The southernmost region of England is famous for lovely sandy beaches, surfing and quaint towns. Helston, Cornwall has all of these things along with rich traditions and some interesting natural features. The town is said to have got its name from a stone, the Hells stone which was dropped by the Devil in a fight with St Michael.
The Floral Dances are a tradition said to originate from the legend which gave the town its name. Apparently the residents danced to celebrate the defeat of the Devil and are still doing so. The festivities take place around the eighth of May every year and draw many visitors. Informal dancing takes place all day as the revelers follow the town band through the streets and even in and out of buildings and shops. There are four formal dances at intervals with the main one at midday where people dress up in formal gowns and suits. The dance for children is a favorite with many visitors and takes place at ten in the morning. The whole town is decorated and everyone joins in the celebrations.
The history of Helston is long and varied as the town started out as a port, became a popular place for farmers and then a center for tin mining. There are various attractions such as museums and visitors centers which highlight different aspects of the history. The town also boasts many fine Victorian and Georgian buildings.
Helston is no longer a port due to a storm many centuries ago. The port was just inside the estuary of the River Cober but this was blocked by a sand bar during the storm and the port became unusable. While this was unfortunate for shipping it was a boon for wildlife. The blocked river created a freshwater lake which has become a haven for birds. Looe Pool is cared for by the National Trust and has several well maintained trails around the perimeter of the lake and branching off to other areas of local interest. The walk around the lake is about five miles long and takes in a number of different ecosystems including marshland and ancient woods.
Tin mining was an important part of the economic life of Helston for hundreds of years. Poldark Mine has been turned into a tourist attraction. You can take a guided tour through the tunnels and see the original machinery. There is also a museum and craft shops at the location.
There are lots of tourist attractions throughout the region but the following are all a short distance from the town; Flambards Victorian Village, Paradise Park, Godolphin House and the National Seal Sanctuary. Penzance is just a few miles down the coast and has lots to see and do for all the family. There are some great beaches nearby for the surfer, walker and swimmer alike.
Helston – Cornwall is a great place to visit to enjoy ancient traditions, beaches, attractions, gastro pubs and some unique natural history.
