Car Hire From Helston

Compare Cheap Car Hire Deals in Helston

Local Helston Car Rental: Your Gateway to the Lizard Peninsula and West Cornwall

Nestled perfectly at the northern end of the magnificent Lizard Peninsula, the historic market town of Helston is one of West Cornwall’s most strategically positioned hubs. Covering the primary TR13 postcode sector—which also encompasses the famously picturesque fishing village of Porthleven and numerous rural hamlets—Helston is the traditional "Gateway to the Lizard." Known worldwide for its vibrant annual Flora Day and the ancient Furry Dance, the town blends deep Cornish heritage, bustling market-town commerce, and unparalleled access to the most southerly points of the British mainland.

Today, Helston serves a vibrant and dynamic community of local families, independent business owners, agricultural workers, and a massive influx of seasonal holidaymakers. From the historic Victorian architecture of Coinagehall Street and the leafy expanses of Coronation Park and Boating Lake, to major regional attractions like Flambards Theme Park and the nearby Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, the area offers an incredible mix of local culture, family entertainment, and rugged natural beauty.

However, while Helston itself is highly walkable, navigating the wider TR13 postcode, the Lizard Peninsula, and the rest of West Cornwall presents unique logistical challenges. Crucially, Helston does not have its own mainline passenger railway station; the historic Helston Railway is a heritage line, meaning the nearest national rail connections are located in Redruth, Camborne, or Penzance. While the town is served by the regional First Kernow and Go Cornwall bus networks, relying entirely on public transport to explore this part of the county is heavily restrictive. Buses connect the main towns, but when your itinerary involves discovering hidden coves like Kynance, accessing remote coastal paths, transporting heavy family beach equipment, or managing business travel across rural agricultural estates, securing a private rental car provides a level of freedom and flexibility that public transport simply cannot deliver.

Why Local Car Hire in Helston (TR13) Offers Unbeatable Practical Value

Attempting to coordinate rural bus timetables across the Lizard Peninsula or paying for long-distance taxis when you are carrying heavy luggage, surfing equipment, or weekly family shopping can quickly become a stressful, time-consuming, and expensive ordeal.

Perhaps you are a visiting professional, a surveyor, or a contractor working on local infrastructure projects, agricultural developments, or at the world-famous Goonhilly Earth Station just south of the town. Having a dedicated executive saloon or a robust crossover SUV allows you to travel efficiently between rural sites, corporate meetings in Truro, and industrial estates in Redruth without relying on sporadic local bus schedules.

Maybe you are a local resident living in Helston, Porthleven, or Sithney whose personal vehicle has unexpectedly broken down and is currently sitting in a local garage off the B3297 or Water-Ma-Trout industrial estate for an MOT, an annual service, or a complex mechanical repair. Hiring an economical, reliable hatchback for a few days ensures that your daily routine remains completely uninterrupted. You can still manage the morning school runs, get to work on time, and handle your weekly grocery shop at the large Tesco or Sainsbury's on the edge of town.

Or, most commonly, perhaps your family has arrived in West Cornwall for a highly anticipated holiday or staycation. You want to explore the dramatic serpentine rock stacks of Kynance Cove, watch the waves crash against the harbour walls in Porthleven, visit the golden sands of Praa Sands, or take a day trip to St Michael's Mount. A spacious family estate car or a 7-seater people carrier gives you the sheer capacity to fit all your passengers, wetsuits, picnic hampers, and beach gear comfortably, allowing you to travel directly to your chosen destinations on your own timetable.

Collecting a rental car for your time in Helston places you instantly on West Cornwall’s primary road network. Positioned right on the A394 (the main artery connecting Penzance to Falmouth), and standing at the head of the A3083 (the direct route south to Lizard Point), you gain rapid, straightforward links across the entire county, making it the perfect basecamp for a Cornish adventure.

The 1st UK Car Rentals Approach: Transparent Booking in Cornwall

Renting a vehicle in Cornwall should be a straightforward, stress-free process, entirely free from unexpected fees, confusing insurance jargon, or high security deposit holds when you arrive at the collection desk.

With over thirty years of hands-on experience in the UK vehicle rental sector, 1st UK Car Rentals has been purposefully structured to deliver clear, upfront pricing right from the very start of your booking journey. The price you see displayed on the screen during your initial search is the exact price you will pay at the local collection desk. We firmly believe that hiding mandatory fees in the small print only serves to frustrate customers and ruin the start of a holiday.

