Resilient spaces: conversations, design and the healing power of nature
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22 Jun: Gates open at 9am
Join us for a vibrant day packed with talks, tours, music, and special guests – all set within the beautiful grounds of The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
From 8am early birds are invited to begin their Homecoming journey with a soulful yoga session surrounded by nature in one of Heligan’s iconic green spaces. Stretch, breathe, and awaken your senses as the morning breeze sets the tone for a day of connection. Follow that moment of peace with a freshly brewed coffee and a nourishing breakfast from our rustic Home Kitchen.
Be part of something truly special as Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4’s much-loved show is recorded live at Heligan, bringing its signature mix of culture, comedy, and conversation to the Homecoming stage. This unique live edition will feature a brilliant cast of guests from across the festival line-up, including the inimitable Dawn French, presenter and author Fern Britton and the genre-defying musician Gwenno, offering laughter, insight, and unexpected moments of connection.
Book a limited spot on our ‘Speakers Stage’ and settle in for a captivating talk with celebrated Cornish author Patrick Gale whose narratives are shaped by landscape, community, and coastline. Join acclaimed garden photographer Howard Sooley in conversation with Alasdair Moore, Heligan’s Head of Gardens and Estate as they delve into the legacy and beauty of Derek Jarman’s Garden. Expect stories of creativity, resilience, and wildness in design.
Step into the creative world of Hazel Gardiner, award-winning garden designer and broadcaster, as she shares her creative process and love of natural landscapes, as well as a personal connection to Heligan.
Let the rhythm lift you — Whippletree Ceilidh Band will bring the energy with a foot-stomping, joy-filled performance of Celtic folk music, sure to set hearts dancing and toes tapping.
Heligan’s very own Wildlife Coordinator Toby Davies will take guests on a rare journey into the secret world of our 22-acre beaver environment, home to a thriving pair of Eurasian beavers. Toby will guide you through the ecology and quiet magic of these remarkable creatures, offering stories of rewilding, habitat restoration, and the quiet power of nature’s return.
Take a stroll with a guided Sculpture Walk led by artists Sue and Pete Hill, the creative minds behind Heligan’s most iconic living artworks — the Mud Maid and Giant’s Head. As you walk, hear how clay, moss, and imagination came together to breathe life into the landscape, blending creativity with the spirit of place.

Timetable – Sunday 22nd June
8:00 - Yoga in Nature
9:00 – Gardens open to ticket holders and garden visitors
9:30 – Beaver Tour
10:30 - Speakers Stage - Joycelyn Longdon
11:00 - Heligan Sculptures Stroll with Sue & Pete Hill
11:15 – Speakers Stage – Alasdair Moore in conversation with Patrick Gale and Howard Sooley
12:00 - Home Stage - Hazel Gardiner
12:30 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets
13:00 – Speakers Stage - Patrick Gale
13:00 – Family Forage with Emma Gunn
14:00 - Heligan Sculptures Stroll with Sue & Pete Hill
14:30 - Unveiling Heligan: A Journey Through its Stories and Secrets
15:00 – Home Stage / Festival Area Open
16:00 - Home Stage - BBC Radio 4 Loose Ends
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.