Beaches and Coastline of Cornwall
Falmouth, Helford River & Area
Places in Italics are Cliffs, Headlands and Coastal Features.
Men-aver Beach
Shingle and sand beach. Parking difficult.
Gillan Harbour
Reached on foot. Sand and shingle. Swimming.
Flushing
Dennis Head
Fortified against attack in Elizabethan times.
St. Anthony-In-Meneage
Small village with church built of Normandy Granite which might substantiate the legend that is was built by shipwrecked Normans.
Sand and shingle beach where sailing boats and windsurfers can be hired.
Helford
Quiet village of thatched cottages on the estuary with sailing and motor boat hire. Passenger ferry in summer.
Frenchman's Creek
Accessible on foot from Helford. Daphne du Maurier made this isolated inlet famous. Reputed to be haunted.
Tremayne Quay
Built in the 1840s for a visit by Queen Victoria which never took place.
Gweek
At the head of the Helford Estuary. Roman traders called here and in the 14th C it was a busy port. Now home of the Seal Sanctuary.
Porth Navas
At the head of the Porthwavas Creek this hamlet is the centre of the Duchy of Cornwall's oyster fishery.
Helford Passage
A hamlet which looks across the estuary and has a shingle and sand beach which is reached on foot. A ferry crosses the river in summer, the ferry crossing has existed since the middle ages. This area is popular for sailing and boating. Boat trips, boat hire, swimming. Dog ban.
Polgwidden
Swimming.
DurganWaterside hamlet, cars must be left outside the village and it is a ten minute walk to the sand and shingle beach. Swimming. Dog ban.
Toll Point
Magnificent views of the of the Helford River.
Mawnan
Tiny hamlet with 13th C church which is a landmark for sailors.
Parson's Beach
Rosemullion Head
Maenporth
Parking on beach. Diving, windsurfing and watersports.
Swimming, shop/cafe, toilets, parking. Dog ban.
Swanpool
Sandy beach backed by reeds where there are swans.
Swimming, beach huts, shop/cafe, toilets, parking. Dog ban.
Castle Beach
GyllyngvaseLifeguard, shop/cafe, toilets, parking. Dog ban.
Pendennis Point
Pendennis Castle
Falmouth Harbour & Carrick RoadThe Fal estuary is the third largest natural harbour in the world. The town is split into two with the harbour and town centre on the north side and the beach resort on the south. A strong history of maritime activity exemplified by the Falmouth Packet Boats. Passenger ferries to St. Mawes and Flushing and summer boat cruises up the River Fal.
PenrynPenryn nestles at the head of own creek and was a thriving port long before Falmouth developed. Fishing boats & private craft.
Flushing
Village with signs warning of swans crossing and houses which were once the homes of naval and merchant ship's officers. Busy tourist area and landing point for the ferry from Falmouth.
Trefusis Point
Mylor Creek
Two villages are on the south side of this creek which offers moorings for pleasure craft. Sailing.
Restronguet Creek
Restronguet Passage has a fine riverside Inn is a popular boating spot.
Feock
Loe BeachWatersports centre and boatyard with sand and shingle beach at low tide.
Trelissick
Crossing point for the King Harry Ferry which carries cars.
Truro
Cornwall's only city. Once a commercial port and stannary town. Pleasure craft still use the river.
Malpas
Tiny village which is a ferry stage for the Falmouth to Truro service. In summer a passenger ferry crosses the river.
Philleigh
Where you'll be heading if you have taken the King Harry Ferry from Trelissick.
Turnaware Point
An obelisk commemorates the use of the area during the preparations for the D-Day landings. Limited parking but an ideal picnic area with fine views.
St. Just in RoselanHamlet with 13th C church. Views of the harbour.
St. Just Pool
Pleasure craft.
St. Mawes
Town and 16th C castle. Splendid views of Carrick Roads and Falmouth Harbour. The harbour accommodates pleasure craft and fishing boats.
Percuil
Tiny harbour with boatyard and pleasure craft. There is a peaceful picnic area above the river and waterside walks.
St. Anthony Head
Lighthouse built in 1835 which guides shipping into Carrick Roads.
Zone Point