Heligan

Heligan refers to a collection of locations and entities, most notably the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the estate upon which they are situated. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a historic estate garden in Cornwall, England. They were once the home of the Tremayne family and are renowned for their Victorian-era garden design and extensive collection of plants.

The gardens were largely abandoned after the First World War, with many of the estate's workers lost in the conflict. They remained undiscovered and overgrown for decades, earning them the moniker "The Lost Gardens." In the early 1990s, the estate was rediscovered and a significant restoration project began, aiming to bring the gardens back to their former glory. This restoration effort itself became a notable aspect of Heligan's story.

The estate encompasses a variety of garden styles, including a sub-tropical area, a northern garden with a famous mud maid sculpture, and a productive kitchen garden. Heligan is now a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in its history, horticultural significance, and the ongoing restoration work. The estate also includes woodland, farmland, and ancient pathways, offering a comprehensive visitor experience. The name "Heligan" itself likely derives from Cornish placename elements, though its precise etymology is subject to scholarly interpretation.