Helford River

Helford River is not a river or an estuary but a ria located in Cornwall which passes the Trebah and Glendurgan gardens, and the Durgan village. At the Head of the Helford River is Gweek, containing a boat building and repair centre, and the Gweek seal sanctuary, where injured Atlantic grey seals are nursed back to health before being released to the freedom of the Atlantic Ocean. The local area is well represented by public houses; with excellent food and local ales available at the Shipwright's Arms in Helford, the Ferry Boat Inn across the river in Helford Passage,and the Gweek Inn.

On the north side of the river Helford River Boats (HRB) has a kiosk sitting on Helford Passage beach (officially called 'Passage Cove') which sells ice creams, souvenirs and beach gear. HRB runs a ferry across the river to Helford Point every day between April and October, as well as renting out motor boats, kayaks, sailing dinghies and rowing dinghies.

On the south side of the river the Helford River Sailing Club lies just above the shore. In the sailing season it is popular with visiting yachtsmen, and regular evening races for both yachts and dinghies. Teaching schemes for both adults and children also run throughout the summer.

Helford River harbours many secrets which can be seen by boat. Small dinghys may be hired from the boatyard in Helford village or across the river in Helford Passage. Popular destinations are Frenchman's Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier in her work of the same name - it's easy to imagine smugglers rowing silently up the creek with muffled oars and creeping through the woods to their safe house. Also worth seeing is Tremayne Quay, built for a visit by Queen Victoria in the 1840s which she then declined to make. Camping is permitted on the quay, although the National Trust require a stay for one or two nights only to give others the opportunity to experience this wonderful setting. There are many other activities to enjoy on and around the river, such as sailing, windsurfing, swimming and fishing or simply sailing around and taking in the scenery.

There are seven creeks off the Helford, from West to East are Ponsontuel Creek, Mawgan Creek, Polpenwith Creek, Polwheveral Creek, Frenchman's Creek, Portnavas Creek/Port Navas Creek, and Gillan Creek.