"The Birth of Laura" Helston by hayward68

Helston Travel Guide: 20 reviews and 23 photos

How It All Began...

Helston is a small historic market town in southwestern England in the county of Cornwall. It is most famous for its annual Furry Dance which takes place usually on May 8, Flora Day. On this day the whole town is wreathed in flowers and townsfolk dance up and down the hilly streets of the town, weaving in and about the buildings as they go. This custom is one of the oldest in the country and predates Christianity.
The history of the town dates back to the Roman occupation and was then known as Henlis. The town at the time was a port town on the river Cober, but over the years the river mouth silted up and the town lost its livelihood from that angle. However, Helston thrived because of its Gild Merchant and its location; it acted as a gateway to the Lizard Peninsula; it lay on the main southern route through the region; and it stood on the southern edge of one of the main tin mining areas in Cornwall.

Then I Came Along...

My Christening, Mum & Me

My Dad was in the Royal Navy and shortly before my birth he was posted to RNAS Culdrose and my family lived in military housing in the town. I was actually born in the house we lived at and was christened on the Naval Base.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Convenient for touring southern Cornwall
Cons:You won't want to go home
In a nutshell:I was born there, can't be all bad ;-)

Last visit to Helston: Apr 2004
Intro Updated Nov 25, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (17)

The Monument Things to Do (4)

This monument was built in 1834 to commemorate Humphry Millet Grylls, a local banker and solicitor who helped to keep... more travel advice

Coronation Park Things to Do (4)

This park, developed in the 30's, is located near the bottom of town, parking is off the Porthleven Rd, and includes a... more travel advice

Folk Museum Things to Do (4)

Formerly the Butter Market, this building was built around 1837 and now houses the museum which opened in 1849. It's now... more travel advice

Let's Get Walking What to Pack (1)

A small daypack is good to bring for all the long walks you'll want to take, great for carrying food and water. Sturdy... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Tasty Thai
Transportation (2)
See All Tooling Around Helston
Nightlife (1)
Drinking With Sailors

Hotels (1)
Sleeping With the Angels
Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Roskilly's
Been to Helston?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (13)

Reply
- Report abuse
Maillekeukeul May 1, 2005 at 7:53 AM

Interesting place of birth...
Reply
- Report abuse
hunterV Jan 26, 2005 at 11:28 AM

So many nice places to go to! I wish I could go there, too...
Reply
- Report abuse
obiwanwasabe Nov 12, 2004 at 1:39 AM

Ahh the Blue Anchor, still the best one in Helston Kernow. Thanks for the quick tour. Nick
Reply
- Report abuse
iandsmith Nov 9, 2004 at 12:54 AM

Interesting and informative. You just can't be too careful with "belt suckers" around!
Reply
- Report abuse
ettenaj Nov 30, 2003 at 12:21 PM

I have friends who live in Helston and I have been to each of your " must see"'s a great place to live.
Reply
- Report abuse
sabsi Jun 26, 2003 at 12:22 PM

Lovely "back to the roots" page, Laura!
Reply
- Report abuse
btex Jun 21, 2003 at 9:00 AM

the Blue Anchor does look like a good place to frequent. nice town. happy b-day!
Reply
- Report abuse
Tolik Jun 13, 2003 at 7:36 PM

I should visit Helston next year!
Reply
- Report abuse
phil_uk_net Apr 17, 2003 at 5:37 AM

My own, and everybody elses, favourite part of England (outside of London). And not without good reason. Fish & chips, Cornish scrumpy and pasties - you can't beat it. What a great part of the world to call your birthplace.
Reply
- Report abuse
Omahaman Mar 18, 2003 at 1:18 PM

Very interesting! Jim