Helston is a town at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula, and the most southerly town on the island of Great Britain. In Kernewek it is Hellys, and the name comes from hen lys, old court. It was already a place of importance when King John granted its charter on 15 April 1201, and it served for centuries as a stannary and coinage town, where tin was weighed before the duty was paid.
Flora Day
On 8 May each year, or the Saturday before when the date falls on a Sunday or Monday, the town closes its streets and dances. The Furry Dance passes through the streets and through some of the town's buildings, houses are dressed with bluebells and greenery, and the day belongs to Helston in a way few towns can match.
Water
The river Cober runs through the town and into Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural lake, held back from the sea by the shingle bar at Loe. It is a quiet end to a town with a loud day.
A local first
Helston is the birthplace of Bob Fitzsimmons, the first triple world boxing champion, whose house in the town still carries a plaque.
Sources
Last checked: 2026-10-11