To make driving around Cornwall and the South West as cost-effective and enjoyable as possible, 1st UK Car Rentals offers free extra drivers on all UK car rental deals where indicated. Keep an eye out for this specific option when searching online. This allows you to share the driving duties on those longer coastal road trips or daily beach commutes without incurring additional, often expensive, daily charges at the rental counter.

We partner with established global providers and trusted local specialists serving the Helston area, alongside the major transport hubs in Redruth, Penzance, Truro, and Cornwall Airport Newquay—including brands like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt. This ensures you receive a modern, well-maintained, and thoroughly cleaned vehicle with clear terms from pickup to drop-off.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Helston and West Cornwall?

Rental rates across Helston, Porthleven, the Lizard Peninsula, and the wider TR13 postcode area fluctuate dramatically depending on the season, local vehicle availability, and regional tourism demand. Pricing in Cornwall is heavily influenced by the massive influx of domestic and international tourists during the summer months, alongside local festivals and regional corporate travel.

Booking Windows and Intense Local Demand

Cornwall is one of the United Kingdom's most popular domestic holiday destinations. In a strategically positioned town like Helston, vehicle demand increases exponentially during the Easter break, the May half-term, and the primary summer school holidays (July and August). Furthermore, local events such as Helston Flora Day in early May bring thousands of visitors to the town, causing localized spikes in demand.

Standard vehicle categories, such as compact hatchbacks for navigating narrow lanes, spacious family estate cars for beach trips, and versatile crossovers, are booked very quickly during these peak times. If you are planning a summer trip to Cornwall, reserving your rental car at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance is an absolutely essential strategy to secure a standard daily rate and ensure your required vehicle category is waiting for you on your chosen dates. Last-minute summer bookings often result in highly inflated prices or a complete lack of availability.

Clean Air Zones and Local Driving Costs

Currently, Helston, West Cornwall, and the entire county of Cornwall do not operate any charging Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or Low Emission Zones (LEZ) for private passenger cars. The coastal and rural air across this region is famously fresh.

When you rent a passenger car through 1st UK Car Rentals from our partnered local depots, the vehicles supplied are modern Euro 6 diesel, Euro 4 petrol, or fully electric models. This means they are fully compliant with national clean air standards. If your road trip takes you out of the county and further up the country into cities like Bristol or Bath, you will be able to drive into restricted zones without paying daily emission penalty charges.

There are no road tolls in the immediate Helston area. However, if you are driving down to Cornwall from the east via Plymouth, you may cross the Tamar Bridge, which currently operates a standard toll fee for crossing the River Tamar.

Helston Pricing Estimator (Seasonal Averages)

To help you budget for your upcoming rental in Cornwall, the benchmark table below outlines average daily rates across different vehicle categories based on typical booking data in the TR13 area and surrounding Cornish hubs.

Vehicle Type	Typical Provider	Average Daily Rate (Inc. Basic Cover)	Peak Summer / Holiday Rate	Low Season Estimate
Small City Car (Economy)	Enterprise / Budget	£34.00	£75.00	£26.00
Compact Hatchback	Europcar / Avis	£38.00	£85.00	£30.00
Family Estate Car	Hertz / Europcar	£56.00	£115.00	£45.00
Crossover / SUV	Enterprise / Hertz	£78.00	£145.00	£62.00
Executive Saloon	Avis / Sixt	£86.00	£160.00	£72.00
7-Seater People Carrier (MPV)	Enterprise	£98.00	£190.00	£85.00
Fully Electric (EV)	Enterprise / Europcar	£68.00	£130.00	£55.00
Large Premium SUV	Hertz / Sixt	£125.00	£220.00	£100.00

Note: These figures represent average benchmark estimates intended for financial planning. Final prices will vary significantly depending on your specific lead time, the duration of your rental, and the extreme seasonal fleet availability fluctuations across local Cornish depots.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Helston and Cornish Roads

Selecting the appropriate vehicle is arguably the most important decision you will make when driving in Cornwall. The road network here is notoriously unique. Navigating residential streets in Helston or parallel parking near Porthleven Harbour requires entirely different vehicle features than cruising on the A30 dual carriageway or driving down winding, steep, and incredibly narrow rural lanes on the Lizard Peninsula.

