Skip to content

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Lose yourself in the mysterious world of The Lost Gardens where an exotic sub-tropical jungle, atmospheric Victorian pleasure grounds, an interactive wildlife project and the finest productive gardens in Britain all await your discovery.

Owner Info

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan

About The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, is one of the most mysterious estates in England. At the end of the nineteenth century its thousand acres were at their zenith, but only a few years after the Great War of 1914 bramble and ivy were already drawing a green veil over this ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Today over 200 acres wait to be discovered, with a wide variety of landscapes open for exploration. In the Northern Gardens the award-winning restoration of Heligan’s working Productive Gardens combine with Victorian Pleasure Gardens including a secluded Italian Garden connected to the rocky alpine Ravine, the secret Crystal Grotto and Wishing Well and the formal Northern Summerhouse and Sundial Gardens. The Wider Estate incorporates longer walks through beautiful Cornish countryside and ancient broadleaved woodlands, whilst the pioneering Wildlife Project offers an intimate view of native wildlife. Also discover an historic and unique National Collection of Rhododendrons and Camellias introduced to Heligan pre-1920. Heligan’s Jungle sits in a steep-sided valley, which creates a microclimate at least 5 degrees warmer than the Northern Gardens and provides a home for a wide array of sub-tropical plantings. This exuberant garden hosting a riot of luxuriant foliage and outstanding trees, exotic plantings and inspiring views, draws the imagination on a journey far from our temperate shores. The variety of habitats throughout the gardens and estate provide a breadth of seasonal interest, including spring flowers, mosses and lichens, ferns and autumn fungi, as well as a considerable range of resident and visiting birds, owls, bats, butterflies and moths, insects, reptiles and small mammals. Heligan is so much more than a garden restored; its own special atmosphere encourages exploration and contemplation, satisfying the broadest range of horticultural and wildlife interest.

Location details

The Lost Gardens of Heligan,
St Austell,
Cornwall,
PL26 6EN

Directions to The Lost Gardens of Heligan
From St Austell take B3273 signed Mevagissey, follow signs.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan openings

No opening times available.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access to Northern gardens. Wheelchairs available at reception foc but pre booking advised due to limited number.
  • Share this garden

Other Gardens of Potential Interest

Don’t miss out

Sign up to our weekly newsletter to hear more about the gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme, events and activities throughout the year

Sign up to our newsletter

FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Yes, coaches are accepted at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at The Lost Gardens of Heligan are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. The Lost Gardens of Heligan seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.