This extraordinary plant collection together with a range of exotic glasshouses, working buildings, romantic structures and designed landscapes reflects the past passions and interests of the family. The combination of these and the mild Cornish climate has resulted in a garden (or in truth a series of gardens within a garden) which is unique.

In their heyday, the estate gardens at Heligan were one of the glories of Cornwall. It was completely self-contained having a number of farms, quarries, woods, a brickworks, a flour mill, a sawmill, a brewery, and productive orchards and kitchen gardens. It was the centre of the community with 20 'inside' staff and up to 22 'outside' staff.

The outbreak of war in 1914 ended this idyll. More than half the staff would perish in the mud of Flanders and although the Tremayne family returned after the war for a few years they finally tenanted the estate out to friends and moved away. Although basic maintenance was undertaken to the grounds around the house, the gardens gradually and gently went to sleep.

One of the reasons Heligan is so valuable is that no major alterations have been carried out this century and all the vernacular and garden buildings remain untouched. There are very few examples of gardens which haven't been 'modernised' and Heligan provides a unique time capsule.

Heligan restored provides a testament to the Victorian vision and ingenuity which first created this subtropical paradise. We hope that you will enjoy exploring the gardens here and that you will feel inspired to come and see for yourself!