Lost Gardens Of Heligan

Approximate Journey Time: 4Hrs

Time at Destination: 4 Hrs 30 mins

Comfort Stop: Yes

Drop off Point: Coach Park 

Enjoy a scenic coach day trip to the enchanting Lost Gardens of Heligan, arriving around 11:30 am to spend 4.5 hours exploring this remarkable Cornish estate. Once hidden and overgrown, the gardens have been beautifully restored, offering a glimpse into 19th-century horticultural splendor. Wander through the subtropical Jungle, explore Victorian vegetable gardens, and discover hidden sculptures nestled among lush plants and ancient woodlands. With ample time to see highlights like the Giant’s Head and the Mud Maid, as well as to enjoy lunch or refreshments in the garden’s charming café, this trip offers a peaceful escape into one of the UK’s most magical botanical treasures.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan have a fascinating history rooted in the Tremayne family, who established the gardens in the 18th century on their estate in Cornwall. By the mid-19th century, Heligan had become a flourishing symbol of Victorian horticultural innovation, showcasing a mix of ornamental and productive gardens, including walled flower gardens, fruit trees, and vegetable plots. Heligan’s tropical Jungle area, filled with exotic species brought back by Victorian plant hunters, reflected the era’s adventurous spirit. However, with the onset of World War I, many estate workers left to serve, and the gardens fell into disrepair. Gradually, they became overgrown and largely forgotten, remaining hidden beneath brambles and ivy for decades.

In the early 1990s, the gardens were rediscovered by Tim Smit and John Willis, a descendent of the Tremayne family, who began an extensive restoration project to bring Heligan back to life. Their vision to revive the Lost Gardens focused on maintaining historical accuracy, using traditional techniques to restore the original Victorian design and plantings. The project’s success turned Heligan into one of the most beloved botanical sites in the UK, drawing visitors from around the world. Today, the Lost Gardens of Heligan provide not only a stunning example of Victorian gardening but also a unique historical journey through time, blending the mystery of a “lost” garden with the beauty and vitality of a living one.