Dreamy village with cosy riverside pub owned by rockstar | UK | Travel

Securing a well-earned place on Condé Nast Traveler’s ’20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland’ list in 2020 and featuring in The Times’ ’18 of the most beautiful places in England’ list in 2025 – this charming Cornish settlement proves itself a genuinely exceptional location.

Situated merely five miles southwest of Falmouth, this picturesque riverside community nestles within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering views so breathtaking they rival any international location.

Featuring subtropical gardens teeming with wildlife, immaculate postcard-worthy beaches and a magnificent river immortalised by bestselling novelist Daphne du Maurier in her celebrated work Frenchman’s Creek, this tiny village presents captivating sights and experiences.

Little wonder, then, that celebrated personalities including Kylie Minogue, The Who’s Pete Townshend, and Caroline Quentin have all ventured here and been enchanted by this waterside rural sanctuary.

Indeed, Queen percussionist and rock icon Roger Taylor, alongside three-time Oscar-winning lyricist Tim Rice, continue to reside in this diminutive picture-perfect settlement, reports Cornwall Live.

For centuries, the compact village of Helford in West Cornwall operated as a bustling harbour, patronised by smugglers, traders and fishermen alike. During World War Two, the Helford River even served as a crucial headquarters for French Resistance activities.

Things do to in this idyllic riverside paradise

Within the settlement itself, quaint cottages sit alongside eye-catching modern homes throughout the village’s winding pathways.

A visit to Helford guarantees glimpses of darting kingfishers, numerous yachts gently bobbing on the tranquil Helford river, and also provides guests the chance to view contemporary artwork at Kestle Barton, the adjacent farmstead.

Helford Village Stores, the yacht club and the delightful Holy Mackerel Café within the restored Helford Chapel represent some of the exceptional attractions of this waterside settlement, though the principal draw undoubtedly remains The Shipwrights Arms.

This captivating riverside establishment on the southern shore of the Helford River features its own jetty and breathtaking vistas across the water.

The thatched inn occupies a privileged location directly beside the waterfront, featuring a spacious terrace bordered with palm trees which creates an exotic, distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere – ideal for savouring a hot coffee or chilled beverage. Within, the pub’s wooden-panelled walls and stone flooring create an inviting, relaxed ambience.

In fact, in July 2025, the village’s foremost pub was acquired by Roger Taylor’s son – and accomplished rockstar in his own right – Rufus Taylor.

Offering fresh seafood, ribeye steak, burgers, and home-cooked pizzas amongst other dishes, The Shipwrights Arms remains a cherished cornerstone of Helford’s tranquil community. The beating heart of this charming village, the Helford River, features countless secluded little coves, perfect for a cooling dip.

It additionally offers various appealing locations including Helford Passage Beach and the pebbled Grebe Beach – equally suitable for swimming.

Water sports fans can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in the river’s calm waters, whilst sailing devotees can rent various vessels from rowing boats to dinghies throughout the river’s length.

Bosahan Cove, located on the river’s southern shore, requires a mile-long walk along the coastal path, though the serenity of this tree-lined beach justifies the effort.

Wildlife enthusiasts will undoubtedly consider Helford a natural haven, having earned designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and offering refuge to numerous varied bird species including shelducks, herons, egrets, kingfishers and fulmars.

Common dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals are regularly observed along the river’s shoreline too. The area’s mudflats and sandy expanses are likewise renowned for hosting substantial populations of peacock worms and razor shells.

For those who’d prefer remaining ashore and appreciating the water from a distance, there’s no shortage of beautiful riverside walks to enjoy around the Helford. Numerous circular paths will guide you past delightful coves, welcoming waterside pubs and stunning woodlands.

Blooms that simply can’t be missed

Additional points of interest near Helford include Trebah Garden (1.6-mile walk) and Glendurgan Garden (2-mile walk), both receiving glowing praise from residents and visitors alike.

Glendurgan Garden is a National Trust site featuring magnificent subtropical gardens, a well-loved maze, and spectacular views across the Helford River, whilst Trebah Garden is a subtropical paradise on the river’s northern shore that’s regarded as an essential destination.

Both gardens showcase valleys absolutely overflowing with flowers tumbling down towards the water’s edge.

Covering 26 acres, Trebah Garden is filled with soaring palm trees and bamboo throughout its four-mile meandering paths, with tumbling waterfalls and ferns contributing to its remarkable beauty.

During spring, the garden’s celebrated rhododendrons spring to life as they explode into a magnificent exhibition of colour. Summer witnesses enormous gunnera plants flourishing throughout Trebah.

If that wasn’t enough, Trebah even boasts a stunning private beach visitors can descend to and savour several hours of peaceful tranquillity.

Glendurgan Garden meanwhile comes alive with snowdrops, camellias, and beautiful magnolias during spring, heralding the season’s verdant glory.

As spring progresses, daffodils, primroses, and crocuses contribute vibrant splashes of colour to this already-beautiful outdoor setting. By April, bluebells can be spotted sweeping across the valleys, forming a magical blue canvas, whilst the various types of rhododendron burst into life to produce striking pink and purple shows.

Apple and cherry blossoms can be discovered decorating both the orchards in the garden. Glendurgan Garden’s wildflower meadows can be observed flourishing with aquilegias, gladioli and species of wild orchids. Spring at Glendurgan is a captivating spectacle that simply cannot be missed.

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