SightseeingOutdoor
Family favourite

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

St Austell, Cornwall · 4.5 · 21,465 visitor reviews

St Austell, PL26 6EN

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About

Pack your explorer’s hat and a dash of curiosity, because The Lost Gardens of Heligan in the heart of Cornwall are calling for a family day out filled with whimsy, wonder, and a touch of woodland mystery! With over 200 acres of lush gardens and mystical paths, this enchanting haven is not just a feast for the eyes but a playground for the imagination. It's one of the most mysterious estates in England!

You can even trek right through the Jungle on the only Burmese rope bridge in the UK if you dare... Things To Do Step back in time as you explore the Northern Gardens, with beautiful flowers, exotic plants and over 20 varieties of fruit and vegetables, there’s even a melon yard! You will also get to see the 200-year-old Pleasure Grounds, which conceal an unusual range of unexpected features and romantic structures, linked by a network of woodland walks.

The kids will love exploring and everyone will enjoy the rhododendrons and camellias that are over 150 years old! Don't forget to visit the award-winning Victorian Productive Gardens too! Did you know you'll find the largest collection of tree ferns in the whole of Europe here?!

The 13-acre gardens as a must-see! It's a visitor attraction all plant lovers will be amazed at. Not to mention, you can wander through the ancient woodland, and you'll discover literal brambles of time!

The woodland spans 60 acres of magical exploration and winding paths. The Lost Valley In this transcendent area, you'll find mystical and magical Heligan sculptures that are a sight to see. Prepare to be spellbound by the Mud Maid and the Giant's Head, earth sculptures that look like they’ve stepped right out of a fairy tale.

These living artworks are perfect for sparking little imaginations and are begging to be captured in your family selfies. Who knows, you might even catch them whispering secrets of the garden! You'll also feast your eyes on an enchanting willow tree garden, wildflower meadows, bluebell carpets and even traditional practices of coppicing and charcoal burning...

Psst, they use charcoal kilns! The Jungle Welcome to The Jungle! A place of luxurious foliage, acres of garden, exciting garden features and beautiful plants.

Trail across the Jungle Boardwalk, where you'll discover gardens of beautiful flowers, and enjoy a sub-tropical journey through tropical gardens like the giant rhubarb, pal, tees and bamboo tunnels! Gaze upon exotic fruits, citrus fruits, and wind on woodland trails and try and find the crystal grotto... It even has its own microclimate which as at least 5 degrees warmer than the Northern Gardens!

You can even bring the family pooch along with you on a lead, so everyone can come enjoy the fun. Wildlife Wonders The beautiful gardens are not just home to subtropical plants but a buzzing hub for critters and creatures of all kinds. Creep quietly into the wildlife hide and spy on the squirrels, birds, and perhaps a fox or two!

Each trail and path offers a new friend to discover, making it a wild biology lesson that’s way cooler than school! Wildlife lovers of all ages will love a trip to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Whether it's birds you're looking for or the chirp of an insect, the Heligan Estate is home to an entire biodiversity of wildlife.

Action-Packed Activities Ever painted with petals or built an insect hotel? The Lost Gardens of Heligan are packed with activities that'll have the kids buzzing with excitement. Join in on nature crafts, treasure hunts, and storytelling sessions that make every visit unique and memorable.

It’s all about having fun and learning something new, with a sprinkle of Heligan magic! Then burn some energy at the Giant's Head Adventure Play! Where your little ones can practise balancing, log hopping and jumping in the bamboo tunnels.

Or the Heligan Play Meadow is where you'll find Cornwall's LARGEST outdoor playground! You'll find over 14,500msq of adventure. Discover towers to climb, turrets, slides, swings and the UK's largest bug hotel - Bugginghum Palace!

The Rare Breed Farm Ever wanted to see rare breeds of livestock and farm animals? Well, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are home to the first rare breed park in the entire South West! From North Devons and British White cattle to the Cornwall Longwool sheep!

Not to mention Highland cattle and the Shire horse! Food & Drink All that adventuring is sure to work up an appetite, and the Heligan Kitchen is ready with yummy treats and scrumptious meals. From farm-fresh veggies to cakes that tickle your taste buds, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up and chatter about the day’s discoveries.

Plus, eating food grown right where you played makes it taste that much better! Enjoy tasty summer salads, scrumptious BBQs, indulgent cream teas and warm bread. You can even bring a picnic here too, there's plenty of picnic benches!

Why The Lost Gardens of Heligan Are a Must-Visit for Every Family The Lost Gardens of Heligan aren’t just any old day out—they’re a gateway to adventure, a crash course in nature, and a jump back in time all rolled into one. It’s where families can roam, discover, and laugh together in one of the UK’s most spellbinding gardens. Ready for an unforgettable day out?

Heligan awaits, with open arms and endless enchantment! "Lovely place to visit, great grounds to walk around and with beautiful flowers and trees around. There are easy paths and harder paths to take.

Well signposted to all areas. The kid's play area looks like it's recently been done up and looks like it would be great fun.

Good for: all ages, babies toddlers, older children, teenagers, young children

Categories

Facilities

  • Nearby Parking
  • Toilets
  • Baby Changing
  • Cafe
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Dog Friendly
  • Card Payments
  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Entrance
  • Contactless Payment

Prices

Adults: £24.95 Children: £11.00

Opening times

Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Common questions

How much does it cost to visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan?

Adult tickets are £24.95 and children's tickets are £11. With over 200 acres to explore including Cornwall's largest outdoor playground, it offers great value for a full day out.

What can families do at The Lost Gardens of Heligan?

Families can discover the magical Mud Maid and Giant's Head sculptures, cross the UK's only Burmese rope bridge in the Jungle zone, explore subtropical gardens, and meet rare breed farm animals. The outdoor playground is one of Cornwall's largest.

Can I bring my dog to The Lost Gardens of Heligan?

Yes, dogs are welcome at The Lost Gardens of Heligan on leads. The extensive grounds provide wonderful walking opportunities for the whole family including four-legged members.

Does The Lost Gardens of Heligan have food and facilities?

Yes, the Heligan Kitchen serves delicious food using local Cornish produce, including cream teas and hot meals. There are baby changing facilities, toilets, and you can bring your own picnic too.

Is The Lost Gardens of Heligan wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Lost Gardens of Heligan has wheelchair accessible areas, an accessible entrance, and accessible parking. Some woodland paths may be more challenging, but much of the garden can be enjoyed.

What families say

4.5

21465 reviews