St Ives, Penzance, Kynance Cove and Land’s End are among the big names that spring to mind when thinking about gorgeous holiday spots in Cornwall.
While visiting any of these well-trodden destinations is sure to be an excellent choice, doing so means you could be missing out on some of the UK’s most beautiful spots in the region.
So, perhaps you’d be open to branching out?
Enter Helford, a tiny Cornish village located on the west side of Falmouth Bay, which might be precisely what you’re looking for.
A far cry from the tourist-filled beaches in the region, Helford is perfect for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet.
Naturally, when visiting Cornwall you might be keen to find a picture-perfect beach – fortunately in Helford you’re in luck.
Helford Passage Beach is a sandy beach in an unspoilt sheltered bay, located near the popular 300-year-old Ferry Boat Inn.
Helford, a tiny fishing village situated in Cornwall, is one of England’s hidden gems
Helford was ranked as one of 18 of the most beautiful places in England, according to The Times, last year.
It’s even been visited – and adored – by the likes of Kylie Minogue and Caroline Quentin, Cornwall Live reported.
Plus, some celebrities even live there, including Queen’s Roger Taylor.
Sure, it’s hardly a well-known destination – but Helford has big-name literary credentials.
If you hire a boat to explore the region, you might just stumble upon the famous Frenchman’s Creek.
Frenchman’s Creek, rated 4.7 stars on Tripadvisor, is best known from famous novelist Daphne Du Maurier’s novel of the same name.
Visitors have raved about the views here, describing them as ‘very tranquil and very pretty’ as well as ‘very calming and so different to the rest of the UK’.
One wrote: ‘Outstandingly peaceful and beautiful place. I have walked Frenchman’s Creek every day of my two-week holiday with my dog early in the morning.
‘With the trees coming right down to the river it is the most peaceful spot I know. The birds on the river are a joy to spot and it looks very different at the high and low tide.’
Another commented: ‘It’s certainly impressive and lives up to the reputation created by the novelist, Daphne du Maurier.’
There’s plenty more to do in the village, too.
The Helford River is the crown jewel, with plenty of tiny coves along its shores.
The river and Helford Passage are must-see spots if you’re visiting the region
The gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan are full of subtropical plants dipping down to the water’s edge.
Glendurgan, part of the National Trust, dates back to the 1820s.
One Google review of the garden said: ‘There’s some fabulous and different plants here, all of which are well cared for. You can walk down to the beach which is a lovely place to chill.
‘The maze is fantastic fun and challenging being on a slope. Don’t miss the massive tulip tree as you walk in which is incredible!’
Meanwhile, Trebah Garden is a 26-acre subtropical paradise with a private beach, complete with 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias during the spring.
There are also numerous footpaths in the area giving access to some wonderful quieter spots.
The South West Coast Path crosses via the ferry at Helford on its way to Falmouth or the Lizard, and book lovers can wander through the woods to Frenchman’s Creek.
The Seal Sanctuary in nearby Gweek is a popular year-round visitor attraction.
It’s perfect for animal lovers, as one Google review reads: ‘Lovely setting and some great work being done by a truly dedicated team. Really inspiring to see the results of your work and to see the care taken for the long term residents.’
If you’re seeking a quieter destination in beloved Cornwall, this is one of the best options.
According to Visit Cornwall: ‘From its wide mouth to the muddy creeks upstream, the Helford is loved by all who know it.
‘Sailors take shelter in the entrance, moor up and have a run ashore to one of the waterside pubs.’