Heligan Gardens with your Hound: Our Five Favourite Things

There are not many stories in horticulture that can compare to that of The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Just thirty years ago these glorious gardens were a relic that was thought lost and forgotten by history. Until a chance discovery and a gargantuan restoration project returned this magical monument to plant life, back to its former glory. 

But, the best thing about The Lost Gardens Of Heligan surely has to be the fact it is completely dog-friendly all year round, which, with its glorious gardens taken into account, means it easily receives our tail-wag of approval. 

In today’s post, we will be giving you a brief lowdown on the history of these spectacular gardens and how it was given the breath of life. We will also be listing our five favourite things about the lost gardens so you know what to look out for when you take your trip. 

The Astonishing History of Heligan: In Brief

As with many of the great estates across Britain, Heligan was left in disarray after the outbreak of the WW1 and the exodus of many of the workers to fight in the trenches. Unlike many of the estates, Heligan was never sold or developed, in fact, it wasn't until 1970 that the house was sold and split into apartments. However, the garden was left and taken back by the brambles and the ivy that is so common across the Cornish countryside. 

After many years of being left in the wild, a storm in 1990 was the catalyst for events to conspire to bring this magnificent garden into the modern era with all its splendour. The discovery of a tiny room buried in a corner of one of the victorian walled gardens that had the motto “Don’t come here to sleep or slumber”, inscribed into one of its walls, alongside a list of workers' names and the date, August 1914, started a huge renovation project. 

The brilliant brains behind The Lost Gardens of Heligan were fired up by this otto etched by the ‘ordinary’ people who worked on these gardens before it was left to ruin after they left for war and have worked tirelessly ever since to bring it back to its former glory.

Today the gardens are a multi-award-winning horticultural monument that stands as a tribute to the many hands that worked so hard to build it and that also fought so hard to defend this nation in our time of need. 

Explore More of The Lost Garden’s Gobsmacking History Here>

Our Five Favourite Things About The Lost Gardens 

200 Acres of Glorious Garden to Galavant In

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are an amazing place to bring your dogs for walks of wonderment, with over 200 acres of amazing gardens and estate we’re sure you won't be getting bored of this lavish location anytime soon. With woodlands, managed farmland, majestic gardens and a plethora of wildlife, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a great place to galavant with your gorgeous dogs.

TOTALLY DOG-FRIENDLY!!

All of the magical and historical gardens, as well as the extensive estate, welcome all well-behaved dogs and are a bounty of sights, smells and tastes for our four-legged friends. We have visited Heligan many times and have never once been bored, the ever-changing planting and the sheer scope of it, are, in our opinion, unrivalled for dog-walks in the South West.

The Pineapple Pit

The gardens also are the owners of, possibly, the only manure-heated pineapple pit in Britain today. In Victorian England, pineapples would have been a symbol of serious status and growing them became a slight obsession due to the lack of importing being available. Since it was unearthed in the early nineties, the pineapple pit has been producing pineapples, slowly but surely, ever since. The second one grown was even gifted to HRH Queen Elizabeth II on her 50th wedding anniversary due to its rarity. 

Pleasure Grounds

Steeped in history, the pleasure grounds were first laid out over 200 years ago and are a majestic array of unexpected features, romantic structures and a network of pathways and heritage planting. The perfect place to while away an afternoon with your four-legged friends and a little quality time.

Heligan Woodlands 

We don't know why you would, but, if you do get tired of the gardens why not try getting lost on an adventure in the 60 acres of traditionally managed woodland at Heligan? These fabulous woods are a great way to get off the beaten track, and have a few artistic and historical surprises along the way, to keep you and your dogs on your toes.

Plan Your Trip to the Magical Lost Gardens of Heligan Here>

So, if you’re looking for a place to take your dogs that is full of magic, imagination, inspiration and history in spades, we think you’ll love The Lost Gardens of Heligan and we know for a fact that your four-legged friends definitely will!