×

Your property wish list

Loading...

Our wishlist uses a temporary session cookie. This stores a small amount of information on your computer that will remember the selection of properties you had added to the wishlist. When you leave our website, the cookie will be deleted from your computer after 30 days and will clear your selections on the wishlist.

Lying on the wooded banks of the Helford River is the little hamlet of Helford Passage. Located between Falmouth and the Lizard Peninsular, it is arguably one of the most picturesque estuaries in the county and deserves its title of the ‘jewel in Cornwall’s crown’.

Whitewashed cottages line a small sheltered beach where colourful boats anchor on the sand. Right on the edge of the beach sits the famous Ferry Boat Inn, a cosy 300-year-old pub with a terrace overlooking the water and a toasty open fire come winter. Being so close to the water, The Ferry Boat serves delicious, freshly caught seafood, as well as an array of pub classics. Helford Passage is also home to a brilliant little gift shop, Shop @ the Beach, where you can pick up unique, handmade and locally produced gifts to remind you of your holiday.

The best way to spend your Helford River holiday is in, on or by the water! Hop on the passenger ferry and cross the river to the little village of Helford, or hire kayaks and explore the many creeks and inlets of the river, including Frenchman’s Creek, immortalised by Daphne du Maurier’s novel. Try your hand at paddle boarding, set sail on a dinghy or grab a snorkel and mask and discover life below the water. If you’d rather stay on dry land, nothing beats the simple pleasure of dangling a crab line into the water to see how many crusty creatures you can collect.

Two of Cornwall’s prettiest gardens, Trebah and Glendurgan, line the banks of the Helford River and offer great days out for all the family. Run by the National Trust, Glendurgan’s myriad of subtropical valleys are filled with exotic plants, an impressive maze and a giant rotating rope swing, while Trebah Gardens span over four miles with adventure playgrounds, childrens trails and an amphitheatre where you can catch music, dance, theatre and comedy performances.

The South West Coast Path runs alongside the Helford River, offering miles of breathtaking coastal walks. If you’re feeling energetic, head east through Trebah and Glendurgan gardens, following the headland for a four mile walk to Maenporth beach. Keep an eye out for the vibrant array of wildlife, including kingfishers, little egrets, herons and cormorants.

When it comes to beach days, you’re spoilt for choice. As well as the pretty cove at Helford Passage, Durgan, Castle, Maenporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beach are all within five miles. Within a ten minute drive, you’ll reach the bustling maritime town of Falmouth, home to the National Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle and a vibrant array of cafés, bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

https://cdn.toadhallcottages.co.uk/5202/1FBACAD534F34327B7C4F13F5BCE5169/img/2AF48BB7773F475A89F17DA5741257B2/Helford_boats.jpg

Holidays in Helford Passage

All you need to know

PropertiesArea info

Experience the stunning beauty of the Helford River estuary from Helford Passage, a pretty waterside hamlet with unspoilt beaches and breathtaking coastal walks on its doorstep.

VIEW PROPERTIES IN Helford Passage

About Helford Passage

Lying on the wooded banks of the Helford River is the little hamlet of Helford Passage. Located between Falmouth and the Lizard Peninsular, it is arguably one of the most picturesque estuaries in the county and deserves its title of the ‘jewel in Cornwall’s crown’.

Whitewashed cottages line a small sheltered beach where colourful boats anchor on the sand. Right on the edge of the beach sits the famous Ferry Boat Inn, a cosy 300-year-old pub with a terrace overlooking the water and a toasty open fire come winter. Being so close to the water, The Ferry Boat serves delicious, freshly caught seafood, as well as an array of pub classics. Helford Passage is also home to a brilliant little gift shop, Shop @ the Beach, where you can pick up unique, handmade and locally produced gifts to remind you of your holiday.

The best way to spend your Helford River holiday is in, on or by the water! Hop on the passenger ferry and cross the river to the little village of Helford, or hire kayaks and explore the many creeks and inlets of the river, including Frenchman’s Creek, immortalised by Daphne du Maurier’s novel. Try your hand at paddle boarding, set sail on a dinghy or grab a snorkel and mask and discover life below the water. If you’d rather stay on dry land, nothing beats the simple pleasure of dangling a crab line into the water to see how many crusty creatures you can collect.

Two of Cornwall’s prettiest gardens, Trebah and Glendurgan, line the banks of the Helford River and offer great days out for all the family. Run by the National Trust, Glendurgan’s myriad of subtropical valleys are filled with exotic plants, an impressive maze and a giant rotating rope swing, while Trebah Gardens span over four miles with adventure playgrounds, childrens trails and an amphitheatre where you can catch music, dance, theatre and comedy performances.

The South West Coast Path runs alongside the Helford River, offering miles of breathtaking coastal walks. If you’re feeling energetic, head east through Trebah and Glendurgan gardens, following the headland for a four mile walk to Maenporth beach. Keep an eye out for the vibrant array of wildlife, including kingfishers, little egrets, herons and cormorants.

