The Lost Gardens of Heligan have one of the most romantic stories of any garden in Britain. For centuries they were the pride of the Tremayne family estate near Mevagissey, but after the First World War they fell into neglect and disappeared beneath brambles. Rediscovered and restored from the 1990s, they are now among Cornwall's best-loved places to visit.
Getting there and parking
Heligan is near the village of Pentewan, about five miles south of St Austell and a mile or so from the fishing village of Mevagissey. It is signposted from the B3273. There is a large free car park on site. Buses run between St Austell and Mevagissey, and you can also walk or cycle up from Pentewan along a traffic-free trail. Check the route and gradients before you set off.
The story
At the start of the 20th century, Heligan was a thriving estate with a large team of gardeners. Many of them went off to fight in the First World War, and not all came back. With the workforce gone, the gardens slowly became overgrown and were largely forgotten. In 1990, a small team including Tim Smit, who later founded the Eden Project, and John Willis, a descendant of the Tremayne family, began clearing the undergrowth and uncovered the glasshouses, walls and paths that lay beneath. The restoration was followed by television viewers across the country.
In one building, the Thunderbox Room, the restorers found the signatures of gardeners written on the wall in 1914, a moving reminder of the men who once worked here.
The Northern Gardens
The heart of the restored gardens includes walled flower and kitchen gardens, where fruit and vegetables are grown using Victorian methods, and a range of glasshouses. Look out for the pineapple pit, heated by rotting manure in the Victorian way and still used to grow pineapples. Nearby are the Italian Garden, a crystal grotto and the Fern Ravine.
The Jungle
Below the Northern Gardens, a steep valley holds the Jungle, a sub-tropical garden of giant tree ferns, bamboo, palms and gunnera, with leaves big enough to shelter under. Boardwalks wind down past a chain of ponds, and a Burmese rope bridge crosses part of the valley. The paths are steep in places, so allow time for the climb back up.
The Lost Valley and wider estate
Further down, the Lost Valley runs through ancient woodland towards Pentewan. Here you will find the Mud Maid and the Giant's Head, two sculptures made of rock, earth and plants, which have become symbols of Heligan. The estate also has a working farm with rare breeds, and wildlife hides where you might spot birds and bats.
Food and facilities
There is a café and restaurant near the entrance, which uses produce from the gardens and estate when it can, plus a shop and plant centre. Toilets are near the entrance. Some areas are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, while the Jungle and Lost Valley paths are steep and uneven. Check Heligan's website for accessibility details.
When to go
Heligan is open all year, apart from a few days around Christmas. Spring is spectacular, with rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias in flower, while summer brings the kitchen gardens to their peak. Even in winter the Jungle stays green. Check the website for opening times and prices before you visit.
Good to know
- Allow at least half a day. A full visit including the Jungle and Lost Valley can easily take longer.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Paths can be muddy after rain.
- Dogs on short leads are usually welcome. Check the current policy before you go.
- Combine your visit with a wander around Mevagissey's harbour.
Photos: The Jungle at Heligan by Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0; Heligan by John Baker, CC BY-SA 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
