10 reasons you’ll fall head over heels for the Lost Gardens of Heligan

1. It's a piece of history

Having been sensitively restored after decades of neglect following the outbreak of WW1, which took much of its workforce off to fight in the trenches, the Lost Garden of Heligan has become a magical place for all ages to enjoy. Discover the Heligan Play Meadow (the South West's largest outdoor play area), smell the incredible array of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits grown across the gardens, and walk in the footsteps of Lords and Lady’s in the intricately laid-out Pleasure Grounds.

2. It’s AMAZING for kids

Big kids, little kids…everyone with an inquisitive mind and energetic vibe will be right at home amongst the Lost Gardens of Heligan’s 200 acres. Fire up imaginations in the Jungle, make learning fun in the Victorian Productive Garden, then play tag and climb trees in the ancient woodlands. Even more family fun is waiting to be had over at the Heligan Play Meadow and we haven’t even mentioned the ridiculously fantastic events and special activities yet (more about that later!). Heligan is one big playground!

3. There are animals galore

Farm animals are at the heart of the Heligan experience. Cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese…you name it and Heligan’s probably home to it. See them enjoying the land as it would have been farmed over 100 years ago and learn about Heligan’s sensitive take on land management.

4. There’s always something new happening

Heligan is never one to miss an excuse for an event or activity. Visit during the school holidays, on special occasions, or practically anytime during the year and you can almost guarantee to have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into everything from crafts to musical workshops and bushcraft skills. There are also regular garden tours, gardening talks, and pop-up foodie evenings. Be sure to check out Heligan’s event calendar before you visit to max out on everything that’s on offer.

5. It’s a garden lover’s dream

If you’re green-fingered (and even if you aren’t) you’ll be blown away by the enormous rhododendrons and camellias that have won the Lost Gardens of Heligan National Collection Holder status. See them bloom in a vibrant explosion of spring colour and take in the impressive historic plantings that date back 150 years.

6. The food is fresh, fresh, fresh

Move over food miles, it’s all about food yards at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The delicious Heligan Kitchen and Bakery is a showcase of the amazing home-reared meat and produce grown on Heligan’s very own grounds. See the produce in the garden then taste it in the kitchen. Fresh, Cornish and utterly yummy.

7. It’s a haven for wildlife

Pull up a pew in The Hide and enjoy an intimate view of feathered friends exploring the Heligan Estate, watch the comings and goings of the Insect Hotel, keep up to date with the goings-on of many exciting creatures from Badgers to Blue Tits and so much more. Heligan is a wildlife paradise offering a tantalising glimpse into the lives of bugs, birds, and a biodiverse landscape. Bring a pair of binoculars and a notebook and see how much you can spot!

8. It’s jungle-tastic

Become an explorer and discover Cornwall’s only jungle. Take an adventure through tropical gardens passing along raised boardwalks, snaking around ponds, past giant rhubarb, banana plantations, and avenues of palms, then lose yourself in tunnels of towering bamboo. Totally unique for the area, the jungle garden is home to one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain. Stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns and across the Jungle floor, the rope bridge has got to be one of the top Heligan experiences so grab your camera and snap away as friends and family brave the high-rise challenge.

9. It gets tails wagging

If you’ve got a wet nose and waggy tail the Lost Gardens of Heligan will welcome you with open paws. This is where walkies come with masses of choice and there are new smells to discover at every turn. Most of the Estate is doggie-friendly with the exception of the Heligan Tearoom and Stewardry.

10. We’re super close

Have we mentioned that the Lost Gardens of Heligan is right on our doorstep? We’re so close that we’ve got our very own entrance gate. In fact, Heligan Campsite was once part of the original Heligan Estate – you can’t get closer than that!