Helford holiday cottages

Self-catering holidays in Helford

Helford in West Cornwall is the perfect place to holiday for those looking for a little bit of the abroad, right here in England. We have a variety of stunning holiday lets in the area, which is just south of Falmouth. Our portfolio of idyllic riverside properties offers you a little slice of paradise in an outstanding location. The Helford Estuary meanders peacefully through a series of villages and hamlets, including Helford Passage, Durgan, Mawnan and St Anthony-in-Meanage. Its tree-lined edges are simply picturesque and small sailboats, wildflowers and bustling wildlife complete this unspoilt area. 

Most of our cottages in Helford are riverside properties, with breathtaking views of the estuary. Many of the houses in Helford, including our holiday cottages, have a white exterior, which beautifully compliments this sunny and semi-tropical area. Our Helford river cottages are available to book now, and aside from their charm, offer a range of special features and amenities. From luxury cottages with pools and private gardens to pet-friendly properties, our Helford holiday lets are sure to offer you your dream retreat. 

The Helford Estuary is a truly unique holiday location. The Helford River is full of hidden gems and biodiverse landscapes, from ancient oak forests to rich farmland and semi-tropical gardens. However, there is more to Helford than its exquisite natural landscape, as the area is also steeped in history. Helford was originally a shipping port that once brought French rum, tobacco and lace over from the continent. During the Napoleonic wars, pirates and free tradesmen populated the riverbanks, something which has become immortalised in local history. The buzz around these historical visitors inspired novelist Daphne de Maurier’s romance tale The Frenchman’s Creek. Fans of the novel can visit the creek by walking along a wooded track at the top of Helford village.  

There are lots of opportunities to take part in water sports on the river, including kayaking, sailing and snorkelling, just one of the many advantages of visiting such an unspoilt landscape. The Helford River Regatta, which typically takes place in August, is also a spectacle to behold if you’d prefer to simply watch some water sports. 

It is also possible to take a boat from Helford village to Helford Passage, which will transport you to two of the area’s biggest attractions, the gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan. Both gardens boast a variety of tropical and exotic plants, and Glendurgan’s luscious green topiary wends its way down to the water’s edge, fully transporting you to a different world. Glendurgan is also free to visit for National Trust members. 

It is clear that there is plenty to do in Helford, no matter your age, interests, or holiday preferences. There are also plenty of local pubs and restaurants where you can kick back and enjoy a cold drink and a bite to eat, including The Ferryboat Inn and The Shipwrights Arms, popular with locals and visitors alike. Scroll through our Helford cottages, or take a look at our wider collection of coastal cottages in Cornwall (including Porthleven cottages, Lizard cottages and Falmouth cottages) and get excited for your holiday!