Nature by Design: artistic exploration and deep history
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20 Jun: Gates open at 9am
Join us from 8am for a gentle yoga session, where breath and movement meet the stillness of the morning. Let the peaceful surroundings of Heligan’s iconic green spaces restore your energy and guide you into a place of calm, grounding you for the day ahead. Afterward, gather by the hearth of our Home Kitchen for a warming coffee and a wholesome breakfast — simple comforts to nourish body and soul.
Once again, the Home Stage will provide a backdrop for wonderful conversation; an inspiring day of voices and visionaries, each offering a unique perspective on life, landscape, and legacy.
Be welcomed by Petroc Trelawny, BBC Radio 3 presenter and author of ‘Trelawny’s Cornwall’, an exploration of landscape and belonging, as he brings stories to life that lead us into the heart of culture and place.
Step into the world of gardens and green design with Arit Anderson, celebrated garden designer and presenter of Gardener’s World, as she explores the harmony between people and plant and uncovers the beauty and meaning woven into green spaces,
Reflect on life, death, and the spaces in between with writer and modern undertaker Rupert Callender, whose work reimagines rituals of farewell with honesty and heart. Pair this reflection with extraordinary insights shared by Dame Sue Black, one of the UK’s foremost forensic anthropologists - a lifetime spent reading the silent language of the human body opens a window into life, memory, and identity.
Journey through imagination and form on a Sculpture Walk with visionary artists Sue and Pete Hill, the creative minds behind Heligan’s iconic Mud Maid and Giant’s Head. Hear firsthand how nature and storytelling have shaped their work.

Timetable – Friday 20th June
8:00 - Yoga in Nature
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
11:00 - Home Stage - Rupert Calendar
11:00 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets
11:45 - Home Stage - Dame Sue Black
12:30 - Home Stage - Panel discussion
13:00 - Heligan Sculptures Stroll with Sue & Pete Hill
14:00 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets
14:30 - Home Stage - Petroc Trelawny
15:30 - Home Stage - Arit Anderson
17:30 - Home Stage closes
Our Yoga session, walks and talks in bold are free for ticket holders. You'll be prompted to book these sessions at our checkout.