Discovering The Lost Gardens of Heligan with children
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is somewhere we discovered during one of our first family holidays in Cornwall. It was a bit of a gem and we had such good memories of it that we decided to visit again a few years later. This post about going to The Lost Gardens of Heligan with children has been updated in 2020.
Back in 2016 our then pre-schoolers loved roaming around the different types of gardens Heligan has on offer, as well as looking at the farm animals and playing on the various obstacles dotted around the estate.
In 2020 they and their pre-teen cousins who joined us had a better appreciation of the history of the place. They also enjoyed exploring the jungle and crossing the Burma rope bridge.
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What are The Lost Gardens of Heligan?
The story of how the gardens were ‘lost’ is a sad one. During World War I many of the people who worked on the estate were killed in military service.
The then owner, Jack Tremayne, didn’t have the heart to keep up the gardens and rented out Heligan House. The gardens began their decline.
It was in the 1990s that they were rediscovered by John Willis – who inherited the estate – Tim Smit – a co-founder of the Eden Project – and John Nelson – a builder friend of Tim’s. During the past 25 years they have recreated the gardens using traditional practices.
One of their earliest and greatest discoveries was a Victorian Thunderbox Room (that’s a lavatory to you and me) situated in the Melon Yard.
On the walls there was much graffiti. Poignantly, some of the scrawlings list the names of men who worked the land before going off to war. Most did not return.
The revival of The Lost Gardens of Heligan became a project in their name and continues a quarter of a century on.
More than 20 gardeners and estate workers now tend to Heligan, cultivating vegetables, rearing traditional live stock and holding events that attract up to 3,000 visitors a day to the 200 acre estate.
Read my guide to more things to do in St Austell with kids.
Our visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan with children
When you arrive at The Lost Gardens of Heligan you might be mistaken for thinking you’re walking towards the entrance of a rather posh garden centre. Don’t be fooled. There’s magic beyond the every day delights of the cafe and gift shop.
We arrived after lunch with about four hours to wander around the gardens. On reflection, it was not nearly enough time to do the place justice.
Harvest time at Heligan
By luck we visited at the beginning of Heligan’s harvest events. Flora’s Green is the only area where a lawn mower or any machinery is used to maintain the grounds and this is where we found a double teepee which was being used for food tastings and cookery demonstrations.
We arrived in time to taste apples, chutneys and baked delights made using produce gown at Heligan. Food always captures the attention of Tin Box Tot and Baby, so we stayed a while to sample what was on offer.
Around the rest of the main gardens there were displays of pumpkins and seasonal squashes that fascinated both of our girls. I had to stop them from pulling apart the arrangements on more than one occasion as they investigated the different shapes and colours.
Tin Box Tot also spent quite some time in a craft tent that had been set up as part of the harvest events. There she experienced painting with natural ingredients like charcoal, nettle and beetroot, and made a corn dolly to take home.
Heligan holds regular events themed around the seasons so if you have children it’s worth planning your visit tom coincide with one these to make the most of additional family-friendly activities.
Touring the gardens with children
Despite visiting during the autumn, we found we were never short of things to point out to Tin Box Tot and Baby.
The rows of vegetables and seeding plants in the Kitchen Garden gave us the opportunity to talk about how food is gown. Heligan’s staff tend to the crops by hand, using organic methods as much as possible, and many of the fruit and vegetables grown here are heritage varieties.
At the bottom of the Kitchen Garden you walk through an arch into the Melon Yard where you can see all kinds of exotic fruit being grown. I was particularly intrigued by the melons hanging in nets.
Through a door leading off the Melon Yard you find the famous Thunderbox Room, which leads on into the Italian Garden and its peaceful fountain. I would have loved to linger here longer (to reflect, not out of necessity), but Tin Box Tot was keen to continue exploring.
On we went past the beautifully restored Head Gardener’s Office where you can read the tragic story of one of Heligan’s workers, Percy Carhart, who died at Passchendaele aged 19.
The office stands at the entrance to the walled Flower Garden, which is a haven for plant-friendly insects and was still full of colourful blooms. Here we showed Tin Box Tot bees collecting pollen.
We also saw an enormous dragon fly in the central pond. It perched on the side for quite some time while the Tot inspected it. Brave insect!
Outside the Flower Garden is a wall of traditional honey bee hives, which reminded me of something out of A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories.
Family-friendly activities at Heligan
We found lots of things to do and activities to entertain our girls as we walked around The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
There were animal feeding times, a wildlife hide, a towering insect hotel and the woodland sculptures including the iconic Mud Maid.
Tin Box Tot and Baby particularly liked looking at Helicon’s cattle, pigs and shire horses. Of course no family day out is complete without a scramble around play equipment and we found two areas for this.
