the village & quay | foody paradise | flora | beaches | favourites
Port Navas is, quite simply, absolutely beautiful. The views are constantly changing and utterly mesmerising throughout the seasons and in all weathers.
Walk past the pretty cottages along the edge of the water beyond the public slipway, take the left hand path just before the wonderful Port Navas Yacht Club (open to non-members and serving outrageously good food and wine – make sure you book if you would like to dine. They also hire out kayaks at a very reasonable rate) and you’ll find yourselves staring out from the granite quay, past the bobbing boats on the creek towards the main Helford River, immortalised by Daphne Du Maurier in Frenchman’s Creek.
The quay has its origins in the granite trade of the 19th century but is now a place to pause and watch the wildlife, meet friends old and new, swim at high tide – and if it’s regatta weekend (July or August 2023 tbc), join in with the festivities under the bunting – jazz bands, cake stalls, plenty of local ale and lots of fun on the water both in and out of boats.
And talking of boats, craft of all types from paddle boards and kayaks to motor boats are available to hire from Helford River Boats on an hourly, daily or weekly basis.
The village has a wonderful, active community – the tiny village hall hosts events from art exhibitions to charity evenings and behind it, across the little wooden bridge, Pope’s Garden is tended with care by an army of volunteer gardeners.
A foody’s paradise
Along with stunning scenery, the surrounding area is also renowned for its excellent hospitality. Mentioned above is the Port Navas Yacht Club – a five minute walk from the apartment and the perfect place to while away a warm summer evening.
The famous Ferryboat Inn at Helford Passage is a 5 minute drive away along the Helford River with views out towards the open waters of the Carrick Roads – sit awhile at one of its outside tables nursing a glass of something chilled and delicious (or on the sandy beach in front) and enjoy people watching at its best. The food is tasty too!
In the other direction, 2 miles towards Constantine the Trengilly Wartha Inn is a wonderful place to visit for a cosy meal prepared by one of the most exciting chefs in Southern Cornwall.
Yet more good food is on offer at the Shipwrights Arms across the river at Helford (close as the crow flies but a bit of a drive around unless you get the ferry from Helford Passage – worth it though).
If you just fancy a wander down the bridle path at the top end of Trewince Lane and across some fields following the public footpath (or again, a couple of minutes in the car up the road) The Potager garden and café is a wonderful destination for ethically sourced, sustainably produced vegetarian food (with a focus on middle-Eastern flavours). Their breakfasts, lunches cake and coffee are all delicious.
And we wouldn’t forgive ourselves if we didn’t mention Slice at nearby Trewardreva Mill just outside Constantine. Fabulous food and coffee served in stylish surroundings – best to book if you would like to sit inside – despite its hidden location it is extremely popular.
We really are spoilt for choice!
By the way, Mawnan Smith and Constantine both have fantastically well stocked general stores if you need provisions (Constantine Stores is world famous for its exceptional range of wines and spirits). Argal Farm Shop 4 miles away on the way to Falmouth is handy too.
Flora and yet more flora
The winding lanes around the Helford River make for great walking routes – the spectacular oaks and beeches creating cathedral-like tunnels interspersed with sudden, tantalising glimpses of water. Pick up the South West Coast Path and meander around Durgan (pausing at Grebe beach for a quick dip perhaps in the calm turquoise waters more usually seen in the South of France) and work your way along the coast towards Maenporth beach. For keen horticulturists – and historians – the stunning gardens at Trebah and the National Trust’s Glendurgan are just a few minutes’ drive from Port Navas and are not to be missed.
Beaches of dreams
The local Helford River beaches (try Grebe, Durgan, Helford Passage and Polgwidden at Trebah Garden – where 7,500 US troops set off for the D-Day landings) are a comfortable mixture of sand and shingle gently lapped by calm tidal waters. They are rich feeding grounds for Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone and Oystercatchers, and it’s very easy to while away a peaceful afternoon, skimming stones and watching the wading birds and the boats go by.
And then of course there are the spectacularly dramatic beaches of the Lizard Peninsular; Kynance Cove, Gunwalloe Beach, Dollar Cove – there is a special place for everyone.
A few more favourites to finish
You’ll find lots more ideas for days out and places to visit (in all weathers!) in our welcome book in Trelowen, but in the meantime, and in no particular order we recommend…
Harbour Lights fish & chips – for food and a great webcam (Falmouth), Trago Mills – a warren of a shop selling everything (Falmouth), catching the ferry to St Mawes for a day trip (Falmouth), National Maritime Museum (Falmouth), Castle Beach – who can find the most cowrie shells? (Falmouth), Gylly Beach Café – the view! (Falmouth) art galleries in St Ives, Lizard Point – be the most southerly person in the UK for a moment or two – much less touristy than the most westerly Lands End, Tintagel and Padstow – just because…