Helston

Helston (Cornish: Hellys) is a small town in Cornwall, UK, at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula. The former tin mining town is also known for the annual Furry Dance, dating from the seventeenth century at the latest, and is the home of the Flambards Theme Park .

Helston was also the birthplace of Bob "Ruby Robert" Fitzsimmons, the first triple world boxing champion. The house where he lived in Helston is still standing and is denoted by a plaque above the door.

Helston is situated along the banks of the river Cober in Cornwall. It was a market town with access to the sea. However this access was blocked when the inlet was blocked by a sand bar. This, although damaging to the town, did not destroy it and the town has prospered in recent years through industries like tin mining and coin manufacture. In more recent times the town has become more tourist orientated with many bed and breakfasts and shops. Tourists are attracted to the area because of the wonderful scenery provided by the Penrose walks and the relaxing holidays avaliable in the area. The seaside is only about 4 miles away. The town also prospers due to the constant development and expansion. There is a major secondary school and three main local primary schools. There are multiple churches including St. Michael's Church, a beautiful old church with stained-glass windows and a tall bell tower.

Many people come to the town as a result of a posting at the Royal Naval Airbase Culdrose. This air-base provides jobs for a large percentage of the population of Helston and has added greatly to the community and atmosphere of Helston.

Helston has good transport links, is not far from main road and rail links and the nearest airport is in Newquay.

External links

• Helston Web Directory - a comprehensive directory of Helston related websites and services.