When it comes to beach days, you’re spoilt for choice. As well as the pretty cove at Helford Passage, Durgan, Castle, Maenporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beach are all within five miles. Within a ten minute drive, you’ll reach the bustling maritime town of Falmouth, home to the National Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle and a vibrant array of cafés, bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries.


Things to do
Food & drink
Beaches

Things To Do In Cornwall

Helford River Cruises
(Less than a mile)

(2)

Spend an afternoon exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Helford River with a boat tour helmed by an experience skipper. This memorable trip aboard The Hannah Molly – a traditional Cornish boat with room for 12 people – begins from Budock Vean. From here, you’ll travel along Port Navas Creek, past Helford Passage and Trebah Gardens, before crossing to Helford village and its surrounding creeks and inlets, including Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek.

Helford River Cruises, Budock Vean Hotel, Mawan Smirh TR11 5LG (T: 07941 027732)

View location on map

Add review View all Reviews

On demand service. We used the river boat service to travel from the Ferry Boat Inn on one side of the river to explore the sleepy and picturesque village on the other. Happy to take under 5s too.

July 2021


Amazing company - our daughter and friend hired kayaks and boats, and despite running the latter aground, the staff were good humoured and helpful. (Sorry folks, but we'll be back next year!).

June 2021


Koru Kayaking Cornwall
(Less than a mile)

Explore the Helford River from a sit-on kayak, paddling past sailing boats and ancient oak trees to Frenchman’s Creek – the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s famous romantic novel. This two-hour kayak tour is a great activity for the whole family, offering a unique way to explore the area whilst keeping active. No experience is necessary as Koru’s experienced guides will teach you kayaking techniques and safety information. Buoyancy aids are provided, and wetsuits are available to hire.

Koru Kayaking (T: 01872 552255)

View location on map

Add review


Rock Island Charters
(Less than a mile)

A friendly charter business based at Helford Passage offering fishing trips and sea safaris.  

Click here for further details 

View location on map

Add review


Helford River Boats
(Less than a mile)

(16)

Based in a kiosk on Helford Passage beach, Helford River Boats runs the passenger ferry which runs between Helford Passage and Helford village, home to a fantastic riverside pub, The Shipwrights Arms. They also offer a fleet of self-drive motor boats, rowing boats, Sit-On kayaks and paddleboards which you can hire and explore the stunning Helford River estuary at your own pace. Visit Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek, Port Navas Oyster Farm or the hidden coves and quiet beaches. No previous boating experience is necessary as Helford River Boats provide full instructions, as well as safety equipment and a map of the river. They can also provide a water taxi service, which must be booked in advance.

Helford River Boats, The Kiosk, Helford Passage, Nr Falmouth TR11 5LB (T: 01326 250770)

Enjoy 10% off boat hire with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

View location on map

Add review View all Reviews

Greatfriendly service

September 2023


Friendly and helpful. We had a beach mooring for the week but sadly couldn’t use the boat every day because of poor weather.

September 2023


The men who ran the Ferry were very friendly and helpful.

August 2023


Too expensive to use the ferry. Adds £36 for 4 to go for a meal at the Shipwrights or coffee at Holy Mackeral. Sorry for those two businesses

July 2023


I love the little ferry to Helford - such fun!

June 2023


Just great

July 2022


Brilliant service as always

October 2021


Booked the ferry and hired a boat and a kayak, all excellent, very friendly staff very helpful and very busy all day.

September 2021


Very helpful. Ice creams were good as well

June 2021


See Helford River Cruises - I think I left my review in the wrong place.

June 2021


Very useful and professional service for moorings and ferry crossing . Delicious ice creams too

August 2020


Thank you Ian and Sarah for your help with all aspects of boats, ice cream and sun cream and hats. I hope the rest of the season goes really well for you! Philip

July 2020


Fantastic friendly service.

September 2019


Great little service. With friendly and extremely helpful staff. Would recommend and would use again when in the area

August 2019


Always excellent. We have had boats on the river for years, always well looked after in our absence. Also use the ferry occasionally, excellent, also buy ice cream etc from the kiosk. Everything you or a child could possible want! An essential part of the HP experience. Keep up the good work, and thank you.

August 2019


very friendly and helpful when renting boats and using ferry

July 2019


SUP2You
(Less than a mile)

Sup2You offers simple online hire of inflatable paddle boards making it easier than ever to get out and enjoy the UK’s beaches, coastline and waterways.  Paddleboarding is the perfect way to stay active, have fun with your family and explore the beautiful region where you’re staying; but with everything else you need to bring on holiday sometimes you won’t have the car space to bring your own!  With SUP2You the process couldn’t be easier, simply click the link below, select the board and duration online, and your paddleboard will be couriered next day to your holiday cottage.   

Click here for further information  

Toad Hall Cottages guests can enjoy 10% off their hire when booking for 3 days or more with code Toad10

View location on map

Add review

VIEW PROPERTIES

Book A Cornwall Holiday Today

VIEW PROPERTIES IN Helford Passage
Customer Feefo Reviews