The Ferryboat Inn at Helford Passage dates back 300 years possibly even longer as the ferry dates back to the 15th Century. The Inn is positioned on the north bank of the Helford River, lined by wooded banks and sloping fields. The Helford Passage is one of the most romantic settings in the whole of Cornwall. Found close by is "Frenchmans Creek" the inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier's novel. It is a famous old pub right on the waterfront at Helford Passage. The main bar, with its unrivalled view of the river, has the feel of ships and the sea. Its french windows open onto a spacious terrace where food and drink may be enjoyed in the sun. Sailing folk like to drop anchor here and the pub is a popular port of call for sailors worldwide. A tiny ferry runs between the pub and Helford village just across the water. The pub identifies strongly with the river, those who enjoy the delights of the water, and walkers from near and far will enjoy visiting this beautiful Inn. You will be made welcome at this 17th Century pub. There are no strangers at the Ferryboat, only friends who have not yet met. Join us for good food, fine wine, traditional ales, and views that will remain with you forever.
We look forward to welcoming you. Ron and Sandra Brown.
Helford Passage Falmouth TR11 5LB Cornwall
Phone: 01326 250625
Food & Drink
The bar is open from 11.00am - 11.00pm Monday - Saturday and 12.00 noon - 10.30pm on Sundays. Food is served from 12.00noon - 2.30pm and 6.30pm - 9.00pm with snacks available in the afternoon. During main season hot food is served all day with an exception of the BBQ menu. Children welcome - children's menu - high chairs. A fine range of food is available both lunchtimes and evenings. From excellent sandwiches to sirloin steaks. A selection of home-made specials is available. A children's menu is available for when the hungry youngsters come off the beach and boats. Local fresh fish is always available. A wide range of good food for a wide variety of visitors coming to the Ferryboat Inn.
Local Amenities
Boating: The pub is situated right on the front of the north bank of the Helford River, just outside the village of Mawnan Smith. A beautiful sea water river estuary. Self drive motor and sailing boats are available along with rowing. A ferry service is also available between the north and south shores. Fishing: The position of the pub on the waterfront and being a river estuary littered with coves, quiet beaches and tree lined shores is popular for fishing. There is a service offering sea fishing trips which are bookable through the pub. Gamesrooms: Pool, darts and board games are available at the pub.We have a Pool Room with gaming machines and TV. Gardens: The National Trust Garden of "Glendurgan" and the famous Trebah Gardens are within walking distance of the pub. "Trebah" indeed has its own beach.The Eden Project near St Austell being a 45 min drive. Health & Fitness: The Budock Vean Hotel is within walking distance of the Inn offers a full health and fitness facility. Music: The Inn offers music and family entertainment throughout the summer months, which is always advertised and live music is offered on certain days in the winter. Play (outdoors): The Inn is situated on the waterfront of the Helford River. The patio is some 10 yards from the sandy beach, a play area for children and adults alike. Swimming: The water surrounds the frontage of the pub - heated it is not - clean and clear it is! Riding: There are several riding stables within a few miles of the pub. Arrangements can be made prior to any visit. Walking: Many of the paths and tracks in the area were created by the miners and quarrymen on their way to work. It is possible to string any number of walks together from the pub, whether it be coastal or inland. The pub itself is on the coastal path forming part of the walk to the Lizard and Frenchmans Creek. Watersports: The pub is a haven for anyone involved in or with the water. Sailing, motorboating, water ski-ing, windsurfing, diving and gig rowing, all are seen at the Ferryboat Inn. Other: The Helford River is a drowned river valley, similar to an estuary but more profoundley influenced by the sea. Cycles of life are determined by the ebb and flow of the tide. It is home to many species some of which have become endangered by human activity. There is an abundance of life in the estuary, one of the richest in Britain. Parking - onsite: There is ample parking to the rear of pub. Parking - offsite: Road parking is available all the way down the hill leading to the pub.
Location/Directions
Main access routes:
Where we are: On the north bank of the Helford River. 1 1/2 miles outside the village of Mawnan Smith. 3 miles outside Falmouth. We are located just below the National Trust Gardens of "Glendurgan" and "Trebah". Make sure you stop and don't drive into the sea. Main access routes: A390 Falmouth - Truro. A30 Bodmin - Truro. Falmouth Railway Station. Truro Station. Newquay Airport. Directions: Off the main A390 Truro to Falmouth Road - take road signposted Mabe/Mawnan Smith. Through village of Mawnan Smith past National Trust Gardens down the hill to Helford Passage.
