The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are one of the most interesting places on the map of Cornwall. Lost for the greater part of a century, ravaged by time and the ever-changing landscape of Cornwall, Heligan has gone through a number of changes throughout its 800-year history. Prior to 1900 the estate had gone from a manor house to an estate being able to boast of "the finest herbaceous border in England" in regard to the Sundial Garden, high praise indeed.

However, as time passed by the changing landscape of Europe imparted dramatic change on the once renowned estate. The First World War saw the manor become a makeshift hospital and just a few decades later, a military base. Heligan's distinguishable features soon began to be lost to time and for the better part of a hundred years was lost.

In 1990 however derelict garden walls were discovered by Tim Smit and John Willis and the restoration soon gained momentum.

Renewed and revitalised

Today Heligan is one of the best places to visit when in Cornwall, from our luxury cottages in St Ives you can take the A30 toward St Austell and follow the signs thereafter. The gardens are a unique look into the past and truly wonderful to explore on a summer's day. With a productive garden that features on the menu of the kitchen you can enjoy a bite to eat after wandering through the gardens.

If you're staying with us in St Ives and want to discover what's out there in Cornwall for you to discover then why not get in touch with the team in the office? Whether it's a rainy day and you're not sure where to go or want to explore the wonders across the county they can help you make the most of your stay in our luxury self catering cottages.

Find out more about The Lost Gardens of Heligan on their website.

Image credits: The Lost Gardens of Heligan