Penrose Estate Trail

Penrose, near Helston, is a National Trust property on the edge of Loe Pool, Cornwall’s largest natural lake. A beautiful trail starts at Coronation Park in Helston and winds along the edge of the River Cober.

The pathway from the accessible parking spaces at Coronation Park is smooth and level and offers good access for most wheelchair users all the way to the Stables Café. Do be aware that some of the path is gravel, and it can get muddy after rain.

While Penrose House itself is private, there is a beautiful walled garden as well as mining ruins and a Tudor Gothic style bathhouse with a slate lined bath, built in 1840. There are also seven benches and outdoor gym equipment along the trail. Dogs are very welcome.

And did we mention the lovely café? The Stables Café serves takeaway hot drinks and light snacks, with seating available in the courtyard in good weather.

The café is open from 10am to 3pm, and there is level access and a disabled toilet when you arrive. The nearest car park is at Penrose Hill (although the gradient is quite steep from this car park).

At the other end, there’s a choice of parking. Helston fairground car park is closest to the official start of the trail, and is large and surfaced with hard-packed gravel, but has lots of potholes.

For a smoother car park with accessible spaces, park near the Lakeside Café and Helston Cattle Market – there is also an accessible toilet here. To get to the start of the trail from this car park, follow the pleasant path along the edge of the lake away from the café and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing. Turn right and continue over the bridge and you will see the sign at the start of the Penrose Trail on your left after you have crossed the river.

Penrose, Helston, TR13 0RD

Tel: 01326222170 Email: penrose@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/penrose