Classic Picturesque Creek
Web: www.visitcornwall.com/destinations/the-helford
The Helford River is fed by small streams into its many creeks. There are seven creeks on the Helford; from west to east these are Ponsontuel Creek, Mawgan Creek, Polpenwith Creek, Polwheveral Creek, Frenchman's Creek, Port Navas Creek, and Gillan Creek. The best known of these is Frenchman's Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier in her novel of the same name. A little further up river is Tremayne Quay, built for a visit by HRH Queen Victoria in 1846's which she then declined to make, allegedly because it was raining.
The river has long been an important industrial and agricultural marine highway serving local mines, farms and quarries as well as the local fishing industry. In 1882, Merthen Hole was the highest point at which the colliers unloaded and Bishop's Quay was the base for a dozen pilchard boats. Most of this industry has now gone, although commercial fishermen still use the river to land their catch. This activity amounts to about one million pounds sterling a year, and the oyster fishery is being revived. The industries have largely been replaced by tourist activities, in particular those relating to the sea, although at the head of the river the landscape is dominated by the extensive operations of Gweek Boatyard and the base of marine drilling and construction company Fugro Seacore, although the latter has moved its main base to Falmouth. These businesses now dominate the head of the river where once coal and timber were landed. On the opposite bank is the National Seal Sanctuary, where injured seals are nursed back to health before being released to the freedom of the Atlantic Ocean. The traditional 'heavy' industries have been replaced by 'lighter' businesses catering for the many tourists who visit the area.
The main areas of settlement that adjoin the river are Gweek, Port Navas, Helford village, Helford Passage and Durgan. Gweek is larger than the others and has a larger permanent population, with more businesses, shops and a pub, The Gweek Inn. Helford village, on the south bank, has a shop/post office, Helford River Sailing Club and pub, The Shipwrights Arms. Helford Passage, on the north bank, has a pub, The Ferry Boat Inn. Helford and Helford Passage are linked by a passenger (and pedal cycle) ferry which has existed for over 300 years.
Port Navas is home to the Duchy Oyster Farm and has at its focal point the Grade II listed Port Navas Quay. The quay, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, has become degraded and damaged. A campaign group has been set up to protect and preserve Port Navas Quay and to reverse associated environmental damage in the Helford River Area; this is Preserve Port Navas Quay.
Following the death of Sir Richard Vyvyan, 8th Baronet of Trelowarren in 1879, his successor the 9th Baronet, Reverend, Sir Vyell Donnithorne Vyvyan exploited the woods on the estate. Aged oaks and ″firs″ between Gweek and Pont St. Fual Lodges, and surplus wood from the rest of the estate was exported from Bishop's Quay to the collieries of south Wales and the principal towns of Cornwall.
Reported to be the oldest Ferry crossing in Britain, and forming part of the South-West Coastal Footpath, the Helford Ferry sails from Helford Passage to Helford Village.
Helford
Picture postcard village on the southern side of the Helford River and now a yachtsman's haven. Daphne du Maurier's Frenchman's Creek to west. The gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan are nearby, also the oyster farm run by The Duchy of Cornwall. Pedestrian ferry across the river. During the second world war many soldiers embarked from here on the D-Day landings. Local pub is the Shipwrights Arms.
Helford Passage
A pretty village on the north side of the Helford River. Passenger ferry across to Helford. Local pub is The Ferry Boat Inn.
Gweek
Formerly a busy port at head of Helford River. Now picturesque village with maritime antiquities, boatyards, crafts and popular Seal Sanctuary with underwater observatory. Local pub is The Black Swan.
Porth Navas
East of Helston on The Helford Estuary. is home to the Duchy Oyster Farm and is Well known for the oyster beds in the creek.
Bosahan Garden
Bosahan serves-up horticultural bliss with a breathtaking view to the estuary and sea.
Frenchman's Creek
Immortalised by Daphne du Maurier, this lovely valley really does exist. Owned by the National Trust, it is hidden away (just west of Helford) and not easy to find.
Glendurgan Garden (NT)
Set in wooded valley dropping steeply to the hamlet of Durgan on the shore of the beautiful Helford Estuary,
Kestle Barton Gallery and Garden
An ancient farmstead in fields and woods high above Frenchman's Creek.
National Seal Sanctuary
A busy rescue centre caring for dozens of injured and orphaned seals, at Gweek.
Trebah Garden
A steeply wooded ravine garden of 25 acres which falls 200 feet from the 18th-century house down to a private beach on the Helford Estuary.
Trelowarren House
Historic house, gardens and chapel. Craft and Visitor Centre with exhibitions of arts and crafts, potters and weavers. 1,000 acres of pasture and woodland leading down to the Helford Estuary.
Falmouth Helston Porthallow St. Keverne Bosahan Garden Trelowarren
Kestle Barton Lizard Peninsula The Coastal Footpath Cornwall's Ferrys Helford Village
Glendurgan Garden Trebah Garden National Seal Sanctuary