This picturesque Cornish village featured on The Times’ list of the most beautiful places in England and boasts subtropical gardens, stunning beaches and a pub owned by a rockstar
Parul Sharma GAU Senior Writer
07:00, 04 Apr 2026
Trebah Garden, Cornwall
This delightful Cornish village has certainly made its mark, appearing on Condé Nast Traveler’s ’20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland’ list in 2020 and The Times’ ’18 of the most beautiful places in England’ list in 2025.
Situated five miles southwest of Falmouth, this enchanting waterside spot lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting views so spectacular they could give any foreign getaway a run for its money.
Blessed with verdant subtropical gardens brimming with fauna, pristine beaches that look like they’ve been plucked from a holiday brochure, and a magnificent river immortalised by renowned novelist Daphne du Maurier in her celebrated work Frenchman’s Creek, this compact village offers a wealth of sights and experiences.
Little wonder, then, that famous faces including Kylie Minogue, The Who’s Pete Townshend, and Caroline Quentin have all fallen under the spell of this peaceful waterside haven.
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Indeed, Queen’s drummer and rock legend Roger Taylor, alongside triple Oscar-winning lyricist Tim Rice, proudly call this idyllic settlement home, reports the Mirror.
For generations, the small village of Helford in West Cornwall functioned as a thriving port, drawing smugglers, merchants and fishermen to its shores.
Throughout the Second World War, the Helford River even served as a vital strategic hub for French Resistance activities.
It’s been named one of the most beautiful villages in the UK(Image: Charles Darrow)
Activities in this blissful riverside haven The village itself showcases a charming blend of traditional cottages and eye-catching contemporary properties scattered along its meandering streets.
A trip to Helford provides sightings of flitting kingfishers, countless yachts moored serenely on the peaceful Helford river, and the opportunity to discover modern art at Kestle Barton, a nearby farm.
Among the waterside settlement’s most distinguished attractions are Helford Village Stores, the yacht club, and the charming Holy Mackerel Café located in the restored Helford Chapel, although the main draw is unquestionably The Shipwrights Arms.
Celebs are said to be big fans of the village(Image: Greg Martin/CornwallLive)
This enchanting riverside establishment stands on the southern bank of the Helford River, featuring its own jetty and stunning river views.
The thatched property boasts a prized waterfront position, with an extensive terrace bordered by palm trees that evokes an exotic, unmistakably Mediterranean feel – perfect for enjoying a warm coffee or cool pint. Inside, the pub’s timber-clad walls and stone floors foster a welcoming, laid-back environment.
Remarkably, in July 2025, the village’s premier pub was purchased by Rufus Taylor – son of Roger Taylor and a genuine rockstar himself.
Serving up fresh seafood, ribeye steak, burgers, and home-cooked pizzas amongst other fare, The Shipwrights Arms remains a beloved focal point of Helford’s peaceful community.
The Helford River, the beating heart of this picturesque village, is dotted with numerous tucked-away coves, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Glendurgan Gardens in Mawnan Smith near Falmouth(Image: Western Morning News)
It also boasts other attractive spots such as Helford Passage Beach and the shingle-strewn Grebe Beach – both equally well-suited for a dip.
Water sports fans can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding on the river’s tranquil waters, while sailing enthusiasts can hire everything from rowing boats to dinghies along the river’s stretch.
Bosahan Cove, tucked away on the river’s southern bank, is reachable by taking a mile-long trek along the coastal path. The serenity of this woodland-fringed beach, however, makes the journey thoroughly worthwhile.
Nature lovers will undoubtedly regard Helford as a wild paradise, given its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its function as a sanctuary for a wide variety of bird species including shelducks, herons, egrets, kingfishers and fulmars.
Common dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals are frequently spotted along the river’s shoreline too. The area’s mudflats and sandy stretches are also well-known for supporting a sizeable population of peacock worms and razor shells.
For those visitors who prefer to keep their feet firmly on dry land and admire the water from afar, there is no lack of stunning riverside walks to savour around the Helford.
A variety of circular routes will lead you past charming coves, inviting waterside pubs and magnificent woodlands. Gardens not to be missed
Within walking distance of Helford lie two exceptional gardens – Trebah Garden (1.6 miles away) and Glendurgan Garden (2 miles away), both highly praised by locals and tourists.
Glendurgan Garden is a National Trust property boasting stunning subtropical gardens, a popular maze, and breathtaking vistas overlooking the Helford River, while Trebah Garden is a subtropical haven on the river’s northern bank that’s considered essential viewing.
Both sites feature valleys bursting with blooms cascading towards the waterfront.
Spanning 26 acres, Trebah Garden is adorned with towering palms and bamboo along its four miles of winding pathways, with cascading waterfalls and ferns adding to its remarkable splendour.
In spring, the garden’s renowned rhododendrons burst into life, creating a spectacular display of vibrant colour. Summer sees enormous gunnera plants thriving throughout Trebah.
As if that weren’t sufficient, Trebah also features a beautiful private beach where guests can wander down and enjoy several hours of serene relaxation.
Glendurgan Garden, by contrast, awakens with snowdrops, camellias, and striking magnolias in spring, announcing the season’s lush magnificence.
As the spring season continues, daffodils, primroses and crocuses bring vivid bursts of colour to this already-stunning outdoor retreat. By April, bluebells cascade across the valleys in a breathtaking sea of blue, while an array of rhododendron species erupt into magnificent displays of pink and purple tones.
Apple and cherry blossoms adorn the garden’s orchards in great numbers. The wildflower meadows at Glendurgan Garden thrive with aquilegias, gladioli and a wealth of wild orchid varieties. A visit to Glendurgan in spring promises a truly mesmerising spectacle that simply cannot be missed.
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