The beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan

I hadn’t heard of The Lost Gardens of Heligan until recently and so I enquired of my Mum why it was that we hadn’t been there when I was little… That’s when she explained – she hasn’t been there either… and she grew up in Cornwall.  Intriguing – how could this be so? Well this is because all of the gardeners at the house went off to fight in the first world war and so the garden fell in to disrepair in 1914 with no one to care for it.  It was only earlier this century that a secret door was discovered under fallen debris which led into something hidden, but magical!  A massive restoration process rolled into action and restored them to their former glory as well as taking on more of the estate.  Once I had read this story I was hooked and so when Easter Sunday dawned bright and sunny in Cornwall, we headed across towards St Austell where Heligan is located.

And so the incredible story begins

We arrived before the gardens opened – and I would definitely recommend this.  The gardens – especially the jungle and woodland walk areas near to the entrance – are magical and we loved being there with so few people.  That said there are hundreds of acres of grounds to explore on good pathways and wooden trails so I can’t imagine they could ever feel overcrowded.  Even now they aren’t hidden, there are still many many walk ways to explore!  They are however in a micro-climate of their own – we were swiftly putting our warm clothes in our rucksack and making the most of the warmth! A real sun trap!

On arrival a very useful map

We started the day by enjoying the woodland walk – green and verdant, this is the part of the gardens that is best known from photos – incredible mud sculptures that make it such an interesting trail.  Our timing in spring meant the end of the daffodils, a full bloom of primroses growing on every bank and the beginning of the bluebells, so there was plenty of colour. I can only imagine what this area will look like come summer – in fact I think the mud man has ginger hair in summer!  It felt a bit like being in Narnia – a garden but with so much more than anyone could expect!

The woodland walk

The jungle area wasn’t something I knew of before we arrived, but with such a warm microclimate it is no surprise that this was put together – what a marvel to have in an english country garden.  The jungle is just below the house (which remains private – although I rather think it would make a magnificent luxury hotel…) and is a fascinating place to explore.  It is on a steep bank and as you walk down through the tiered ponds there is a plethora of colour and smells.  There is also a rope bridge to cross the larger pool which adds a fun quirk, even for adults.  We really enjoyed this area – in early April it didn’t seem possible that everything could be so well grown and colourful already – fantastic!

A rumble in the jungle

The northern gardens and the flower garden are located around the private house and are perfectly manicured and stunning.  We spent a long time enjoying the aroma in the greenhouse – the day had really brightened up at this point and the colours come alive with the sunlight and the smells are divine with some heat!  Gorgeous!  As you might expect around the house the garden areas are all ‘just so’ but they are also very wild in that nothing looks particularly planted.  Everything is all very established and works well.  There is plenty of lawn space and picnic benches to take it all in from.

Beautiful flowers

One thing I really wanted to see given the timing of our visit was the lambs, but I had no idea that there would be so many other animals to meet too!  We did of course meet the lambs – cute bundles of fluff.  As we had arrived so early we were some of the first to see them and so they weren’t already put off by the intrusion of humans and hadn’t hidden themselves away.  We particularly liked the pigs – they were splayed out sleeping in the sun and I was amazed how they just trample over each other when they move to find themselves the best spot!  None of them seem bothered with a hoof in the face or stomach – very clumsy and patient animals!  The calves and bullocks were clearly making the most of the luscious paddocks at their disposal!

Animal farm

The wider estate extends for many acres – we were glad of our walking boots, flask and biscuits and spent much of the day following the different trails and taking in the views.  As the day warmed up and the sun shone it really was a perfect place to be for Easter.  There are some lovely cafes on site and I was particularly pleased how well marked each cake was for allergens it contained.  Happily some of the flapjacks were dairy-free, good planning by the kitchen!  What I particularly like about Heligan is that it is a really good mix of a country garden as well as having some proper walking terrain and space to enjoy as well.

The estate

An incredibly relaxing day out in fascinating and well kept surroundings.  I am glad we waited for a sunny day as there was no rush and plenty to enjoy.

Happiness is being sat in the sunshine relaxing (while Mr P deals with the camera timer…)

Entry was £12.50 each and worth every penny.  There are a couple of places to eat in the gardens, as well as a lovely shop (it was Easter Sunday so it wasn’t open) full of treats! Heligan is part of the Great Gardens of Cornwall – get the leaflet stamped on your visit as it then gives you discounted to a selection of other beautiful gardens in the country!