Habitats and homes: exploring our interconnected and inspiring relationship with nature

Begin your day with soulful yoga session immersed in nature and a full programme of thought-provoking conversation at Heligan’s Homecoming Festival.

  • 14 Jun:

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The gates to our Homecoming Festival officially open at 10am. Over at The Heligan Home Stage, the morning is rich with conversation and inspiration. A warm welcome awaits from Geraint Richards, Cornwall’s High Sheriff, joined by Managing Director Laura Smit-Chesterfield, the guiding hands at the heart of Heligan. Together with Matthew Shaw, they will open the day with words of hope, heritage, and celebration, marking the beginning of a festival rooted in nature, story, and homecoming.

Throughout the day, hear from an incredible lineup of voices, including Kurt Jackson, Erica McAlister, Marie Derome, Philip Marsden, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, with a special and intimate talk hosted by rewilding champion Derek Gow, alongside Heligan’s Head of Estates, Alasdair Moore.

Creative explorations include roaming music, hidden doors and photobooths. Immersive art walks with Sue and Pete Hill, the visionary sculptors behind the iconic Mud Maid and Giant’s Head, as well as Wildflower Walks with the knowledgeable Dan Ryan. Dive deeper into the Heligan story through our inspiring drop-in Experience Talks, hosted by the estate’s very own team of passionate storytellers.

Family fun awaits in the vibrant Play Meadow, where little adventurers and grown-up explorers alike can enjoy archery, axe throwing, face painting, bubbles galore, and more.

When it's time to refuel, the Heligan Home Kitchen is open all day, serving delicious home-cooked dishes and soul-nourishing refreshments in a setting that feels like... well, home.

We encourage you to arrive early, soak up the festival atmosphere and explore the day’s experiences and immersive moments.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of Heligan, captivated by horticulture, intrigued by the poetry of Simon Armitage, or simply here to enjoy a magical day out with your family, there’s a path for everyone. And sometimes, the most meaningful journey is the one where you lose yourself a little. In June, the gardens are in full bloom, offering quiet corners, hidden trails, and the kind of beauty that makes you feel, somehow, at home.

Your ticket will also provide access to our evening - No place like home: Cornish tales of courage and creativity

An evening rooted in story, place, and imagination—join us as we celebrate the spirit of Cornwall through the voices of those who shape it.

Beloved artists Sue and Pete Hill, creators of Heligan’s iconic Mud Maid, take to the Field Stage for a heartwarming and inspiring evening of conversation. As long-time collaborators with The Lost Gardens of Heligan, their creative legacy is woven deep into its landscape—and there's no better duo to guide us through the theme of 'home.'

Hosted by Heligan’s own Matthew Shaw, the evening also features Catrina Davies, author of the powerful and poignant Homesick: Why I Live in a Shed, and Natasha Carthew, Nero Award shortlisted Cornish poet and novelist whose work fiercely champions rural voices and working-class creativity.

It’s a truly special way to spend a Saturday night—thoughtful, joyful, and deeply connected to the place we call home.

Beyond the talks, the Heligan site will be alive with wellbeing experiences, wildflower walks, pop-up musicians, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Gates open at 9am, with all Homecoming ticket holders invited to explore over 200 acres of magical gardens, ancient woodlands, rare breed farmland, and our family play meadow. Delicious food and drink will be available across the site, including The Heligan Kitchen and The Field Kitchen.

Dawn at Heligan

Timetable – Saturday 14th June

9:00 – Gardens open to ticket holders and garden visitors

9:30 - Heligan Sculptures Stroll with Sue & Pete Hill

10:00 - Home Stage / Festival Area Open

10:30 - Home Stage - Laura Chesterfield & Matthew Shaw

10:45 - Home Stage - Geraint Richards

11:00 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets

11:15 - Home Stage - Henry Meacock

11:45 – Home Stage – Marie Derome

12:30 - Home Stage - Erica McAlister

13:00 - Wildflower Walk with Dan Ryan

13:15 - Home Stage - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & Derek Gow

14:00 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets

14:45 - Home Stage - Philip Marsden

15:30 - Home Stage - Kurt Jackson

16:30 - Catrina Davies

17:15 - Natasha Carthew 

18:00 - Home Stage -  Pete & Sue Hill

19:00 - Close

Our Yoga session, walks and talks in bold are free for ticket holders. You'll be prompted to book these sessions at our checkout.

