With most of its caretakers lost in the First World War, the beautiful gardens of the Heligan estate lay abandoned and weed-ridden for almost a hundred years.

In 1990, they were resurrected to their former glory in a restoration project. Today, the eclectic gardens, one of Britain’s most popular botanical sites, make for an otherworldly and unforgettable day of exploring.  

The Pleasure gardens

The Pleasure gardens at Heligan are over 200 years old, with a fantastic collection of plants and flowers from around the globe. See a stunning collection of camellias and rhododendrons, which thrive in Cornwall’s mild climate, and explore the Melon Yard, a sundial garden, and the Northern Summerhouse, dating from 1770 and with incredible views across St Austell Bay.  

Jungle and rope bridge

Heligan’s jungle is filled with tropical ferns and exotic palms, brought in by Victorian plant hunters over a hundred years ago. The collection is carefully curated to this day. Explore the leafy canopies and avenues of palms and follow trails of raised paths across waterlily-studded ponds.   Spot giant rhubarb, bananas and bamboo as well as the UK’s largest New Zealand Yew tree and the country’s only planted group of Wollemi Pines. Then experience the jungle from above on the famous 100ft swinging rope bridge, if you dare!  

The estate and lost statues of Heligan

As you wander through the wider estate see the three statues instated by the Gardens’ original owners, the Cornish Tremayne family.    They go by various names – the Sleeping Goddess, the Mud Maid, the Giant’s Head, the Moss Maiden, the Grey Lady – and appear to arch out of the earth itself, encased in ivy leaves and turf.   Walking through the estate you’ll find acres of peaceful woodland, including the Lost Valley, which is bursting with colourful bluebells each spring. The area is home to many species of rare wildlife including kingfishers, otters, hummingbird hawkmoths, barn owls and bats – see what you can spot on your walk!  

Other treasures at Heligan

The gardens and estate are home to countless other treasures, including:

• Europe’s last pineapple pit – the only place in Europe that still grows pineapples by this method
• Charcoal kilns and sculpture – see where local charcoal is produced and even buy some in the Heligan Shop
• The farm – at the on-site farm you can meet rare breed livestock and visit the orchard to see Cornish apple trees, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys