Get lost in the enchanting world of the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Located on the Heligan Estate, the gardens are therefore part of the historic ancestral home of the Tremayne family. The gardens were bought and developed by the family in the 16th century. However, in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the gardens were progressively abandoned, especially at the outbreak of the first world war when many of the men who would have worked to maintain the gardens left to go fight, most of them never returning. The gardens were never sold or developed in the decades that followed and were left quietly neglected for years. That is until the 1990s, when they were rediscovered and became a project of conserving and redeveloping the incredible nature on the grounds, much of it being televised in various programs.

In 2013, the Imperial War Museum recognised Heligan’s Thunderbox Room as a “Living Memorial” to those Gardeners at Heligan who fought and died in the Great War.

The gardens are packed with little nooks and crannies, small wonders and hidden treasures to explore at your own pace. Its otherworldly quality makes it the perfect place to disconnect and escape the outside world, just for a little bit.

Whether you enjoy the warm buzz of summertime or the crisp mist and quiet of winter, the gardens are alway a wonderful place to take a stroll. Let yourself get lost and meander through the romantic pleasure grounds with their abundance of old winding paths and unusual shapes. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Witch’s broom as you enter the Northern Gardens by Flora’s Green.

Make your way to the Productive garden where you’ll find an incredible array of fruit and vegetable varieties. The Melon Yard and walled flower gardens are amongst the highlights of this part of the estate.

Don’t miss the exuberant jungle (the UK’s only outdoor jungle) with incredible foliage, giant rhubarb and banana plantations, towering bamboo tunnels and a raised boardwalk from which visitors can take in the landscape’s breathtaking beauty.

There’s so much to explore, it’s worth just taking the day to allow yourself time to wander around and enjoy all the marvellous views and plantings. The Estate also features a lot of woodland and stunning ancient pastures that cannot be missed. Look out for the adorable wildlife about the estate, like beavers, sheep, pigs, bunnies and many different bird species.

The gardens are wonderful to explore with younger children because of their magical energy. Take your little ones to meet the delightful farm animals and learn about their lives or bring them to the beautiful East Lawn Play area where they can enjoy a playground at one with nature. Kids of all ages will also enjoy discovering the wonders of the jungle in all its tropical glory or bask in the mysterious woodlands. It’s the perfect stimulating day out with something the whole family can enjoy.

• The Gardens are open daily from April to the end of September, from 10am to 6pm. 
• Tickets cost £22,50 for adults and £9,50 for children aged 5 to 17. Be sure to book your tickets in advance as they can sell out during the high season. 
• The Gardens have some accessibility measures in place, find out all about them here.
• Dogs are welcome at the Gardens as long as they are kept on a lead. 
• The Gardens have two excellent restaurants on site that visitors are welcome to grab a bite to eat in.

By car: 

• Heading South on the M5, join the A30 westbound when you reach Exeter. Then take the A391 to St Austell and from there, take the B3273 towards Mevagissey and follow the signs to The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

By bus: 

• Local bus service number 23 connects the Gardens to Megavissey. 

By train: 

• Local trains operate to St Austell railway station, the closest station to the Gardens, which connects to trains from London Paddington 

• Put on some comfortable walking shoes when visiting as that will be the main activity on site. 
• Keep an eye out for the special seasonal events put on by the Gardens. 
• Be sure to have plenty of time on your hands when visiting.