There are so many things to do and see in this glorious part of Cornwall, (way more than on this list), but here are a few ideas:

Cadgwith – With its picturesque thatched cottages, must be one of the most romantic places in Britain. It continues to be a working fishing village, and you can buy fresh fish from the Cadgwith Fish Seller/Crab Shop. The Cadgwith Cove Inn is nearby, and on most Friday evenings there is a chance to hear the Cadgwith Singers - a treat! The cliff walks are spectacular, and the impressive Devil’s Frying Pan is situated to the south. 

Coverack – Once a notorious smuggling haunt, this traditional village has a small protected harbour, usually brimming with fishing boats. The wide beach at Coverack is popular for paddleboarding and windsurfing and building sandcastles. The Coverack Wind Surfing School (who also run paddleboarding lessons) is based there. 

Diving – at Porthkerris Cove offers facilities for divers with access to The Manacles and the many shipwrecks offshore. They also run Shark tours.

Falmouth – is a thriving, vibrant town. As well as an abundance of interesting and individual shops, there are exhibitions, concerts, street entertainment and theatrical events going on throughout the year. Pendennis Castle is an excellent example of a Tudor Coastal Defence fort and is a good “visit” for all the family. The Fal Estuary has a striking network of creeks and rivers and is blessed with some excellent sandy beaches and cafes. It is well worth taking a ride down the river on one of the passenger boats and enjoying the magnificent scenery. Alternatively, spend time exploring The Cornwall Maritime Museum, The Falmouth Arts Centre and The Falmouth Art Gallery. Children will love the themed activity pool at ‘Ships and Castles’.

Gardens – Because of the climate, plants such as Daturas, Palms, Camellias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, Abutilons and Bamboo thrive in this region. Not surprisingly, the gardens in the area are renowned and to name but a few:- Trebah, Glendurgan (with its maze), Bonython, Penjerrick, Carwinion, the charming Enys Gardens, Trelisick and Burncoose. So many!

..More Things to Do

Golf – There are several golf courses that are well worth a visit. Mullion is the nearest and is Britain’s most southerly course and, perhaps, one of the most beautiful coastal courses (and Riverside guests can have a discount). Falmouth and Truro and Praa Sands are other options. There is also a Pitch and Putt course at the Wheal Dream in Helston. 

Gweek – Once a Roman Port, now home to the renowned National Seal Sanctuary.  This busy rescue centre is open daily and cares for dozens of injured or abandoned seal pups before returning them to the wild. 

Helston – This historic (stannary) market town is also famous for its Flora Day (and the Furry Dance) which takes place in early May. Trace the origins of Cornish Heritage by visiting the Folk Museum.  Flambards Village Theme Park is a great day out in all weathers and is the West Country’s leading family attraction. 

Kynance Cove is so picturesque with white sand and turquoise water surrounded by serpentine cliffs and caves. It is owned by the National Trust, and there is an extremely good café just above the beach. 

Lizard Village – Watch the Serpentine turners shaping this unique local stone into a variety of beautiful designs. Visit Lizard Lighthouse, the most southerly lighthouse in Britain; there’s plenty to keep young people engaged and interest adults.

Minack – Stunning natural open-air theatre built into a cliffside. Plays, musicals and opera. The season runs from May to September. 

Mullion – The largest village on the Peninsula. The pretty harbour at is owned by the National Trust. Mullion Island is a bird sanctuary for many unusual migrants. Mullion Gallery exhibits the work of over 80 local artists. Poldhu Cove - is an ideal and easily accessible family beach with a café and Polurrian Cove is a popular spot for surfers.

Poldark Mine and Heritage Centre – Another interesting place to visit. Take an underground tour to experience the working conditions of an 18th Century miner, see the equipment he used. 

Talking of Poldark, have a look online to find the various locations used for the recent television series. (Much of the harbour filming was in Charlestown; check out the Longstore for food).

Plus…

Porthleven – Is a charming fishing town built around its harbour. There are lovely individual shops selling local arts and crafts; and some very good eateries plus the buzzing Food Festival in April. 

R.N.A.S. Culdrose – The largest naval helicopter base in Europe with a visitor’s enclosure for viewing manoeuvres. 

St Anthony – has an ancient church, a sailing shop selling clothes, kit and ice-creams. Our boats are run by Sailaway St Anthony and are sometimes based here. 

St Ives – Is a charming town with cobbled streets and so many shops of interest. It is home to the Tate Gallery and many other galleries, potteries and museums. During the September Festival theatre and visual arts abound.

St Keverne – The beautiful 15th Century church is the largest in West Cornwall with monuments to people drowned in ships wrecked off The Manacles (the most dreaded of all reefs in Cornwall). There’s a 32-pound carronade recovered from the wreck of H.M.S. Primrose in 1809 there too.

St Michaels Mount – This historic island castle is run by the National Trust and can be accessed on foot over the causeway at low tide or by ferry at high tide. 

Trelowarren – An historic house which has the Walled Garden Spa, the New Yard which exhibits Cornish Art and the New Yard Bistro. 

Truro – Has an eclectic selection of shops and there is always something on at the Hall for Cornwall. The Arts Festival is in full swing in June. The fine Georgian architecture and the imposing three-spired cathedral also warrants closer examination. An interesting insight into the history of Cornwall can be gained by visiting the County Museum. There are several good places to eat, but we recommend Bustopher Jones (cocktail bar and restaurant)

Walking whether you are an enthusiast or not, you will find a wonderful variety of walks to suit your walking requirements on the Lizard. Helford gives access to a number of breathtaking walks of varying distances and incorporating beautiful woodland paths and countryside as well as spectacular coastal scenery. Helford itself is on the Coastal Path.