The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Nestled in Cornwall, the breathtaking Lost Gardens of Heligan are among the most popular gardens in the UK. These award-winning gardens are filled with lush greenery, hidden sculptures, and rich history, offering visitors a magical escape into nature.

If you’re planning your next camping trip to Cornwall, stop at the Lost Gardens and explore everything they offer. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve included everything you need to know below, including ticket prices, directions, and nearby campsites for a relaxing and hassle-free stay.

Tickets and admissions | Getting to the Lost Gardens of Heligan | Campsites near the Lost Gardens of Heligan | Exploring the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Tickets and admissions at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens are open every day, and ticket prices vary, starting from:

• Adults (18+): £28
• Children (5–17): £12.50
• Under 5s: Free
• Students: From £15.20 (with valid student ID)

Planning to visit more than once? A Heligan Annual Membership offers great value and comes with a range of fantastic perks. Memberships start from just £40 per year and include:

• A whole year of unlimited free admissions
• 10% discount on some items in the gift shop, on plant sales and at Heligan Kitchen
• Explore the 2,000-acre Borde Hill Estate in West Sussex for free during their open season

You can also save more by purchasing a joint or family membership.

Getting to the Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are easily accessible whether you’re travelling on foot, by car, or using public transport.

Travelling to the Lost Gardens of Heligan by car

If you’re driving to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, use the postcode PL26 6EN for a direct route. However, please note that satnav systems often guide you along the shortest path, which can include narrow single-track Cornish lanes that may not be suitable for larger vehicles or caravans and motorhomes.

To avoid this, it’s recommended to approach via St Austell and follow the brown tourist signs to the gardens. From St Austell, take the B3273 towards Mevagissey, then follow the brown tourist signs.

If you’re coming from the M5 heading south, join the A30 westbound at Exeter, and at the Bodmin roundabout, take the A391 to St Austell.

Travelling to the Lost Gardens of Heligan on public transport

Depending on where you’re coming from, you can reach the Lost Gardens of Heligan by bus, train or both.

Train: The closest train station to the Lost Gardens of Heligan is St Austell Station, which is 5 miles away from the gardens. From here, you can take a taxi, which takes around 12–13 minutes, or catch a bus, which will take approximately 19–27 minutes, depending on the route and service.

Bus: There is a bus stop inside the car park of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, offering direct links from St Austell. You can take the 29 from St Austell Bus Station directly to the park. Alternatively, you can take the 23 or the G3 from the town, though these may run less frequently.

Campsites near the Lost Gardens of Heligan

There are plenty of incredible places to stay in Cornwall while exploring the Lost Gardens. A popular campsite, which is 16 minutes away from the Lost Gardens of Heligan, is Veryan Club Site.

Nestled in the heart of South Cornwall, Veryan Club Site offers a peaceful camping experience with breathtaking views of the peninsula’s rolling countryside. Just a short distance from the Lost Gardens of Heligan, this family-friendly campsite welcomes pets and provides a range of convenient on-site facilities.

Guests can enjoy well-maintained washing facilities, motorhome service points, children’s play areas, a recreation hall, an on-site shop, campsite Wi-fi and more.

Veryan Club Site also has a bus stop located just a quarter mile from the campsite entrance, making the campsite easily accessible for backpackers.

Are you a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club? Enjoy more campsites near the Lost Gardens of Heligan by booking a member-exclusive campsite here. Not a member? Join today and get access to these campsites as well as incredible discounts on Club Sites, attractions, camping gear and more.

Exploring the Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are known to be the most romantic and mysterious garden restoration stories told in the UK.

The history of the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Originally created in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Tremayne family on their Heligan estate, the Lost Gardens were once flourishing with breathtaking plants. However, during World War I, the estate’s gardeners were called away to serve in the war, and like many other gardens, these were abandoned.

Over time, nature took over. The once breathtaking grounds became overgrown and were effectively 'lost' for around 60 years. It wasn't until the 1990s that the gardens were rediscovered and carefully restored by a dedicated team of gardeners and historians. Their efforts unveiled stunning Victorian-era gardens, rare plant species, and original features that had been hidden beneath the wilderness for decades.

Today, the restored gardens offer a peaceful escape for visitors. Highlights include the impressive sculptures, vibrant floral displays, and remarkable greenhouses. The Lost Gardens also host events throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something to see and do, no matter the season.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in spring

Be among the first to witness 200 acres of vibrant flowers come to life at the Lost Gardens. The season begins with the stunning Magnolia campbellii, whose enormous pink blooms light up the landscape from mid to late March, depending on the weather. While you’re visiting, wander through the ancient woodlands which are carpeted with bluebells and explore the winding paths which lead to hidden glades. You’ll find colour hidden in every corner.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in summer

In the summer, the Lost Gardens are blooming with fruits and veggies, offering visitors a vibrant and sensory-rich experience. Explore over four acres of heritage vegetables in the productive walled garden, where crops like rainbow chard and strawberries are harvested daily using traditional methods. Wander past antique glasshouses and colourful herbaceous borders bursting with pelargoniums, verbena, and damask roses, while soaking in the scent of jasmine.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in autumn

As the seasons change, the Lost Gardens of Heligan remain as captivating as ever, with lush green gardens giving way to golden landscapes. The season kicks off with the Awenek Heritage Weekend, a celebration of Cornish culture featuring re-enactments, craft demonstrations, and traditional rural activities such as Cornish storytelling, apple pressing, thatching, and wool spinning. This is followed by the Heavy Horse Weekend, showcasing rural life and Heligan’s rare breed farm animals roaming the estate.

A highlight of autumn is the Heligan Harvest Festival, where visitors enjoy incredible produce displays, cookery demonstrations, tastings, and hands-on activities like seed harvesting. Families can join in pumpkin trails, Halloween-themed fun, marshmallow toasting, and nature-inspired storytelling. For those looking to escape the noise and relax, Heligan’s 200 acres of woodlands and gardens burst into rich autumnal colour, with fiery red acers, golden beeches, and bronze oaks, particularly striking in the jungle and mature woodlands.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in winter

Layer up and discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan in a whole new light. Watch the low winter sun glide over frost-kissed Victorian glasshouses as you stroll through the gardens and the Lost Valley, home to some of the best walking views in Cornwall. From mid-November to January, the popular Winter Garden Light Trail illuminates the estate with thousands of fairy lights, handcrafted lanterns, and cosy fire pits. If you visit during Christmas, don’t miss a visit to Santa’s Grotto, and enjoy a traditional festive lunch to complete your magical experience.