Autumn at Laloma, Helford Village
Autumn at laloma is cosy, glorious and a beautiful time to visit.
Gold and reds start to appear in the Helford woodlands that surround the creeks and woodland walks are accompanied by the satisfying crunch of leaves.
The sea in September is the warmest of the year as it has soaked up all the Summer sun. It is therefore a perfect time for swimming and paddling as well as paddleboarding and rowing.
(All images taken by and copyright of B. Woolley)
Autumn Birdlife
While the swallows and swifts leave Cornwall behind for the Winter, they are replaced by a whole new set of incoming beautiful birds.
These include redshanks, curlews, dunlins, redwings and fieldfares.
The wetlands in Cornwall fill up with overwintering migrating birds.
This means Autumn is a brilliant time to visit RSPB sites such as Marazion Marsh and Hayle Estuary.
Or visit some of the many beautiful local estuaries and mud flats around the Helford, Perranarworthal or Gweek.
Autumnal Wildlife
Autumn is the perfect time to visit The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek.
Between September and March the sanctuary takes in over 70 seals/pups a year to heal, rehabilitate and release back into Cornish waters.
The sanctuary is around a 22 minute drive from Helford Village. As well as the seals the sanctuary has many other animals to visit as well as a cafe, shop and regular events
Autumn Walks
The creeks around Helford are famous for their beautiful coastal woodlands. Filled with ancient twisting trees, abundant birdlife and secret paths to explore.
In the Autumn the woodland walks are particularly pretty as the leaves change and crunch underfoot.
The much loved book “Frenchman’s Creek” by Daphne Du Maurier is based on the wild beauty of the real Frenchman’s Creek which is just a walk away from Helford Village and Laloma.
So what could be lovelier than to sit by Laloma’s log burner in the evenings to read the book about the creek and then go on a magical stroll to explore it in the morning.
Coastal Walks
The beach dog bans all start to lift in Autumn and the beaches are much quieter after the Summer visitors leave so it is a lovely time to enjoy the beaches with your dog.
The South West Coast-path routes will also be quieter but still just as beautiful and accessible so Autumn is a lovely time to explore. Just check the conditions before you set out and don’t go near cliff edges or walk in gales.
The October storms can be awe inspiring to watch from a safe distance too with thundering waves, frothing seas and gale force winds.
Especially good if you can watch sitting with a hot drink in your hand! (Always keep away from the water or cliff edges though and watch from a good, safe distance away, it is not worth putting yourself or others in danger for.)
Autumn at Laloma and Helford Village
There is a special cosiness that Autumn brings out in a thatched cottage and Laloma is no exception.
Its large inglenook fireplace houses a log burner which is perfect for chilly Autumn evenings snuggled up on the sofa. There are board games and books in the cottage as well as the TV, radio and internet so cosy evenings are well catered for.
At night you can hear owls and the gentle noises of the village going to sleep with the occasional early fisherman setting out.
The stars at Laloma are stunning on a clear night due to the lack of light pollution.
You can regularly see the Milky Way, planets, satellites and meteors.
So make yourself a hot drink and stand outside for a few minutes. The best places are to stand on the lawns or on the car park.
Local Shops and Eating Out
If you fancy heading out to eat or drink then the famous Shipwrights Arms pub is just a couple of minutes stroll away.
They also serve a hearty Sunday roast during the Autumn and Winter months. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
The pub has cosy and welcoming bar and indoor dining areas.
Alternatively wrap up warm and head to the outside water fronting seating to listen to the gentle sounds of the boats and the twinking of lights across at Treath and Helford Passage.
Helford Village Stores – This brilliant shop has a wide range of delicious local food and drink as well as household supplies. The essentials are well covered as well as luxuries and treats.
The opening hours may shorten during the Autumn and Winter months. It also couldn’t be more convenient as it is just a 1 minute walk away from Laloma’s gate.
There are also three additional lovely local shops which offer local produce, food, drink and essential supplies. The independently run Gweek Village Stores; Mawgan Stores and Gear Farm Shop. All these lovely shops are well worth a browse too.
The Holy Mackerel Cafe at the Helford Village car park at the top of the hill stays open for snacks, cakes and drinks until October. The cafe is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
The Fat Apples Cafe in St Keverne is very popular with locals and serves snacks, cakes and drinks. Open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays up until the 3rd of November.
If you fancy exploring the Creeks by water then you can hire a boat, canoe/kayak or paddleboard from Sailaway at St Anthony. This allows you to experience the quietness and magical nature of the creeks. It is often the best way to see some of their unique birds and wildlife.
Places to Visit
Kestle Barton – This ancient series of barns have been converted into an art gallery and event space as well as lovely gardens. They hold exhibitions and events throughout the year, up until late October. You can walk to Kestle Barton from Helford Village.
Trebah Gardens – This magical coastal sub-tropical Garden is on the opposite side of the creek to Laloma. It can be reached either by the passenger ferry or by driving.
As well as exploring the gardens, Trebah also hold events throughout the year and have a lovely plant shop and cafe. Autumn events coming up include a biofluorescent Night Walk, how to rewild your garden, how gardeners are ecosystem engineers, Autumnal writing workshops and regular yoga workshops.
Glendurgan Gardens – Owned by the National Trust. Another famous sub-tropical garden on the other side of the Creek to Helford.
As well as exploring the gardens, eating in the cafe and getting lost in the maze, Glendurgan also holds workshops and events throughout Autumn. These include orchard talks and half term activities such as exploring Autumn colour with children.
Minack Theatre – This stunning open air amphitheatre style theatre sits on the edge of a cliff in a beautiful sub-tropical garden. They hold plays, concerts, workshops and events throughout the year, including in Autumn. Or you can just visit to see the gardens and explore the theatre.
The National Trust also have Heritage Open Days on the 6th to the 15th of September which allow you to explore their properties for free. Check their website to see which properties are taking part.
Visit the lovely Potager Garden and gardens in Constantine to enjoy delicious fresh foods and explore the garden. They often have Autumnal workshops too.
A lovely Autumn idea is to visit those towns and villages that would be packed out in the Summer but are perfect now.
There are so many wonderful places near Helford, here are just a few: Porthleven, Helston, Cadgwith, Coverack, Lizard Point, Goonhilly Downs, St Ives, Falmouth and of course the City of Truro.
Autumn Festivals and Events
St Ives September Festival – 14th to 28th September 2024
Falmouth Beer Festival – 26th to 28th September 2024
Porthleven Arts Festival – 8th October 2024
Mevagissey Shanty Festival – 11th October 2024
Falmouth Book Festival – 14th to 20th October 2024
Celtic Beer Festival, St Austell Brewery – 30th November 2024
Halloween
Newquay Zombie Crawl – 26th October 2024 – This unique family friendly event takes place in Newquay each year. As well as the zombie parade (dress up to take part) there are also workshops to perfect your zombie walk and face painting.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth – As well as a brilliant Pirate exhibition, the Maritime Museum are also hosting loads of Halloween and half term workshops for children. This includes workshops on making your own shadow puppets and a Halloween trail. On the 31st they stay open later for more Halloween family activities.
