The Lost Gardens of Heligan
At the end of the nineteenth century its thousand acres were at their zenith, but only a few years later bramble and ivy were already drawing a green veil over this “Sleeping Beauty”. After decades of neglect, the devastating hurricane of 1990 should have consigned the Lost Gardens of Heligan to a footnote in history.
The award-winning garden restoration is already internationally acclaimed; but our lease now extends into well over 200 acres of the Wider Estate, leaving the project far from complete.
NORTHERN GARDENS
Step back in time as you explore these fascinating gardens now restored to their former glory.
Intensively cultivated throughout the year, these gardens once met almost all the needs of the Tremayne family and their guests at the Big House. Today over 200 varieties of mostly heritage fruit, vegetable, salad and herb are lovingly tended to supply the Heligan Tearoom with fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year.
First laid out over 200 years ago, the Pleasure Grounds conceal an unusual range of romantic structures and unexpected features, linked by a network of walks lined by a magnificent collection of historic plantings.
Journey across the world beneath the ancient rhododendron boughs of Sikkim, beside Maori-carved tree ferns in New Zealand, to discover our Italian Garden and Alpine-inspired Ravine.
With historic plantings over 150 years old, the Pleasure Grounds are also home to our National Collection of ‘Camellias and Rhododendrons introduced to Heligan pre-1920’. Let these magnificent yet vulnerable specimens captivate you as they bless the gardens with a flood of vibrant spring colour.
JUNGLE
This exuberant garden hosts a riot of luxuriant foliage, outstanding trees, exotic plantings and inspiring views, drawing the imagination on a journey far from our temperate shores. Take an adventure along our raised boardwalk, snaking across four ponds, past giant rhubarb, banana plantations and avenues of palms. Lose yourself in tunnels of towering bamboo and feast your eyes upon a flourishing plant collection.
The Jungle sits in a steep-sided valley, creating a microclimate at least five degrees warmer than the Northern Gardens. Here the exotic palette of plants brought back from across the world, both by the intrepid Victorian Plant Hunters and more recent collectors, flourish before your eyes.
WIDER ESTATE:
Explore the beautiful Cornish countryside of our Wider Estate, extending into 100 acres of the original Heligan Home Farm. Ancient pastures, woodland and wetland, as well as a wide network of watercourses, ponds and lakes are all sustainably managed to maximise the biodiversity of habitats and preserve their historic positions within the Heligan Estate.Within the 80 acres of ancient woodland at Heligan there are many intriguing sights to be seen.
The Giant’s Head, Mudmaid and Grey Lady wait to be discovered along Woodland Walk. This sheltered path comes to life as these woodland sculptures reveal themselves, emerging silently from the beautiful natural landscape.
Lost Valley is a peaceful home to ancient trees, a carpet of bluebells in spring and the traditional practice of charcoal burning.
Two tranquil lakes in Lost Valley, stocked with a healthy supply of sticklebacks and rudd, offer the perfect spot for the Heligan otter and over-wintering kingfishers. Whilst over 60 bat boxes can be spotted throughout the woodlands providing shelter to many resident species such as, greater and lesser horseshoe, pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats.
HORSEMOOR HIDE & WILDLIFE PROJECT
Horsemoor Hide lays at the heart of our pioneering Wildlife Project, offering the perfect location to enjoy Heligan’s wildlife, both on screen and directly outside.
Here you can view live and recorded footage, captured from across the estate by a network of innovative technology and witness intimate dramas of the natural world. These experiences allow fascinating wildlife interaction whilst limiting disturbance to the wild creatures being observed.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Open daily all year round.
(Except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Main Season (1st April to 30th September)
10:00am – 6:00pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Winter (1st October to 31st March)
10:00am – 5:00pm (last tickets 3:30pm)
Ongoing restoration work or adverse weather conditions may restrict access or opening times for safety reasons. Details of specific restrictions will appear on the daily notice board.
Ideally you should allow a whole day to see as much as possible of our 200 acre site, but don’t expect to see everything in one visit!
Garden Admission
SINGLE VISIT CHARGES
| Garden Admission |
|
| Adults |
£10.00 |
| Seniors |
£9.00 |
| Children (5 - 16) |
£6.00 |
| Childen (Under 5) |
Free |
| Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) |
£27.00 |
DOG POLICY
Between 1st April and 30th September, dogs are not admitted to the Gardens.
Between 1st October and 31st March, well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome into the Gardens.
Dogs are not permitted to enter the Heligan Tearoom, Stewardry, Shop or Plant Sales at any time.
Assistance Dogs Are Welcome All Year.
Car Park:
Have a large Car Park offering free parking for cars and pre-booked coaches.
Disabled Parking bays occupy 10% of our total parking area; situated nearest to the entrance, these bays are on flat ground and have a tarmac surface. Badge holders should please identify yourselves to our Car Park staff on arrival.
Toilets:
We have ample toilet facilities on arrival, including left and right hand transfer disabled toilets for wheelchair users and ambulant visitors, as well as baby changing facilities.
Address:
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Pentewan,
St.Austell,
Cornwall
United Kingdom,
PL26 6EN