Higher Education Visits to The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Inspiring learning in one of Britain’s most extraordinary living classrooms.
Step beyond the lecture hall and into a living landscape alive with history, ecology and imagination.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan offer university and college groups a unique opportunity to explore the living relationships of nature, culture and restoration — a place where learning happens through experience, curiosity and connection.
Why Heligan?
Once lost beneath a cloak of brambles, Heligan has become one of the world’s most celebrated garden restorations — a working estate that tells stories of resilience, regeneration and the human relationship with the land.
For higher education groups, it’s more than a garden: it’s a living laboratory and a creative studio, offering real-world insight into fields including:
- Environmental and ecological sciences
- Landscape and garden design and horticulture
- History, heritage and conservation practice
- Sustainability and regenerative design
- Art, design and creative research inspired by the natural world
Learning Opportunities
Our expert learning team can tailor your visit to match your course needs — from guided tours and talks to immersive fieldwork sessions and behind-the-scenes access. Typical learning themes include:
- Restoration Ecology: The science and practice behind Heligan’s 30-year transformation.
- Heritage Landscapes: Managing and interpreting a historic estate for the 21st century.
- Food & Farming: Regenerative agriculture, soil health and the working estate.
- Biodiversity in Action: Understanding habitats, species and natural systems.
- Nature & Creativity: Exploring how landscape inspires art, storytelling and design.
- We also welcome self-led study groups who wish to use Heligan’s 200 acres as a base for observation, sketching, or field research.
What to Expect
A visit to Heligan is immersive, sensory and grounded in the real. Students will:
- Explore the subtropical jungle and productive gardens.
- Witness living examples of conservation, land management and biodiversity.
- Engage with practitioners who combine traditional skills with modern sustainability.
Practical Information
Group Size: We welcome groups of all sizes; pre-booking is essential.
Duration: Half-day to full-day visits available. If you want to make it a longer trip we can recommend some excellent local accommodation providers.
Accessibility: We strive to make all areas as accessible as possible; please contact us to discuss specific requirements.
Facilities: Coach parking, restaurants, toilets and accessible paths available on-site.
Prices: Reduced group rates available for higher education groups.
Book Your Visit
To plan your visit or discuss tailored learning options, please contact learning@heligan.com
Come and explore where nature, history and imagination meet — and discover how The Lost Gardens of Heligan continues to inspire new generations of thinkers, makers and changemakers.
If you are interested in internships, work experience, or work placements please contact learning@heligan.com