Book Online

  • Heligan Homecoming is a romantic, energising and immersive Summer Festival set within the enchanting Heligan Estate.
  • Curated by the Heligan Team it explores the themes of home and belonging through a mix of experiences with music, words, food and nature for all ages.
  • There will be yoga in nature, foraging sessions for all the family, beaver tours and more!
  • For foodies, Heligan’s famous Lost Suppers will be more adventurous than ever, and everyone from the young to the young at heart will discover something fresh, meaningful and exciting.

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  • Key talks and performances will take place in the Home Stage Tent at Park-an-Lann.
  • The Home Stage tent will also have a variety of low-level seating when the stage hosts speakers or comedians, although do feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets.
  • Concert nights will not be seated, however there will be an accessible area for those that require it.
  • There will be a fully stocked bar, retail tent to purchase merchandise and books as well as opportunities to have booked signed by the author.
  • The rest of the Heligan site will play host to Homecoming experiences and activities as well as Garden Tours, Beaver Tours and much, much more.
  • The majority of Park-an-Lann will be exclusively for visitors who have purchased tickets for that day or night.
  • There will be a toilet block adjacent to the location and accessible toilet in the nearby Steward’s House.
  • You are welcome to bring you own chair, picnic blankets etc. Please note that the venue surface will be uneven in places.

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  • Tickets are only valid when purchased through the Heligan website booking system - https://www.heliganhomecoming.co.uk
  • There will be no charge for children under the age of three or for Essential Companions. Options are on the booking page.
  • Please note many of the talks may not be suitable or of interest to the really young ones

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  • Access to the gardens from 9am for the date indicated on your ticket.
  • Entry to Home Stage at Park-an-Lann to experience Homecoming scheduled talks.
  • Opportunity to pre-register for additional Homecoming experiences such as tours and workshops.

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  • Access to Home Stage at Park-an-Lann with associated hospitality and retail experiences.
  • Access to the gardens from 9am for the day that is associated with your ticket purchase. PLEASE NOTE: This does not include attending the Home Stage talks or additional bookable experiences. A valid day ticket must be purchased separately for these.
  • Access to purchasing tickets to our limited attendance Lost Supper events that will take place each evening – please see event listings on the website for details of each nights offering.

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  • You will be given both bands when you enter during the day and come and go as you wish.

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  • Locals and Members ticket rates available on the ticket booking system – please select the associated ticket option. You will need to log in to your account to access these.

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  • All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges permitted.

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  • The main Heligan car park is free to all festival visitors, Members and Local Pass holders. Please be ready to show your membership card or booking to the car park stewards. There is accessible parking in the main car park. All parking is on a first-come-first served basis as space is limited.
  • There is an overflow car park on the neighbouring Lobbs’ Field. This car park is not owned or controlled by Heligan, and charges may apply. Please follow our social media and website for updates as conditions may change.

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  • Please arrive in plenty of time for the start of your event as entry to the Home Stage may be denied after the event has started until there is a suitable interval.
  • The Home Stage at Park-an-Lann is located towards the middle of the site, please allow time to meander through the gardens and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Ticket holders must present their valid ticket at the ticket office to gain entry to the gardens.
  • You will also be provided a non-transferable wristband allowing access to Homecoming experiences.
    • Heligan reserves the right to refuse entry or eject any person from the venue who does not possess a valid ticket
    • breaches the terms & conditions
    • is intoxicated or under the influence of illegal substances
    • engages in disruptive, dangerous, or illegal behaviour, or
    • fails to comply with instructions from Festival staff or security personnel.
  • It is not permitted to bring food or drink to the evening events.

