Helston
is a small and ancient town with the large selection of shops and eating
places that you would expect of a thriving market and harbour town.
Indeed, there is such a large and varied selection of quality shops that
Helston is worth visiting for this reason alone. Take your pick of eating
places from chinese and indian restaurants, numerous cafes and takeaways,
many offering a superior level and innovative selection of food (Mother's
Bakery and Takeaway amongst others). Drop into the thatched Blue Anchor
(a thatched Inn dating from the 15th century) restaurant and bar, with
real ale and a large beer garden at the rear. The town's Folk Museum (Mondays
to Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) is just off the main street and has a superior
and large selection of crafts and trades exhibits etc , Costume Gallery,
village shop artifacts and much more. The Angel Hotel (good food) was the
16th cent home of the Godolphin family. The Grylls Monument was erected
in 1834, in memory of Humphrey Grylls. A short stroll from the town
centre is large Coronation Park with its huge Boating Lake (boats for hire),
childrens play amenities and a cafeteria. There is a tourist office in
the main street. Visitors to Helston often don't realise this is a
harbour town (via the river), the harbour running right into the
heart of the town. During the summer period watch the boats bring
in their catches of crabs and lobsters etc. Helston is of course
famous for its ancient pagan festival of Flora Day and The Furry Dance
(every 8th May) when the whole town is taken over by dancers and festivities.