Vehicle Categories and Suitability

Vehicle Category	Best Used For in Helston & Cornwall	Popular Examples	Key Local Benefits
Small Hatchbacks	Local town commuting, navigating narrow single-track lanes to hidden coves, parking in tight harbour spaces.	Fiat 500, Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta	Highly agile in congested summer traffic, perfectly sized for narrow Cornish hedges, excellent fuel economy.
Estate Cars	Family beach days, carrying surfboards, wetsuits, or camping equipment, travelling along the A394.	Skoda Octavia Estate, Ford Focus Estate	Generous boot space for bulky luggage and outdoor gear, offering stable and comfortable performance on major A-roads.
SUVs & Crossovers	Exploring rural farm roads, accessing remote National Trust car parks, all-weather driving across the county.	Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga	Raised driving position provides clear visibility over high stone walls and hedges; suspension absorbs uneven rural lanes.
Executive Saloons	Business travel to corporate offices in Truro or Falmouth, regional meetings, driving back up the A30.	BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class	Premium cabin comfort, quiet ride, professional appearance for business use.
7-Seater People Carriers	Group travel, multi-generational family holidays, coordinated trips to major theme parks like Flambards.	Volkswagen Touran, Ford Galaxy	High passenger capacity, versatile folding seating layouts, and spacious cargo options when rear seats are lowered.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)	Eco-friendly local driving, zero tailpipe emissions, quiet commuting around West Cornwall.	MG4 EV, Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf	Low running costs, smooth acceleration, ideal for environmentally conscious travellers utilizing Cornwall's growing charging network.

Local Pick-Up Points Near Helston

Because Helston does not have its own mainline railway station, major international car rental brands tend to cluster their physical depots around the primary transport hubs in West Cornwall. Verified rental depots are located conveniently in nearby towns, providing quick access to major road networks before you drive down into Helston.

Provider / Depot	Location / Access	Best Suited For	Key Access Details
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	Redruth / Camborne / Penzance	Local residents, train arrivals, A30 drivers	Positioned along the major A30 corridor. These branches are roughly a 20 to 30-minute drive from Helston. Pick-up services are often available upon request to collect you.
Hertz / Avis Partners	Truro / Falmouth	Business travellers, regional commuters	Easy access to the main rail lines and commercial centres of the county, providing a seamless onward journey down the A39 or A394 to Helston.
Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY)	Airport Terminal Arrivals	Flying visitors, extended fleet choices	Located approximately 35 miles north-east of Helston. The airport hub offers extended operating hours, premium vehicle choices, and massive fleet inventory for fly-drive holidays.

Getting from Helston to Your Rental Depot

• Bus Services: The First Kernow and Go Cornwall bus networks provide regular services from Helston to the major transport hubs. The U4 service connects Helston to Falmouth and Penzance, while the 34 service connects to Redruth. These routes make it straightforward to reach rental depots in neighbouring towns.
• Train Services: If you are arriving in Cornwall by train (e.g., the Great Western Railway sleeper service from London Paddington), your best option is to alight at Redruth, Camborne, or Penzance. You can collect your rental car directly near these stations and drive down to Helston.
• Taxis: Local minicab firms operate extensively throughout the TR13 area. A taxi ride from Helston to commercial rental depots in Redruth or Camborne generally takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Supplier Pick-Up Service: Some providers, like Enterprise in Redruth or Penzance, offer a pre-arranged pick-up service where a representative meets you at your home or holiday cottage in Helston to transport you to the branch to complete the paperwork.

Required Documentation for Vehicle Rental

When collecting a vehicle near Helston, rental providers must verify your documentation to comply with strict standard insurance regulations and prevent fraud. Have the following items ready at the counter to ensure a fast, stress-free checkout process:

• Valid Driving Licence: Bring a full, valid photocard driving licence that has been held for at least 12 months. Digital photos on your smartphone or paper photocopies are strictly not accepted at the desk. International visitors must present a valid national driving licence (and an International Driving Permit if the licence is not in English or Latin script).
• DVLA Check Code (UK Residents): UK licence holders must generate a share code online via the official GOV.UK website within 21 days of pickup to allow staff to check your endorsement history and penalty points. You will need your licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode.
• Proof of Residential Address: Present a physical paper document, such as a recent utility bill, council tax letter, or bank statement. This must be dated within the last 3 months and match the address printed on your driving licence exactly.
• Payment Card: The main driver must present a physical credit card in their own name for the pre-authorisation security deposit hold. Prepaid cards, virtual cards, and cash are generally not accepted for the deposit.
• Age Requirements: The standard minimum rental age is 25 across major suppliers in the UK. Drivers aged 25 and over can rent standard car categories. Higher age requirements, usually 30 and above, apply for premium, luxury, or large 9-seater passenger vehicles.

