Helston
Porthleven and Praa Sands
The
internationally famous springtime
Festival of the Furry, or Flora, Dance has become synonymous with the town
of Helston. This pre-Christian folk festival ushers in the 6 prosperous harvest'
and is held this year on 8th May. Flora Day is celebrated in a carnival atmosphere
of colour and music - the town is decked with bluebells, gorse and laurel
leaves as the town's children and adults dance their way in and out of the
streets, alleyways, houses and shops.
Nestled in a wooded valley to the north of the Lizard Peninsula, Helston is perhaps the least changed of ail Cornwall's main towns. To walk the streets and cobbled alleyways of Helston is to get a sense of its history - a journey best started with a visit to the town's fascinating Folk Museum.
Helston also has plenty of modern day attractions including shops, pubs and restaurants, sports clubs, boating lake and the popular Flambards Village Theme Park. Nature lovers can enjoy pretty walks alongside the River Cober at Penrose, or a visit to the recently restored Trevarno Estate and Gardens.
Head away from the town past Loe Pool - the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall, separated only from the sea by a long sand bar - towards the coast and Porthleven.
Porthleven and Praa Sands
Porthleven
With
its narrow streets climbing the hillsides and its distinctive harbour, Porthleven
was once a centre for boat building - its long harbour wall protecting the
port from winter south westerly winds. Nowadays, Porthleven successfully combines
the activities of a working fishing port with those of a popular holiday resort.
This is indeed a happy mix which ensures that the village is alive with gift shops, galleries, a diverse range of restaurants, comfortable pubs and cafes - trading alongside fishmongers, boatbuilders and chandlers. There is also a sheltered beach, popular with families, and access to breathtaking coastal walks to the east and west of the village.
Praa Sands
A
mile long sweep of sand and surf - Praa Sands
enjoys a reputation as one of Cornwall's finest family beaches, ideal for
bathing, surfing and all kinds of associated water activities. Even at the
height of the season, the beach is never crowded and this small friendly resort
offers a range of places to stay including seaside caravan and camping parks.
Beyond the beach a landscape of rolling hills beckons, dotted with interesting
villages, medieval churches and historic sites.
At Germoe you can find the arched stone seat of St Germoe in the churchyard, while at the church of St Breaca at Breage you can admire the 15th century wall paintings and a 3rd century Roman milestone. There are magnificent views across Mount's Bay and The Lizard from Tregonning Hill near Ashton, while to the west of Praa Sands lies Kenneggy Cove and beyond that the sheltered inlet of Prussia Cove. The coast path east takes you past the giant bluffs of Rinsey Head and Trewarvas Head with their engine houses perched on the cliff edge.
Falmouth and South West Cornwall Guide
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