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  • Heligan reserves the right to add, withdraw, or substitute artists, and to vary the advertised program, venue, seating arrangements, and audience capacity without prior notice.
  • In the event of cancellation of the entire Festival, ticket holders will be entitled to a refund of the face value of their ticket. Service or processing fees may not be refundable.
  • No refunds will be issued if individual performances, speakers, or artists are cancelled or changed.
  • In the event of severe weather or other circumstances beyond reasonable control, the Festival may be cancelled, postponed, or modified without prior notice.
  • Heligan will communicate such changes as promptly as possible. In the unlikely event of a Force Majeure Event and where we’re unable to reschedule or reopen in time, you will not be entitled to a refund.

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  • By day, our usual Heligan food outlets will be open.
  • The BBQ will host the Home Kitchen for day and evening events.
  • There will be a range of options for all dietary requirements, with child options also available. Please note that on busy days your choice may not be available as we work hard to minimise food waste.
  • There will also be a full stocked bar for soft drinks and alcohol options by day and by night.

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Our normal toilet facilities will be open during the day and evening including our changing places facility located close to the ticket office. In addition we will also have male, female and accessible toilets located close to Home Stage at Park-an-Lann.

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  • Accessible parking will be available in our main carpark.
  • The Home Stage at Park-an-Lann will be accessible, but please be aware that part of the route is through a woodland area and so paths may be uneven.
  • Access to the tent is via rubber matting over grass, and an area of the tent will be suitable for wheelchair users or those with additional requirements.
  • We will endeavour to make as much of the experience accessible as possible but certain workshops, trails or walks may venture into our wider estate which is generally unsuitable for wheelchair users.
  • We have a limited number of Trampers for hire – Membership of Countryside Mobility is required and may be taken out on site. Please allow extra time for this and check in advance that a Tramper is available.
  • If you have any questions about your access requirements, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff either in advance of your visit or on the day.

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  • All children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • By day there are activities and experiences for children in the main site however ticketed talks at the Home Stage at Park-an-Lann venue may not be appropriate for young children.
  • For evening events please see event listings on the website for specific age direction.

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  • The site is accessible for prams as is our main site experience, although some walks or trails may venture into our wider estate which can involve steep inclines.

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  • Heligan is a dog-friendly site, but only Assistance Dogs will be allowed within the Home Stage area of Park-an-Lann.
  • Some of the additional experiences, such as the Beaver Tour, are NOT suitable for dogs or other pets. Please check with staff in advance.

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  • Heligan has a dedicated team of first aiders and paramedics onsite at all times.
  • If you are in need of any medical assistance, please contact a member of the Heligan staff and they will be happy to help.

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  • In an emergency, please contact the nearest member of security or a steward for help. When you get to Heligan, please familiarise yourself with the site and our facilities.

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  • The Lost Gardens of Heligan is an outdoor attraction with some indoor spaces such as cafés and restaurants.
  • In the event of bad weather during the planned event such as rain, high wind or cold temperatures, we continue with the event unless the senior management team decide it is unsafe to do so.
  • If the event runs despite inclement weather, you will not be eligible for a refund and are unable to move or cancel your ticket.
  • Please dress for the weather.

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  • If we have to cancel the event for whatever reason we will contact you via email or phone number to either try to move your booking to an alternative date, or to issue you a refund.

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  • By attending the Festival, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded by the Heligan team or their designated representatives.
  • Heligan owns all rights to any recordings, photographs, or footage taken at the Festival and may use these for promotional, commercial, or archival purposes without compensation to attendees.
  • Personal photography and non-professional video recording are generally permitted for personal, non-commercial use only, unless otherwise specified for particular performances.

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  • Attendance at the Festival is at your own risk.
  • Heligan accepts no responsibility for any personal property that is lost, stolen, or damaged at the Festival.
  • Ticket holders agree to comply with all health and safety requirements implemented by the Heligan.
  • Heligan reserves the right to implement additional health and safety measures at any time for the safety and comfort of visitors.

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