Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE LIZARD
Cornwall's southern coastline takes a sudden wild turn around the Lizard Peninsula, where
fields and heaths plunge into a melee of black cliffs, churning surf and saw-tooth rocks. Cut
off from the rest of Cornwall by the River Helford, and ringed by treacherous seas, the Liz-
ard was once an ill-famed graveyard for ships, and the peninsula still has a raw, untamed
edge.
Although the Lizard is known for its wildlife, the peninsula's peculiar name actually
comes from the old Celtic words 'lys ardh', meaning 'high court'.
Getting There & Around
Buses on the Lizard are patchy. Bus 32 runs from Helston to Gunwalloe, Gweek, Coverack
and St Keverne, while bus 33 stops at Poldhu, Mullion and the Lizard. Helston also has
regular services to Penzance, Truro and Falmouth.
Perilously narrow streets lie in wait for unsuspecting drivers - take our advice and leave
the car outside Cadgwith, Helford Village, Coverack and St Anthony.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Helston
The Lizard's main town is Helston, which started life as a bustling river port and one of the
county's Stannary towns, where local tin was assayed and stamped. The town received an-
other lease of life with the arrival of the naval airbase at Culdrose, which hosts a popular
annual air-day in late July.
last remnant of a pagan celebration marking the coming of spring, this ancient festival is a
mix of street dance, musical parade and floral pageant. The two main events are the Hal-
An-Tow, in which St Michael and the devil do battle; and the Furry Dance, which kicks off
at noon and proceeds around the town's streets (participants take part by invitation only,
and the dance is always led by a local couple).