. Helston is the gateway to the Lizard, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty filled with beaches, coves, creeks and fishing villages.
Our staff know the Lizard really well. They can tell you about the best beaches at the right tides, where you can swim, surf, snorkel or just laze around. Boats can be hired from the Helford River, and there are a number of good riding stables nearby. Make the very most of our fantastic location.
If you prefer to explore on two legs, we can recommend some great walks, including a spectacular route to the South West Coast Path from our own front door.
Find details below for some of the best places to see and things to do in our area.
Minack Theatre – 24 miles
The Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre built into the cliffs at Porthcurno with stunning views and the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop. Open daily and showing performances from March – October.
Seal Sanctuary – 3 miles
Set in the picturesque Helford Estuary by the village of Gweek. The Sanctuary first opened in 1958 and since then has grown to a size where they are able to rescue over 40 pups each season. There are lots of different animals to see from sea lions to penguins and even ponies!
National Maritime Museum – 10 miles
The National Maritime Museum is in the lively Events Square in Falmouth. The museums exhibitions are presented over 3 floors in 12 different galleries; there are various interactive and educational activities throughout the building.
St Michaels Mount – 10 miles
St Michaels Mount is a unique small rocky island located off Marazion. You can reach the mount by walking across the causeway at low tide or by a small boat at high tide. It is possible to walk around the National Trust Gardens and right up to the Medieval Castle at the top.
Tate St Ives – 16 miles
Tate St Ives offers introductions to international, Modern and contemporary art, including work from the Tate collection. It also manages the Barbara Hepworth Museum and sculpture garden.
Trebah – 9 miles
Trebah Garden is described as ‘The Garden of Dreams’, it first started in the 1840’s, it is a superb old Cornish Garden. With 25 acres of sub-tropical plants running from the 18th century house through the water gardens and down to Polwigwidden Cove, the private beach. Polwigwidden Cove is on the Helford River which has long been recognised for its scenic beauty and botanical importance. Tarzans Camp, Fort Stuart and the nature trails are all great activities for children to take part in.
Glendurgan Garden – 9 miles
You may also like to visit Glendurgan Gardens which is a National Trust garden next door to Trebah. There is a lovely walk down Glendurgan Beach which has beautiful views over the Helford River. These gardens are also a popular spot for children who enjoy playing in the maze and ‘Giants Stride’.
The Lizard Peninsula – 12 miles
The Lizard Point in the most southerly point in Britain. The dramatic scenery around the Peninsula means that it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you wish to explore the area be sure to go to some of the small pretty coves and beaches such as Cadgwith, Kynance Cove and Poldu Cove.
Porthleven – 2 miles
The harbour village is not far from Nansloe, either a 5 minute drive or a walk through the countryside and down to Loe Pool which is the largest fresh water lake in Cornwall then follow the coast path into the village. This working harbour is the most southerly port in mainland Britain. There are many individual shops and galleries for you to enjoy.
Falmouth – 10 miles
The nautical town of Falmouth basks on the shore line of the third largest natural harbour in the world which is the gateway to many beautiful rivers and creeks. There is plenty to keep you occupied including the individual shops along the cobbled streets, Pendennis Castle which was built over 450 years ago from King Henry VIII or take a pleasure boat ferry across the Fal River to the picturesque village of St Mawes. The famous Oyster Festival takes place in October each year with demonstrations from celebrity and local chefs.
St Ives – 16 miles
Why not leave out all of the hassle of trying to find a car park in the ever busy St Ives, instead park your car at Lelant Saltings station and catch the 3 mile train ride stopping at Carbis Bay along the way. When you arrive in St Ives it’s a five minute walk into the town. There are lots of individually owned shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants along the cobbled streets. On the harbour front in St Ives is a fine golden sandy beach and views across to Gwithian Towans.
Truro – 17 miles
Situated halfway along the length of Cornwall the city of Truro is a beautiful place with lots of history. There are plenty of high street and family owned individual shops to keep you busy and sometimes there is the farmers market in Lemon Quay where you can try all sorts of homemade food from cakes to chutneys. One of the most interesting buildings is the Royal Cornwall Museum which houses a varied collection telling the story of Truro and Cornwall. Also the Hall for Cornwall is not to be missed, you can either see an afternoon or evening performance and there are lots of different shows to see.