Understanding Car Rental Insurance Options in the UK

Understanding how rental insurance works helps keep your car hire simple and protects your holiday budget from unexpected shocks.

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Standard UK rental rates include basic CDW by law. This limits your financial liability if the car is damaged during your trip, though a mandatory excess fee still applies.
• The Excess Amount: The excess is the maximum out-of-pocket amount you are required to pay towards repairs if damage occurs (e.g., a scratched door from a Cornish hedge). This typically ranges between £1,000 and £1,500 depending on the size and value of the vehicle.
• Excess Protection / Super CDW: You can choose to purchase excess protection directly at the rental desk to reduce your financial liability to zero or a very nominal fee. This provides massive peace of mind—especially when driving on narrow single-track lanes—but it does add to the daily rental cost.
• Independent Excess Insurance: As a cost-saving alternative, you can buy independent excess insurance online before picking up the car. If you choose this route, the rental depot will still place a temporary block for the full £1,000+ excess amount on your credit card for the duration of the rental, but you can claim back any damage charges from your independent insurer later.

Local Driving Guide: Navigating Helston, the A394, and Cornish Roads

Driving in and around Helston connects you directly to primary arterial routes across West Cornwall, but it also introduces you to the unique quirks of the local rural road network. Understanding the local layout is incredibly helpful.

Major Arterial Routes

• The A394: This is the primary east-west route running directly through Helston. It connects west towards the historic seaside town of Marazion, St Michael's Mount, and Penzance. Heading east, it leads towards the maritime town of Falmouth and the university campus at Penryn.
• The A3083: Branching off the A394 right at the southern edge of Helston (near RNAS Culdrose and Flambards), this road heads directly south. It acts as the absolute spine of the Lizard Peninsula, taking you all the way down to Lizard Village and Lizard Point—the most southerly point of mainland Britain.
• The B3297: A major northbound route that connects Helston directly to Redruth and the vital A30 dual carriageway (the main trunk road in and out of Cornwall).
• The B3293: Branches off the A3083 near Goonhilly Earth Station, providing access to the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, including St Keverne and Coverack.

The Reality of Driving in Rural Cornwall

Driving off the main A-roads in West Cornwall is a unique experience that requires patience and confidence.

• Cornish Hedges: Many rural lanes in the TR13 area are bounded by "Cornish hedges." These are not soft bushes; they are solid stone walls covered in earth, grass, and foliage. They are completely unforgiving to car bodywork, so do not hug the edge of the road too tightly.
• Single-Track Roads & Passing Places: As you drive towards coastal spots like Kynance Cove or Porthleven, you will frequently encounter single-track roads. If you meet an oncoming vehicle, one of you will need to reverse into a designated "passing place." Always be aware of where the last passing place was, and be prepared to reverse confidently.
• Agricultural and Summer Traffic: Be patient. You will regularly share the roads with slow-moving farm tractors. In the summer, expect heavy congestion on the A394, driven by caravans and motorhomes navigating the roundabouts around Helston.

Parking Options & EV Charging in Helston and Surrounding Areas

Parking in Helston is well-managed by Cornwall Council, offering a mix of short-stay and long-stay surface car parks. Given the rural nature of the surrounding beaches, understanding parking apps is vital.

Public Parking Facilities in Helston

Cornwall Council operates several major car parks in the town.

Parking Facility	Location / TR13 Postcode	Best For	Features & Access
Fairground Car Park	Porthleven Road (TR13 0RA)	Boating lake, Flambards, free short stays	A large, stone-surfaced car park offering 150 spaces. The first hour is free (you must still get a ticket), making it great for quick stops. The JustPark location code is 8457.
Trengrouse Way Extension	Trengrouse Way (TR13 8AG)	Town centre shopping, quick errands	A dedicated short-stay car park providing immediate access to the high street and local retail stores.
Tyacke Road Car Park	Tyacke Road (TR13 8RY)	Long-stay parking, day trips, local workers	A spacious long-stay facility ideal if you are leaving the car for the entire day to explore the town on foot.
Castle Green Car Park	Castle Green (TR13 8EY)	Long-stay town access	Another reliable long-stay option, though note that some spaces are strictly reserved for permit holders only.

