The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Excursions
- 50-60
- 5.5 hours
- Limited to 90 participants
On our tour today, we have the opportunity to visit this unique time capsule. Heligan is beautifully situated at the head of a valley overlooking the lovely and historic fishing harbour of Mevagissey. It is at the heart of an estate comprising roughly 1,000 acres. This estate, in its heyday, was completely self-contained, with a number of farms, quarries, woods, a brickworks, flour mill, sawmill, brewery and productive orchards and kitchen gardens. The war years saw much decay, but the amazing thing is that the gardens just went to sleep. No major alterations have been carried out this century, and all the vernacular and green buildings remain untouched. This is why Heligan is so valuable – there are very few examples of gardens that haven’t been modernised.
We are able to tour the Lost Gardens at leisure, seeing one of the largest garden restoration projects in Europe, and share in the excitement and achievements of the restoration team. In the northern garden are four kilometres (two and a half miles) of footpaths, an Elizabethan mount, rockeries, summer houses, a crystal grotto, an Italian garden, a wishing well and a superb collection of walled gardens. Remarkably, much of the original plant collection has survived. To the south lies the Jungle – a sub-tropical valley overlooking the picturesque fishing harbour of Mevagissey – overflowing with palms, tree ferns, bamboos, gunnera and numerous exotic trees and shrubs. The magical Heligan will not disappoint.
TOUR NOTES: Walking at Heligan is at the discretion of the individual, and will include varying terrain. Please note that lunch is not included in this tour – there is a tea room/restaurant from which to purchase food if required.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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