The first was a wooden adventure playground on the East Lawn – the perfect spot for a picnic – and the second was the Giant’s Adventure Trail on the Woodland Walk past Heligan’s sculptures.
One of the last places we visited was the wonderful Burma Rope Bridge which crosses a gully that runs through the centre of The Jungle – a subtropical garden. The bridge is not for the faint hearted, or push chairs.
Mr Tin Box and Tot decided to brave the crossing while Tin Box Baby, Dog and I trotted down to the bottom of the gully and back up the other side to meet them. I got a serious sweat on!
Had we had more time I might have gone back around and had a go myself, but at this point the end of opening the Heligan’s hours was approaching fast. Plus we still had a two hour drive home on a ‘school night’.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan were the best way to finish our weekend in Cornwall – it really did end a great weekend on a high.
Is The Lost Gardens of Heligan dog-friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome to join you as long as they are kept on a lead.
Tips for visiting The Lost Gardens of Heligan with children
- Arrive early and stay all day – our four hour visit was really not enough. We stayed right up until closing time and could have easily seen much more.
- Take a picnic – there’s plenty of open space where you can eat your own lunch. But don’t deny yourself a delicious Cornish ice cream treat from the Kitchen Restaurant or the Steward’s House Cafe.
- Bring a buggy – we were able to use our pushchair throughout the gardens and estate with the exception of a few steps here and there.
- Visit the Burma rope bridge at the beginning or end of the day – this can get very busy, particularly in peak holiday season, so try to beat the rush. Bear in mind that it’s about a 20 minute, fast walk back to the entrance.
Have you visited The Lost Gardens of Heligan with children? What would be your top tips?
For more information about The Lost Gardens of Heligan, opening times and admission prices, visit its website.
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
Planning a visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan with children? Why not save this post on Pinterest.
I also forgot to add #mondayescapes – it’s been one of those days!
David – Potty Adventures recently posted…#pottyadventures Instagram Community: Week 8
What a beautiful place to explore. Such a sad but interesting story behind its past and I’ve officially just re-christened our toilet a thunderbox! Apologies I’m a little late commenting I completely forgot until I’d just seen this weeks.
David – Potty Adventures recently posted…#pottyadventures Instagram Community: Week 8
Ha! You’re not the first one to re-name their loo after this 🙂 No problem at all. I’ve had one of those weeks too!
Wow, the Heligan Gardens indeed look magical. I remember some of these photos – especially the sculptures – from your posts on Instagram and they’re simply amazing. I love taking my girls to gardens near where we live too, some of them with a layered history like these. #mondayescapes
It was really interesting to find out the history behind the gardens and why they became lost. Such a sad story but it made the whole experience of visiting so much more fulfilling.
This looks absolutely amazing, what a fortuitous accidental find! I love that there is such a history behind the gardens too and that they have been restored using traditional methods. Definitely one to keep in mind if we ever find ourselves exploring Cornwall.
It is a fascinating place. Yes, you must add it to your list of places to see if you’re in the area.
So interesting to hear about the background to these gardens and their eventual resurrection. You got a beautiful day for a visit. I love the sculptures there, so intriguing. Looks like a must-see – especially with so much to entertain that four hours weren’t enough! #mondayescapes
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…5 Things To Do In London With Kids At Christmas
We did have a wonderful October day for our visit. Looking back it was very unseasonably warm. The gardens are a great place to look around with kids. We’ll be heading back some time!
Oh I am going to see how close this is to St Mawes as we are going in Jan!
Mini Travellers recently posted…5 Reasons to Visit Cyprus at October Half Term
It should definitely be on your bucket list! The girls would love it. Combine it with the Eden Project for a discounted rate.
Wow, this is so awesome for kids! My elder boy would be stuck in that craft tent – he absolutely loves art and craft. But I’m sure they would also love to go play with the slide and walk that suspension bridge! #MondayEscapes
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…WingStop (Suntec City) Opening Special – 50% off second combo!
Tin Box Tot would have happily stayed in the craft tent for hours. They were printing on canvas bags as well. She’s really getting into this type of activity now.
What an amazing place! I’ve heard of Heligan, but thought it was just your average open garden type place. So much for children to do, Finn would love it-as would I! I keep saying it, but really need to make it to Cornwall one day! #MondayEscapes
Lauren The Helpful Hiker recently posted…Fermyn Woods Country Park
It is a long way, but well worth the visit. There’s plenty of good walking to be done in the West Country too 🙂
Isn’t it great to have a family-friendly attraction that is also welcoming for dogs? And I LOVE the Mud Maid sculpture. Definitely bookmarking this as a potential place to visit when we´re next in southern England. Thanks for the #MondayEscapes linky and greetings from Luxembourg.