The Importance of the JustPark App

Across Cornwall, including Helston and almost all rural beach car parks (like Kynance Cove or Porthleven), parking is managed via traditional coin machines and the JustPark mobile app.

Because mobile phone signal is notoriously weak or completely non-existent at remote coastal locations (such as the base of the cliffs at Kynance Cove), it is highly recommended that you download the JustPark app and register your rental car's license plate while you have Wi-Fi at your accommodation, before you drive to the beach.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rapid Charging Network

The EV charging network in West Cornwall has improved dramatically over the last few years, supported heavily by Cornwall Council initiatives. Fast and rapid chargers are available at key locations:

• Supermarket Charging: The large Tesco superstore on Clodgey Lane in Helston features dedicated Pod Point EV charging bays for shoppers to use while they buy groceries.
• Council Car Parks: Cornwall Council is rolling out EV charging points across its long-stay car parks, including facilities in Helston and nearby Porthleven.
• Tourist Attractions: Major tourist sites, including Flambards Theme Park and various National Trust estates, are increasingly offering destination charging for visitors.

10 Recommended Day Trips Starting from Helston

Having a rental car in Helston provides the perfect launchpad to explore the dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, and fishing villages of West Cornwall. Here are ten highly recommended day trips to consider during your stay:

1. Porthleven Harbour & Beach

Distance: 3 miles | Drive Time: 10 minutes

Drive south-west via the A394 and B3304. Porthleven is the most southerly working port in mainland Britain. Famous for its massive winter storms, in the summer it is a haven of incredible seafood restaurants, historic pubs, independent art galleries, and a beautiful sandy beach extending towards Loe Bar.

2. Kynance Cove (National Trust)

Distance: 10 miles | Drive Time: 20 minutes

Drive straight south down the A3083 towards The Lizard. Kynance Cove is regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Famous for its brilliant turquoise water, white sand, and dramatic serpentine rock stacks. Parking is limited, so arrive early in the summer.

3. Lizard Point & Lighthouse

Distance: 11 miles | Drive Time: 25 minutes

Continue past the Kynance turn-off on the A3083 to Lizard Village. Walk down to Lizard Point, the most southerly tip of the UK mainland. Enjoy a Cornish pasty at the clifftop cafe, watch for seals in the water below, and visit the historic Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre.

4. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary (Gweek)

Distance: 4 miles | Drive Time: 10 minutes

Take the B3293 and local lanes east towards Gweek. Set in 42 acres of stunning woodland nestled against the Helford Estuary, this sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from around the Cornish coast. It is a fantastic, heartwarming family day out.

5. St Michael's Mount (Marazion)

Distance: 10 miles | Drive Time: 20 minutes

Head west along the A394. Rising dramatically out of Mount's Bay, St Michael's Mount is a tidal island topped with a medieval church and castle. Walk across the cobbled causeway at low tide, or take a short boat trip at high tide, to explore the island's rich history and subtropical terraced gardens.

6. Falmouth & Pendennis Castle

Distance: 13 miles | Drive Time: 25 minutes

Drive east along the A394. Falmouth boasts the third deepest natural harbour in the world. Visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, explore the bustling high street, and tour Pendennis Castle—a mighty artillery fortress built by Henry VIII to defend the Carrick Roads.

7. Trebah Garden & Glendurgan Garden

Distance: 10 miles | Drive Time: 20 minutes

Travel east and cut south towards Mawnan Smith. Set in deep coastal ravines dropping down to the Helford River, these two spectacular subtropical gardens offer towering bamboo, giant gunnera, exotic blooms, and access to private, secluded shingle beaches.

8. St Ives & The Tate Gallery

Distance: 16 miles | Drive Time: 35 minutes

Take the B3297 north, then join the A30 west towards St Erth. St Ives is world-renowned for its brilliant coastal light, which has attracted artists for over a century. Visit the Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum, and relax on the golden sands of Porthmeor Beach.

