The Lost Gardens of Heligan: A Cornish Garden Reborn
Hidden away in the verdant countryside near Mevagissey, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are one of Cornwall’s most enchanting – and unlikely – horticultural treasures. Spread across over 200 acres of woodland, formal gardens, and wild spaces, Heligan is more than just a place of beauty. It is a living story of rediscovery, restoration, and nature’s quiet resilience.
Once forgotten, now flourishing — a visit to Heligan feels like stepping into another world.
A Garden Lost to Time
In the early 20th century, the gardens at Heligan were a grand estate garden, maintained by a team of skilled gardeners. But with the outbreak of the First World War, many of those men went off to fight – and never returned. Left untended, the gardens slipped slowly into decline, gradually swallowed by brambles, ivy and silence.
It wasn’t until the early 1990s that a remarkable restoration effort began, sparked by a chance discovery and a determination to revive what had been lost. What followed was one of the most ambitious garden restoration projects in Europe – and today, Heligan stands as a tribute to the past and a celebration of nature in all its forms.
Wandering the Grounds
Every corner of Heligan feels like a chapter in a magical storybook.
Start with the Productive Gardens, where heirloom varieties of fruit and vegetables grow in neatly kept beds, glasshouses brim with exotic plants, and traditional methods like pineapple pits and cold frames are lovingly brought back to life.
From there, wander into the Pleasure Grounds, home to winding paths, hidden follies, and the famous Mud Maid and Giant’s Head sculptures – mossy, slumbering figures that seem to grow from the earth itself.
Then, take the plunge into the Jungle, one of Heligan’s most exhilarating areas. A subtropical valley filled with giant gunnera, tree ferns, and bamboo, it’s unlike anywhere else in Cornwall. Cross the rope bridge if you dare – it sways gently above a lush, green ravine, offering sweeping views of this thriving, otherworldly microclimate.
Wildlife and Woodland
Beyond the formal gardens lie the Wilderness and Lost Valley, a haven for wildlife and those seeking peace and space to roam. Ancient woodlands, meadows buzzing with bees, and bird hides tucked quietly among the trees offer a more natural kind of beauty — raw, untamed and deeply soothing.
Heligan is also home to rare breed animals, a bee observation hive, and wildlife projects that support everything from barn owls to butterflies.
More Than a Garden
What sets Heligan apart is not just its scale or splendour, but its soul. This is a place deeply connected to people and history – from the gardeners who once lived and worked here, to the names carved into walls in the Tool Shed, now a quiet tribute to those lost in war.
The team at Heligan continues to nurture the land in the spirit of its past, combining heritage, sustainability and education in a way that feels utterly alive.
Visiting Heligan
When to go: Heligan is beautiful year-round. Spring bursts with blossom and new life; summer is lush and dramatic; autumn brings golden colours and late harvests.
What to bring: Good walking shoes and time — you’ll want to explore at your own pace.
Food & drink: The on-site Heligan Kitchen serves seasonal, homegrown fare, and there’s a farm shop full of local treats to take home.
A Journey Worth Making
In a county full of natural beauty, The Lost Gardens of Heligan still manage to surprise. They remind us that even what’s forgotten can be found again — and that sometimes, the most extraordinary places are the ones reclaimed from silence.
Don’t miss it. Heligan isn’t just a garden — it’s a story waiting to be walked.
