The Lost Gardens of Heligan

About

The Lost Gardens of Heligan were created between the 18th and 20th centuries by the Cornish Tremayne family from the mid-18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1920, the estate owner moved to Italy, and rented out the house, leaving the gardens neglected to the point that they were reclaimed by nature and forgotten. In the 1990s, the gardens were rediscovered, and a massive restoration project undertaken to restore them to their former glory. Today, visitors can admire ancient rhododendrons and colossal camellias, a series of lakes fed by a century-old ram pump, and ‘The Jungle’ - a subtropical filled with tree ferns. The gardens also have Europe's last pineapple pit, which is kept warm by rotting manure. Amongst the lush surroundings, visitors will also find a Burmese rope bridge, and the garden’s two famous figures - the Mud Maid and the Giant's Head. For more information, please visit www.heligan.com