Jonny (Daisy the bus) recently posted…The volcanoes of the Auvergne
You won’t be disappointed! And hello from Devon 🙂
I must admit, I would have wondered how ‘family friendly’ this place is too, so thank you for your insights. It is now a place I’d definitely put on my visit list. #MondayEscapes
I’m glad it was helpful. You should definitely give it a go.
Sounds like a great day out! Also great that dogs are allowed too so they can join in the family time #MondayEscapes
Sam – Travelling With Our Kids recently posted…Travel Memories #40 – Scottish Borders 2014
Absolutely! We always enjoy days out a lot more when we can bring the dog with us. It’s so much better than knowing they are at home or in the car alone (obviously not for long periods of time or in hot weather).
The garden of Heligan sound great fun for kids and big kids! I love the sound of a Victorian Thunderbox room… I may just have to start referring to my loo as this now;)
Ha! I like that idea 🙂
I haven’t been for years – certainly not since having children. Looks like we need to pay a visit next time we’re down that way!
Definitely! The kids are a great excuse for a return visit.
Wow. I love the idea of visiting a garden and 4 hours not being enough time to see it all. I’m sorry to say that I’ve been to the area and we didn’t fit in the Lost Gardens of Heligan. I won’t make that mistake again! #MondayEscapes
Jennifer Howze recently posted…Hampshire: The Peat Spade Inn, Stockbridge
We’ve done the same Jen. We were in Cornwall at Easter and didn’t go. We nearly missed out again this time. Luckily we’re making quite frequent trips to Cornwall now that we are in the neighbouring county 🙂
Don’t you love when you bump into a place or are there when you are not supposed and it ends being a wonderful surprise? The story behind the gardens is very inspiring. I am glad they were saved (in some way) and the residents and visitors can admire its beauty. #MondayEscapes
It wouldn’t definitely be a sad loss if they hadn’t been rediscovered
Looks like a neat place – I really like the photo of the female statue half in the ground. I was in Cornwall maybe 5 years ago and totally didn’t come across this place! Next time 🙂
Ah, yes. A good excuse to return 🙂
The kitchen garden at The Lost Gardens of Heligan looks magical! We’d love to go and explore! Not too sure about the rope bridge! #MondayEscapes
Baby Isabella recently posted…Walking with Giants at the Giants Causeway
Sadly I didn’t get to go on the rope bridge, but Tin Box Tot thought it was fun…and she told daddy off when he decided it might be humorous to make it wobble 🙂
Ooh, this looks lovely. Great that dogs are allowed too! My boys would love the bridge…and the Cornish ice cream!
Sometimes the best days out are from unexpected fun finds.
#Mondayescapes
DaisLikeThese recently posted…24 Hours in Reims with Kids
I totally agree. We were absolutely delighted to have visited ‘by accident’.
I did some research on The Lost Gardens of Heligan recently for a project I was doing. The history of it fascinated me. I must take the children there sometime.
Emma Day recently posted…Stena Line and Stena Plus Review: Holyhead to Dublin
It is intriguing. I’ve heard lots about the gardens over the years but didn’t know much about the history until this visit. I can definitely recommend it for family time in the great outdoors.
We visited Heligan when we were in Cornwall, but it was raining so I don’t think we had as much fun as you did. We love gardens though so I think it would be worth a return visit. These look fab for kids. #mondayescapes
Jo Addison recently posted…A Road Trip Around Iceland With 5 Kids (including a 4 month old baby)
Yes, what a good excuse to go back. We has an unseasonably sunny and warm when we went. We got really luck with the weather and it made for a lovely day.
I clearly haven’t visited for a very long time, I don’t remember anything for children. In fact the only thing I recognize from your post is the famous woodland lady lying down. It great to see how family firendly it has become. #mondayescapes
Ah, you must go back Fiona. It’s the visiting on your doorstep thing 🙂
It looks so beautiful Claire, I have loved following your Instagram this is somewhere I would love to visit x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Monday Escapes 14/11
Thanks Sarah x
We visited a few years back but I’m not sure whether we somehow missed the Burma Bridge or if it wasn’t open when we went. Or perhaps I’ve just erased it from my memory. Either way we still enjoyed ourselves immensely, Don’t tell anyone but I preferred Heligan to the other garden (under cover) nearby 🙂 #Mondayescapes
Christine recently posted…My British bucket list: 100 things to do in the UK
Ha, I know the one you mean. They’re linked so I don’t think you have to worry about having a favourite 🙂
We’ve never been to Cornwall but this looks so beautiful. I wonder if I can find a way of keeping the kids happy on the journey… we’d love to make the trip one day.
