Helston

Helston

Helston Church


Helston Church


Cross at Helston

Towns and Villages in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Helston

Helston was an important centre in Cornwall's mining days when it was one of the Stannary towns, the ancient town of Helston retains much of its charm.

The town is noted for its annual Spring festival held on May 8th, Furry Day, when townspeople dance through the streets and the houses to celebrate the triumph of Spring over Winter. Click on Events on the menu for this page.

Although it is likely that the festival is pre-Christian in origin, it now celebrates Helston's patron Saint Michael, who is honoured for saving the town from a fiery dragon.

Many famous local families are associated with the town and remembered with elaborate monuments in St Michael's Church including those of Glynn and Borlase.

At the lower end of Coinagehall Street is a striking granite gateway erected in 1834 of Georgian gothic style which commemorates the life of Humphrey Grylls.

Famous People born in Helston

Helston was the birth-place of Bob Fitzsimmons, Britain's first heavyweight boxing champion.

Its main thoroughfare Coinagehall Street is famous for the water channels which run along its length. Take care when parking!

Helston has an excellent Skate Park on a dedicated site near the Coronation Lake at the bottom of the town.

General Information

Helston has a commercial centre with branches of all the main banks and a Post Office. Its shopping centre is comprised of specialist local shops and famous high street names.

Location:
Located in West Cornwall. Helston is easily accessible from the Penzance and Truro-Falmouth areas via the A394 and from the Redruth area with the B3303.

IntoCornwall Area Map Lizard Peninsula Map

Road directions to Helston

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Helston

  Topical phrases of the month May: 'May flowers in Cornish'

  Place Name of the Month May: Padstow and Helston