We are so lucky to have the Lost Gardens of Heligan on our doorstep. No matter whether it’s a quick walk after school or a whole day’s excursion, a visit there never disappoints us.
Over the past few years Heligan have made children’s visits a whole lot more engaging. In the school holidays there is usually a themed trail and indoor activities with help and guidance from craftspeople and volunteers to make sure that every child can leave with a precious handmade piece of craft work.The Halloween trail this year begins at the exit to the ticket office and wends its way around Flora’s Green before heading into the Vegetable Garden, then on to the Indoor Barn with craft workshops and creepy crawly beasts to while away an hour or two. Sam and Jaz both enjoyed making dream catchers and eyeing up some pretty gigantic spiders, millipedes and scorpions courtesy of Hendra Farm’s Reptile Roadshow.
On the lawn alongside the Steward’s House are some outdoor circuits, which we attempted even though the organisers had packed up and gone home at 4pm. We rounded off our trip with a visit to the field full of home constructed fabulous wooden play equipment, followed by a crossing of the rope bridge down in the Jungle, which unusually we had all to ourselves.
There’s everything you need for a visit here with young children, space to roam with very few spots off limits, good cafes, clean toilets and a team of caring staff, always on hand with help and advice. We always come away having learned something new whilst soaking up the sights and sounds of the natural world. Priceless – well, having said that, great value with our Locals’ Pass which we use to the max!
Getting there
You can reach the Lost Gardens of Heligan by bike, bus or car (approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Bosinver). For more information about visiting Heligan, events and admission prices, visit heligan.com