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THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN
"The Gardens that time forgot"
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is the largest garden restoration in Europe, and has now
become one of the fastest growing visitor attractions in the West.
The gardens are situated in close proximity to the picturesque fishing village of
Mevagissey, and are regarded as a monument to three generations of the Tremayne family.
Covering 57 acres and a further 100 acres of ornamental woodland, there is an impressive
range of plant breeds and features, including, an Italian garden, a crystal grotto,
summerhouses and the Flora Green Lawn surrounded by giant rhododendrons.
Originally dating back to 1780, the gardens fell 'asleep' throughout the two World Wars
when little time was allowed for the pleasures of gardening. In 1991, a restoration team
ploughed through the mountains of bramble and creeping ivy to discover the forgotten
orchid houses, vineries, peach houses and even a pineapple pit. The range of horticultural
buildings also discovered, allowed the story of the 19th Century gardening to be exposed.
The gardens have now been remodelled in a Victorian tradition with special emphasis on
the walled kitchen garden, which has now become the only working 19th Century garden in
Britain, producing peaches, melons and even pineapples.
A visit to Heligan could take 2 hours or more, and still offer new and exciting
features and plants each time it is visited. There is also the chance for visitors to
purchase some of the plants seen within the gardens at the plant sales area, to act as a
souvenir of your visit.
FACTFILE
Directions
From St Austell, follow the B3273 towards Mevagissey. The Gardens will be signposted
from this road, just past Pentewan.
OPENING TIMES
The Gardens are open daily between 10am and 4.30pm throughout the year.
PARKING
There is ample free parking on site.
FEATURES
There is a tea room and toilets area.
A plant sales area and a large undercover seating area is available.
Large sections of the garden are suitable for the disabled.
Stout footwear is recommended for wet weather days.
Dogs on leads are welcome.
Heligan Gardens
Heligan Pentewan Nr Mevagissey Cornwall
Tel: 07126 845100
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