
Photo: Daderot, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Lat 50.2841° N, lon 4.8096° W●Garden and working estate near Mevagissey
The Lost Gardensof Heligan
A living garden restoration, working estate and richly planted journey through two hundred acres near Mevagissey.
Lost, found and growing again
A garden restoration that is still alive
Heligan was shaped over centuries by the Tremayne family and generations of gardeners. Much of the estate fell into neglect after the First World War. The restoration began in 1990, with the story of the working gardeners placed at its heart.
Today the gardens are not a frozen recreation. The Productive Gardens, Pleasure Grounds, Jungle, wider estate and Home Farm continue to change with the seasons. Allow enough time to choose a route that suits the weather, terrain and the people in your group.
Planning questions
Frequently asked questions about The Lost Gardens of Heligan
How much time should I allow?
A half day covers a focused route. A full day gives more time for the Jungle, wider estate and rest stops. Check the official calendar before travelling.
Is every route step free?
No. The operator says about 13 acres have even paths. The Jungle and wider estate include steep gradients, boardwalks and steps. Ask reception for the current access map.
Can I arrive without a car?
Yes. The official travel page lists bus, rail, cycle and walking options. Current services should be checked before setting out.
Interactive map
Four distinct landscapes
Choose the parts of Heligan that fit your visit
Each area has a different character and different terrain. Use these highlights to build a realistic route.
Productive Gardens
Kitchen Garden, Flower Garden and Melon Yard show traditional crops, glasshouse growing and the working story of Heligan’s gardeners.
Read the official guide ↗Steeper routeJungle and Ravine
Tree ferns, water, boardwalks and the suspension bridge create Heligan’s most dramatic route. Gradients and steps make access more demanding.
Explore the garden areas ↗Historic plantingPleasure Grounds
A sequence of garden rooms, mature trees and ornamental planting that reveals the estate’s changing tastes and ambitions.
Explore the garden areas ↗Working estateHome Farm
Traditional and rare breed livestock connect the restored gardens to the wider agricultural life of the estate.
Explore the estate ↗Bosinver Farm Cottages
Bosinver Farm Cottages Heligan is a verified place to stay in Heligan, Cornwall, listed on Cornish.co.uk with contact…
Meur Cottage
Looking for Meur Cottage Heligan? This place to stay in Heligan, Cornwall is listed on Cornish.co.uk so you…
The Cornish Maid
The Cornish Maid Heligan is a verified shop and retail stop in Heligan, Cornwall, listed on Cornish.co.uk with…

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Plan a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan with verified guidance on the restoration story, garden areas,…
The Nook at Trewollock
The Nook at Trewollock Heligan sits in Heligan, Cornwall — a practical place to stay for visitors exploring…
The Staple Bed Inn
The Staple Bed Inn Heligan is a verified place to eat and drink in Heligan, Cornwall, listed on…
Trewollock Farm Holiday Cottages
Trewollock Farm Holiday Cottages Heligan is a verified place to stay in Heligan, Cornwall, listed on Cornish.co.uk with…
Walk from the harbour
Three ways to extend the visit
Plan for terrain and time
Build a Heligan visit that works for you
These are route ideas, not fixed schedules. Confirm opening, access and transport details with Heligan before you travel.
- 30 minGet the current mapCheck conditions, last entry and any route notices at reception.Choose the Jungle only if the terrain suits your group.
- 90 minProductive GardensBegin with the working gardens and the restoration story.This area is among the more even parts of the estate.
- FlexiblePause and chooseUse a rest stop before committing to a longer route.The return towards the entrance is mainly uphill.
- 2 hrsPleasure Grounds or JungleChoose gentler historic garden rooms or the steeper Jungle route.Wet weather can make steep and wooden surfaces more difficult.
Heligan in pictures
Exact views from the gardens and estate. Every image is stored locally with its Wikimedia Commons author, licence and source.
Please log in to submit a Cornwall photo.
Photo credits
- Lush planting at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Daderot, CC0 · source
- Suspension bridge in the Jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Daderot, CC0 · source
- Arbor walkway in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Daderot, CC0 · source
- Meadow walkway at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Daderot, CC0 · source
- Pig and piglets at Home Farm in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Daderot, CC0 · source
Continue the day nearby
Mevagissey, Pentewan and more of Cornwall
Pair the gardens with a harbour village, a beach, a walk or another verified attraction.
Mother and child areas
Nearby places
Explore by category
Interactive map
Popular nearby
Places to start with
There are no mapped places in this category yet.




Leave a review
You must be logged in to post a comment.