Gardens of Cornwall: Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan  Scaleable Map

Officially the county's most visited garden, prior to the opening of its near neighbour The Eden Project. Open every day, except Christmas Day, Heligan Gardens near Mevagissey, lay largely overgrown and forgotten until the early 1990's. In February 1990, Tim Smit had the vision with a group of like-minded volunteers to restore the gardens to their former glory. A chance meeting between entrepreneur Tim Smit, his business partner John Nelson and a descendant of the original landowners Mr John Willis led them to agree on the necessity of restoring the Gardens. The winter storms of 1990 had ripped through the former seat of the Tremayne family and all but obliterated the gardens from the map and people's consciousness.

The Tremayne family - landowners here since 1569 set about improving the house and grounds over their 400 year tenure. In 1603 the thirteenth century Heligan House was rebuilt in a Jacobean style, it was rebuilt again in 1692 by Sir John Tremayne, this time in the 'Wiliam and Mary' style. In 1766 Henry Hawkins Tremayne developed the estate gardens especially to the north of the house. Over the next century or so their development continued under Squire John Hearle Tremayne. In the period between 1851 and 1901 Squire John Tremayne further developed the northern gardens whilst Claude Tremayne constructed the 100 metre rockery known as the Ravine in 1890. The Japanese Garden, now more commonly known as the Jungle, was built up to the south of the house by John Claude Tremayne in 1901 with the Italian Gardens constructed six years later. During the turmoil of the First World War, Heligan House was used as a Convalescent Home for Officers and was let out to tenants from 1920. This arrangement continued on an on and off basis until the 1960's. In 1973 Heligan House was converted to flats and sold. The Gardens were neglected and became overgrown. They would have been lost to the nation if it weren't for the foresight of Messrs. Smit, Nelson and Willis. Heligan now ranks among one of the 'must sees' in Cornwall. An excellent companion book is the Lost Gardens of Heligan by Tim Smit.

Layout: The Northern Gardens

The Gardens to the north of Heligan House are generally known as the Northern or Productive Gardens. There is a vegetable garden, a Melon Yard (dating from 1720), Four walled gardens - the Italian Garden, the Flower Garden, the New Zealand Garden and the Sundial Garden as well as the Ravine, Flora's Green and a summerhouse to explore. The area is ringed with pathways such as the Western Ride, the Eastern Ride as well as the Beacon Path - with over two and a half miles of walkways in total. The unusual Giant's Head is located near to the Ticket Office.
For more information and admission prices, please click HERE or contact: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, St. Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN. Telephone (01726) 845100, Fax. (01726) 845101. E-mail info@heligan.com or online at http://www.heligan.com

Layout: The Jungle and Pleasure Gardens

South of Heligan House lies the steep sided valley known as the Jungle. This sub-tropical area is watered by four ponds and there's lots to see. There are bamboo tunnels, palms, tree ferns and the awesome or Giant Rhubarb. Further east lies a a section of gardens formed into distinct areas. Across the East Lawn lies the Lost Valley and Bottledump Hill. Once again the area is well served by paths and 'rides'. To the north lies Horsemoor with its burgeoning Wildlife Project whilst closer to the Steward's House is an area set aside for refreshments, an exhibition area and toilets.
How to get there: From St Austell take the road to Mevagissey (B3273) and follow the brown tourist signs to 'The Lost Gardens of Heligan'.

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The Gardens of Cornwall