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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Helford River

The Helford is one of Cornwall's loveliest hidden corners: a sheltered, deeply wooded river fringed with quiet creeks, oyster beds and tucked-away hamlets. From the ferry between Helford village and Helford Passage to the legendary Frenchman's Creek, it's a place to slow right down and explore by boat or on foot.

The wooded banks and calm tidal waters of the Helford River with small pleasure boats moored at anchor.
A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Place to stay

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Helford River works best as a base for small, unhurried coastal moments: a beach walk, a harbour visit, and time together without over-planning.

Best forA softer base for exploring: less rush, more time for beaches, harbours and local food.

Family stays, slow weekends, coastal exploring and simple Cornish breaks.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Check the final approach, parking arrangements and arrival window before travelling through narrow coastal roads.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

Good for families who want a settled base rather than trying to fit too much into one day.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Pack for mixed weather and plan a few easy coastal options nearby so the trip still feels good if the forecast turns.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

Helford Village & Helford Passage

Helford village and Helford Passage are situated on opposite sides of the Helford River. The river provides great shelter from the southwesterly prevailing winds, however is not so pleasant in an easterly wind. Helford has a sailing club with a slipway so is a good launch point to explore the river by boat. There is a ferry that travels to and from Helford village and Helford Passage.

Along the river from Helford is Frenchmans Creek which was made famous by Daphne du Maurier.

There are commercial fishing boats working from Helford but the majority of boats in the river are pleasure craft.

St Anthony in Meneage

St Anthony is a small village situated in Gillan Creek, a creek at the entrance to the Helford River.

St Anthony is an ideal sailing location and is home to a variety of yachts and small boats.

Gweek

Gweek is at the head of the Helford River. It was once a very busy port both during the pilchard fishing era and also as an export point for the local ores mined nearby. Nowadays Gweek is still an important centre for boat building and repairs.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is situated at Gweek, a tourist attraction whose main aim is to rescue injured seal pups and when possible to return them to the wild.

Durgan

Durgan is a small hamlet situated on the north bank of the Helford River.

The beach at Durgan is great for families and as a base for watersports.

Porth Navas

Porth Navas creek is home to an oyster farm where Cornish oysters and mussels can be bought. Porth Navas is very picturesque.

Sea Fishing in Helford area

The Helford River produces good sized mullet, big bream on lower stretches of the river. You can also catch various flatfish with good sized plaice being amongst them. Bass, pollack and mackerel can also be caught in the river. However, if catching bass beware that Helford is a spawning area for bass and there is a size limit on estuarine bass of 36cm - you are not allowed to keep bass caught in the river under this size.

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Common questions

Where is the Helford River?
The Helford River lies on the northern side of the Lizard peninsula in south Cornwall, winding inland from the sea towards Gweek at its head. Helford village and Helford Passage sit on opposite banks, linked by a seasonal foot ferry.
What is Helford known for?
Helford is known for its wooded creeks, sheltered sailing waters and native oysters, which have been grown in the river for centuries. It's also famous for Frenchman's Creek, the wooded inlet that inspired Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name.
What is there to do around Helford?
You can take the ferry between Helford village and Helford Passage, walk the wooded path to Frenchman's Creek, explore the river by boat or kayak, and visit the family beach at Durgan. At Gweek, the head of the river, you'll find the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Can you buy oysters on the Helford?
Yes. The Helford has a long history of oyster cultivation, with an oyster farm at Port Navas where Cornish oysters and mussels are produced. Helford oysters appear on menus across Cornwall and beyond.
Is the Helford worth visiting?
Yes. For peaceful creekside walks, sheltered boating and a real sense of old, unhurried Cornwall, the Helford is hard to beat, especially for visitors who prefer quiet scenery to busy resorts.