Lost Gardens of Heligan

About this activity

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a truly magical and enchanting destination, located in the heart of Cornwall, England. This beautiful and historic garden has been beautifully restored to its former glory, and is now a must-visit for anyone interested in gardens, horticulture, and history. The gardens cover over 200 acres, and are home to an incredible array of plants, flowers, trees, and wildlife, making them a true paradise for nature lovers.

The gardens have a fascinating history, having been created in the late 19th century by the Tremayne family. They were once one of the most important gardens in the country, but fell into disrepair after the First World War, when many of the gardeners who tended to them went off to fight. The gardens lay untouched and overgrown for nearly 70 years, before being rediscovered and restored in the 1990s.

Today, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are a testament to the incredible work that has gone into restoring them, and visitors will be amazed at the sheer variety of plants and flowers that can be found here. There are countless paths and walkways winding through the gardens, each offering a different perspective on the breathtaking landscapes and vistas.

One of the highlights of a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan is the Victorian Kitchen Garden, which has been beautifully restored and is now home to a range of fruit and vegetables, including apples, pears, and tomatoes. The garden is a true feast for the senses, with its fragrant herbs, colourful flowers, and buzzing bees, and is a wonderful place to explore.

Another must-visit area of the gardens is the subtropical Jungle, which is home to a range of exotic and unusual plants and trees, including palms, tree ferns, and bamboo. This lush and tropical area is a true escape from the outside world, and visitors will be enchanted by the sound of trickling water and the shade provided by the lush vegetation.

For those interested in the history of the gardens, there is also a fascinating museum on site, which explores the history of the gardens and the restoration project. Visitors can learn about the history of the Tremayne family, the gardeners who tended to the gardens, and the incredible effort that has gone into restoring the gardens to their former glory.