The Ferryboat Inn

The family-owned and run Ferryboat Inn, set in the unspoilt cove of the Helford River, overlooks one of Cornwall’s most magical places and serves up delicious pub fare.

The waterside pub is operated and loved by husband and wife team Zander and Sarah Towill, along with their three daughters. The historic building underwent a full renovation in February 2017 with Zander’s brother Ben and his wife Kate, who own Basic Projects, a design and development company in Charleston, SC. The resulting beautiful space has a strong nod to the property’s nautical roots; with framed vintage pictures of sailboats hanging from the walls, a hand-crafted oak bar and traditional panelling. 

The Inn dates back 300 years and sits surrounded by wooded banks and sloping fields. Perfectly positioned close to Trebah Gardens and close to wonderful local walks including one that inspired Daphne Du Maurier’s novel Frenchman’s Creek. 

Diners can arrive by water along the North Helford Passage and sit on the pub’s terrace or beach seating, which overlooks arguably some of the finest views in the southwest. During the winter months, the open fire and cosy interior welcome ramblers inside where they can warm up and tuck into signature dishes such as chicken schnitzel, mackerel tacos and classic fish and chips. They have a ‘farm to table’ philosophy so that nothing comes between diners and the produce they serve.