Vessels of all descriptions have been using the Helford River since time immemorial. Commercial vessels used to sail into the Helford to the port of Gweek. They would trade Lime to the riverside farm estates.
Incoming and outgoing vessels would anchor to wait for the appropriate tide. As time went by, a need for a ferry to cross the river was required. Ferries were first used to transport monks and religious groups. They’d travel from St. Gluvias in Penryn to St. Keverne on the Lizard Peninsular. The Ecclesiastical Council for Exeter oversaw the crossings. Nowadays a small local business, Helford River Boats manages the ferry.
South side residents used the ferry to transport produce and fresh fish for the Falmouth markets. Boats carried the carts, however the horses had to swim behind!
HP Marine have Deeds going back to 1883 conveying the river fundus, adjoining land, moorings for modern vessels and the rights to ferry passengers across the river. Inns were built on either side at Helford and Helford Passage for ferry passengers and visiting ships’ crews where to this day you can enjoy a delicious meal at The Ferry Boat Inn on the North side of the river or the Shipwrights Arms on the south side of the river.