9. The Minack Theatre & Porthcurno

Distance: 22 miles | Drive Time: 45 minutes

Drive west along the A394 and through Penzance. Carved directly into the granite cliffs overlooking the spectacular Porthcurno Bay, the Minack Theatre is a world-famous open-air venue. Even if you don't catch a show, the theatrical architecture and the beach below are breathtaking.

10. Historic City of Truro

Distance: 18 miles | Drive Time: 35 minutes

Take the A394 and A39 north-east. Truro is Cornwall's only city, featuring a stunning Gothic-Revival cathedral that dominates the skyline. Explore the cobbled Georgian streets, the Royal Cornwall Museum, and a wide array of independent boutiques and indoor markets.

Practical Operational Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

Keep these standard operational steps in mind for a hassle-free car rental experience in Helston:

• Refuel Before You Return: Rental agreements strictly stipulate that you must return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. Refuel at local petrol stations—such as the large Tesco filling station on Clodgey Lane or the Sainsbury's station near the Flambards roundabout—immediately before returning to your depot in Redruth or Penzance to avoid paying heavily inflated refuelling charges.
• Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Take two minutes to walk around the car before leaving the forecourt. Use your smartphone to take time-stamped photos or a slow video of any existing scratches, scuffs, or alloy wheel marks. This is especially important in Cornwall, where narrow hedges cause frequent minor paint damage. Ensure these are clearly recorded on the check-out sheet provided by the staff.
• Verify the Operating Hours: Local branches in Cornwall may close early on Saturdays (often around midday) and have limited hours or close completely on Sundays. Always confirm the exact drop-off arrangements if you are returning the car outside of standard business hours or catching a late train.
• Beware of Coastal Tides: If you are parking on a beach (such as certain areas in nearby Marazion or specific harbour slipways), always check the local tide times. The sea comes in surprisingly fast in Cornwall, and vehicles are regularly caught out by rising tides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Hire in Helston

Are rental cars in Helston compliant with Clean Air Zones?

Yes. Modern passenger vehicles supplied by rental companies meet Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol emissions standards. This makes them fully compliant with all current UK Clean Air Zones, so you will not have to pay daily penalty charges if you drive your rental car out of Cornwall and into restricted zones in cities like Bristol or London.

Do I need to pay extra for an additional driver in Cornwall?

Not when you book through 1st UK Car Rentals, provided the specific deal includes it. Free extra drivers are included on all UK car rental bookings where indicated on our site, allowing you to share the driving duties on long coastal road trips without incurring extra daily costs at the counter.

Can I hire a car in Helston using a debit card?

Most primary rental providers require a physical credit card in the lead driver's name for the security deposit hold. Some depots in Cornwall may accept debit cards under very specific conditions, which usually involve purchasing extra zero-excess insurance cover at the desk. Always check the payment terms carefully during the online booking process.

Can I bring my dog in the rental car?

Many rental companies allow dogs, provided the vehicle is returned in a clean condition. However, be aware that Cornwall Council enforces seasonal dog bans on many popular beaches (including Kynance Cove and Porthleven) between July 1st and August 31st (typically 10am to 6pm). Plan your beach trips accordingly if travelling with a pet.

Top Local Highlights Right Around Helston

Before driving out to the wider county, or after returning from a long day trip, take some time to explore these fantastic local highlights located right in the TR13 area:

• Flambards Theme Park: Located right on the southern edge of Helston, this is Cornwall's best family theme park. It features thrilling rides, rollercoasters, and the incredible indoor Victorian Village exhibition.
• Coronation Park & Boating Lake: A beautiful, tranquil space right in the town. Hire a rowing boat or a pedalo on the large lake, let the kids enjoy the massive play park, and grab a coffee at the lakeside cafe.
• The Museum of Cornish Life: Housed in the historic Market House in the centre of Helston, this extensive museum spans several floors and contains thousands of fascinating artifacts detailing the history of ordinary Cornish people.
• Loe Pool and Penrose Estate: Managed by the National Trust, Loe Pool is the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, separated from the sea by the shingle bank of Loe Bar. The wooded trails around the lake are perfect for peaceful walking and cycling.
• Helston Railway: A fantastic volunteer-run heritage railway offering short, scenic diesel and steam train rides through the beautiful Cornish countryside, complete with a buffet carriage for traditional cream teas.

Compare live car hire deals across Helston, the Lizard Peninsula, and West Cornwall with 1st UK Car Rentals, and book your vehicle securely online today.