If you are in Newquay Cornwall, ( Pentewan St. Austell to be exact) the Lost Gardens of Heligan Cornwall is one horticultural jewel that you should definitely make room for on your trip. If you have never heard of the Lost Gardens of Heligan Cornwall, the first thing you should know is that it was created about 2 centuries ago. So, expect to be wowed by the historical splendor that it has to offer.
What can I expect to see at the Lost Gardens of Heligan Cornwall?
The Lost Gardens are organized into the Productive Grounds, The Pleasure Grounds, the Jungle, and The Woodlands.
Productive Grounds- As the name suggests, the section of the Lost Gardens of Heligan grows fresh produce that ends up in the Heligan kitchen for you to enjoy. You can expect to see a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Special mention must be made of the Lost Gardens of Heligan pineapple. 2 types of pineapples are grown by the Productive Grounds garden team, namely the smooth Cayenne Pepper pineapple and the Jamaican Queen. They are both delicious and it is quite the event when they are bearing fruit.
Pleasure Grounds- This portion of the garden is filled with luxurious paths to explore. You can expect to see exotic plants like Camellias, Rhododendrons, and the Witches Broom. The Sundial Garden and the Northern Summerhouse offer splendid views of the St Austell Bay. The Pleasure Grounds truly offers a truly serene ambiance that all can enjoy.
The Jungle- This area of the gardens is located in a valley and as such creates a mini tropical environment that supports many tropical plants.
The Woodlands is home to the famous statues of the Mud Lady, the Grey Lady, and the Giant’s head.
When can I visit the Lost Gardens Of Heligan?
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is open for you to enjoy and explore every day of the year except Christmas day. The opening hours vary depending on the section that you want to visit:
The Gardens and the entire estate are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. They allow admission until 4:00 p.m. but we suggest that you get there earlier so that you can genuinely enjoy all that this spectacular venue has to offer.
The Horsebox (you can get light refreshment here) opens from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Steward’s House Tea room also opens from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. So be sure to get your snacks and ice cream before closing time!
The Heligan Shop and Plant Centre opens from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on a daily basis, on Sunday there is a slight adjustment to the time. They open at 12:00 pm instead.
What are the prices like at the Gardens?
You can expect pretty affordable prices to enjoy all this natural beauty. Here is a handy guide to give you an idea of what you are likely to pay:
Family price (2 adults and as many as 3 children) £45.00
Adult price £16.00
Student price £10.00
Children between the ages of 6 and 17 £8.00
Children under 5 are free.
The companions of disabled visitors are allowed to enter free.
Are there any animals at the Gardens?
Yes, there is wildlife ( birds, hedgehogs, bees) and rare breeds of farm animals ( sheep, horses, turkeys, chicken, geese, etc). All these animals are protected.
As you can tell, you and your family can enjoy a fun-filled day at the Gardens of Heligan Cornwall. There are rope bridges and play areas that ensure that everyone has a good time! So if you are in Newquay, Cornwall put the Lost Gardens of Heligan at the top of your agenda.
