Helston’s Top Ten Summer Gems

So far this August the weather hasn’t been overly kind to us but it is still summer. And for that reason we thought it was as good a time as any to countdown Helston’s top ten summer gems.

1.    Coronation Park

What better way to kick back and relax on a sunny day than to head down to Helston’s boating lake where you can take to the water by hiring yourself a rowing boat or a pedalo. Afterwards perhaps grab a coffee, ice-cream or a spot of lunch at the Lakeside Cafe. If you’ve got the children with you they can always burn off any excess energy at the playground or the skate park next to the lake.

2.    Flambards Fireworks

Wednesday evenings in August now mean fireworks at Flambards and in certain parts of town you can catch the weekly display from your garden. That said you’d then miss out on the entertainment inside Flambards beforehand. Each week they have a family disco and comedy magic as well from Harry Kazzam.

3.  Free Tennis Courts

During the school summer holidays the tennis courts at Helston School are free to use. You still have to book them but to do that you just need to give Helston Sports Centre a call. You do need to take your own strawberries and cream though.

4.    Iced Shimmys

So it’s fair to say Shimmys is pretty good at any time of the year but during the summer if you need to quench your thirst they do a superb range of iced frappes and smoothies. Or you can stick to one of their amazing milkshakes choosing from the most extensive list of flavours I have ever come across.

5.    Beer Gardens

Speaking of quenching your thirst where would we be in the summer without a good beer garden. There’s a good selection of them in town to choose from. The Bell has a rather lovely seating area out the back which is always good for catching a few rays whilst enjoying a pint or a nice glass of wine. The garden at the Seven Stars is a good size and quite the sun trap. The garden at the Blue Anchor is also worth a mention as not only does it have its own bar, during the summer there is also live music outside on some nights.

6.    The Lismore Proms

Now somewhat of a summer tradition the Lismore Proms, presented by Helston Town Band, takes place each year in the garden of Lismore in Cross Street. This year it’s happening on Saturday 28th August at 7pm. Tickets are £6 and are available to buy in town from the Cancer Care for Cornwall shop, Pictures and Things Gallery, Christophers Estate Agents or from a band member. There are only 600 available though so it’s advisable to be quick. Many special surprises are promised and this year there will be a firework finale.

7.    Beach BBQ

Okay so you do have to head out of town to do this but jump in the car and within a few minutes you could be down at Gunwalloe or any beach of your choice for a beach bar-be-que. There’s nothing better than cooking your tea whilst sitting watching the sea as the evening draws in. Scorse Foods do good value BBQ packs or if you fancy throwing a few shrimps on the barbie, the newly opened Quayside Fish in Horse and Jockey Lane should be able to help you out.

8.    Walk to Loe Bar

It’s a lovely walk at any time of year but when the sun’s out everything is that much nicer. Stroll through Penrose down to Loe Bar. You could even head on to Porthleven. If you don’t like the idea of the walk home from there you could always catch a bus back. Either way, it’s a lovely way to spend a day and even better if you take a picnic. Perhaps you could grab a pasty or a tasty sandwich from somewhere like Horse and Jockey Bakery before you set off.

9.    Ice-Cream by the Harbour

Mentioning Porthleven, although it is outside of Helston again, a walk round the harbour on a sunny day has to rank in the top ten. You can grab an ice cream from Nauti but Ice and have a nose at the shops. Summer also means Lifeboat Day at Porthleven (this year on 22nd August) which is a great day out for the whole family.

10.   Open Air Theatre

Last but by no means least, the summer is the perfect time to enjoy a spot of open air theatre. We do, of course, have the amazing Minack Theatre just a few miles away, but much closer to home Trevarno has also been putting on such events and, if you’re quick, you could still bag yourself a couple of tickets to tonight’s (Friday 13th August) performance of the Merchant of Venice.

So there we have it, Helston’s top ten summer gems – but have we got it right? Is there anything you think should have been included in that list? Let us know your thoughts below.