Families at Heligan
The Lost Gardens provide families with possibly the best natural playground ever, making them one of the top family days out in Cornwall. There’s a network of magical gardens, woodland walks and farmland brimming with interest and intrigue; and with over 200 acres – enough room to tire the most energetic little legs!
Seasonal events
Throughout the year, we offer seasonal events designed to inspire and captivate your children as you explore.
From our popular Heligan Wild Week in May to our nostalgic summer events programme, through to Halloween and Christmas, there’s always seasonal, nature-loving fun for the whole family.
To help you plan your visit, here’s a list of Heligan locations and activities that we know children love.
Please note that due to farm machinery operating onsite and some very steep paths, we are unable to permit the use of bikes, balance bikes, trikes or scooters on site.
Heligan for Families
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The Jungle
Acres of raised boardwalks, giant exotic plants, pools, wildlife and one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain! Perfect for any budding Indiana Jones or Dora the Explorer. This sub-tropical garden is not only brimming with exotic plants from around the world, it’s also home to some of the earliest dinosaur food – Tree Ferns. Although the dinosaurs have long since gone, the plants that they used to eat are still with us today! Can you spot them?
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East Lawn Adventure Play Area
Climb, slide and scramble your way around Heligan’s newly created Adventure Play Area, Designed and created by the Heligan Team, this natural play area brings families together in the heart of nature and the Heligan Estate.
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Heligan Farm Animals
Throughout the Estate, you will discover a friendly collection of heritage and rare livestock in the form of our ‘Tamworth’, ‘Lop’ & ‘Berkshire’ Pigs, ‘Devon and Cornwall Longwool’, ‘Kerry Hill’, ‘Jacob’, ‘Hebridean’ & ‘Ryland’ sheep and our ‘Highland’, ‘Ruby Red’ & ‘White Park’ Cows, along with a variety of rare poultry.
All the Heligan animals have their own appeal but our adorable piglets usually steal the show! Check with staff on arrival for their current location.
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Diggory
Our resident scarecrow stands guard over the abundance of crops in the Vegetable Garden and is always pleased when visitors stop to pose for a photo with him.
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The Insect Hotel
Located on the Georgian Ride, deep in our ancient woodlands, this is the Ritz of Insect Hotels, providing a wide range of nesting space for a host of insect and invertebrate life. What creatures will you discover?
