Penrose
An amazing sanctuary for wildlife with river, lake and coastal views – right on Helston’s doorstep. Mature woodland and miles of paths and bridleways make Penrose an exceptional place to explore the beautiful Cornish countryside.
The Penrose estate is a large area of woodland, carr (a type of waterlogged wooded marshland), open parkland and coastline which can be accessed just below Coronation Park in Helston. The estate stretches down to, and includes a section of coast from Gunwalloe to Porthleven.
The parkland at Penrose has been owned by the National Trust since 1974 when then owner, Lt. Cdr. J.P.Rogers, gifted the 1500 acre estate to them. Penrose House still remains in private hands.
On Saturday mornings Penrose becomes the venue of West Cornwall’s Parkrun with around 200 runners completing the 5km course every week. The running trail follows the old Victorian carriageway through mature woodlands and into the parkland with views of Loe Pool and beyond. Dogs on leads are welcome.
It isn’t just people and dogs who can enjoy the paths and bridleways of Penrose. A circular route around the estate has been developed with horse riders in mind. In total there are over eight miles of horse-friendly bridleways and cycle trails in Penrose, plus the beach beyond.
Housed in the old stables and coach house is the Stables Cafe which is open on the weekends serving hot drinks, cakes and snacks.