It is a loooong trip. Even from here in Devon it took two hours, but it was worth it. Do some stop offs on the way 😉
I’d never really considered the poignant history behind Heligan. Your photos really do the place justice – absolutely stunning. Like you I think I’d have wanted to take time to reflect, but those youngsters never give you the time for that, do they?? #MondayEscapes
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Harrogate Turkish baths and health spa
Thank you. Those pesky kids certainly don’t 😉
That is a large teepee! I’m glad to hear that the gardens are a lovely place to visit despite some of the sad history behind the place. The green arches look lovely to walk underneath and I absolutely love that rope bridge! Looks like a lot of fun. #MondayEscapes
It is a fabulous place to spend a day – relaxing and fun!
I took my daughter to Cornwall for her 5th birthday (she will soon be 21) and she still says that was one of her all-time favourite holidays. Unfortunately we did’t go to the Lost Gardens but I wish we had as it looks super! Looks like a great place to visit! #mondayescapes
Ah, you’ll have to go back some time. The gardens are brilliant!
Wow! this all sounds and looks amazing! Wish we’d seen it when we were in Cornwall over the summer. Also, gave me the “chills” – The Lost Garden.
Cerys {mascara & mud} recently posted…Un Llun Ar Dydd Llun
It’s definitely worth doing return trip for 🙂
Looks a great place to enjoy a family day trip. Love the rope bridge 🙂
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…What to Expect at Rottnest Carnivale
I think that was one of my favourite moments of the day 🙂
Sad to hear that the gardens were lost for a time after the war, but it does seem like a great place to bring kids today. Does seem quintessentially English, with the greenhouse and such. Thanks for hosting.
Oh, yes. It really is. It’s definitely somewhere to add to your ‘out of city’ bucket list for the UK!
The Lost Gardens of Heligan sound fascinating! My family loves to visit gardens and parks and we’re always surprised how much Ladybug loves it. The open spaces are wonderful for children. #mondayescapes
Allison recently posted…National Parks with Kids: Tips for Making Them Fun
Absolutely. I think all thy really ever want to do is be free to run around 🙂
It sounds like the gardens were a great teaching tool! It’s wonderful that you and your kids found so much to do during your time at The Lost Gardens of Heligan! #MondayEscapes
Sounds like a great place to take the kids. Like that they have a couple of playgrounds. My boys love anywhere that has animals
Absolutely. There was a good mis of things to entertain us and the kids
I didn’t even know these gardens existed but I really do need a trip to Cornwall. They sound really good and I’d love to visit one day. Soon!! 🙂
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A day at Ferrari world (and some tips!)
Do it! The Lost Gardens and the Eden Project should definitely be on your hit list. You can get a combined ticket for both.
Looks great and sounds like a great family day out. I love the picture on the rope bridge-looks very tropical!
Coral-Way too much luggage recently posted…Have you found your happy place ?
It was surprisingly warm for October too. Or maybe that was just me walking up the valley with a pushchair 🙂
Hi Claire, we visited the Lost Gardens about five years ago on a family holiday to Cornwall and thoroughly enjoyed it. My children were about 8 and 12 at the time yet still at that age loved exploring the gardens. That whole area of Cornwall has so much to see and visit. #MondayEscapes
It’s definitely a great place for families. I had so many childhood holidays in Cornwall.
lovely gardens! #mondayescapes
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Christmas markets in Villach & Velden, Austria
Beautiful, aren’t they 🙂
I’ve only ever heard good thing about these gardens and now this makes me want to visit even more. I think it’s about time to plan a visit to Cornwall….
Absolutely! Get your planning hat on and go 🙂
We have been getting to know Devon over the last two years but Cornwall not so much. I really do fancy going here – looks fascinating and the history behind it is so moving.
We tackled a rope bridge in Alnwick Gardens a year or two ago but this one is on a different scale altogether!
#mondayescapes
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…‘One of the loveliest views in England…’
It’s fantastic there Trish. Definitely try to venture further West if you can. The coastline near St Austell is also wonderful
I love awesome historic stories like these! How wonderful that they have recreated it and brought it back to life, honoring those who worked the gardens! #MondayEscapes
It is an epic story and such a great discovery. Imagine if the gardens had remained lost?!
We missed our fall farm festival this year as they aren’t very popular in Denmark, but we were used to them back in the States. I love the interactive things geared towards kids and we used to adore wandering a garden like this. Cheers from chilly Copenhagen, Erin
That’s a shame Erin. I think this is the best autumn-themed event we’ve been to here.
I’d never heard of these before – I would love to visit on a trip to Cornwall. Such a sad and appropriate story to share this week on how they were lost #mondayescapes
So true. It is a beautiful place, tinged with sadness.
The grounds look absolutely beautiful and so great to hear that there are plenty of activities for kids as well. xoxo, nano | http://www.travelwithnanob.com
It is a stunning place – and lots to do for adults and kids a like 🙂