Today, 15 years after work commenced; around 200 acres of garden have been rediscovered and restored, fuelled by the dedication and vision of John Nelson, Tim Smit and their enthusiastic workers, all equally inspired to restore "Heligan" to its former Victorian glory.
The sheer diversity of Heligan is to be marvelled at, the Pleasure Grounds feature the Italian Garden, the Crystal Grotto and Wishing Well, a rocky Ravine, the Northern Summerhouse, all entwined by pathways lined by a magnificent selection of historic plants.
The Productive Gardens feature the famous walled Flower and Vegetable gardens, the restored Victorian glasshouses, the Melon Yard and Pineapple Pit, whilst the Jungle nestling in a sub-tropical valley with its three ponds, is home to 22 acres of Tree Ferns, Rhododendrons and Bamboo, to name but a few.
Beyond the jungle lies the Lost Valley and Outer Estate featuring ancient woodlands, a series of lakes, the poultry orchard and Heligans pioneering wildlife project. This project allows you to see by means of tiny hidden cameras the extraordinary day to day life inside the owl nesting boxes and a man-made badger sett.
If you visit just one garden, nothing can match the magic of
“The Lost Gardens of Heligan”
of Heligan
Nr Mevagissey
Tel: 01726 845100
E-mail The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Heligan's Official Website Link
Except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Main Season (Mar - Oct incl)
10.00 am - 6.00 pm daily
Last ticket 4.30 p.m.
Winter season (Nov - Feb incl)
10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Last Tickets 3.30 p.m.
Ongoing restoration work and adverse weather conditions may restrict access at opening times.
ADMISSION (single visit)
Adults £8.50
Senior Citizens £7.50
Child (5 - 16) £5.00
Children (under 5) FREE
Family (2 adults - up to 3 children) £23.50
Group rates available (see website)
Dogs allowed during winter season only - minimum shady car parking spaces available.
Guide dogs admitted all year
(Disabled facilities available)
ACCESS:
DIRECTIONS
From St Austell, take the Mevagissey road (B3273) located on a roundabout with MacDonalds. Follow the brown tourists signs for "The Lost Gardens of Heligan".
Length of journey approx 6 miles.
