Experience Heligan By Day And Treveague Camping Sunsets By Night 🌅
- richard6075
- Dec 20, 2025
- 6 min read
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Mevagissey, St Austell, Cornwall. But what’s the perfect ending to a magical day of exploration? The answer is simple: a spectacular sunset over the sea, enjoyed from the tranquility of Treveague Campsite.
This is your ultimate guide to combining the wonder of The gardens of Heligan Cornwall by day with the peace of Treveague’s cliffside views by night.
Why The Lost Gardens Of Heligan In Cornwall Are So Popular
The story of the Heligan estate is one of the 20th century’s great romantic rediscoveries. Created by the Tremayne family, the gardens were once a thriving, self-sufficient wonderland. However, following the tragedy of World War I, the estate fell into severe neglect and became literally "lost" to brambles and overgrowth for decades.
In 1990, the gardens were rediscovered, launching what became one of Europe’s largest and most beloved botanical restorations. Today, this 200-acre marvel stands as a testament to history and horticulture. It’s the sheer scale and diversity—from the Victorian productive gardens to the subtropical Jungle—that makes the gardens of Heligan Cornwall so worth visiting.
Staying at Treveague makes this visit effortless. You’re perfectly positioned to be among the first to arrive at Heligan in the morning and back in time to settle in for a stunning evening view from your pitch.
Guests of the campsite get a discount code in their booking documentation for Heligan for guests who prebook online at https://www.heligan.com/
How To Get To The Lost Heligan Gardens From Treveague
One of the greatest benefits of staying at Treveague Campsite is our proximity to this famous attraction. The distance between Treveague and The Lost Heligan Gardens is incredibly short, making for an easy, stress-free start to your day.
Treveague to Heligan Journey Options
Method | Travel Time | Distance | Notes |
Car | Approx. 5-10 minutes | Approx. 6 miles | Quickest option. Come out the campsite, cross the crossing then right following the road there.* |
Bicycle | Approx. 40-50 minutes | Approx. 5 miles | Minor roads, but traffic can be fast. Cycle parking is available at Heligan. |
Walking | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 4.5-5 miles | Can be done via footpaths or a section of the South West Coast Path (longer, but more scenic). |
Public Transport | Check local bus schedules | N/A | Limited options; driving or cycling is generally recommended for ease and speed. |
*A Note on Parking: Heligan offers some free parking for visitors. Arrive early during peak season for the best spots.
Top Things To See At The Gardens Of Heligan Cornwall
A full day is needed to truly appreciate the 200-acre estate, though you can hit the highlights
in around of 3-4 hours. The gardens are laid out in distinct zones, each offering a unique experience.
1. The Productive Garden
Step back in time at this authentic Victorian kitchen garden. Maintained using traditional methods, you'll see hundreds of varieties of heritage vegetables, fruits, and flowers, many of which you won't find anywhere else. It’s a wonderful place to show families how food was grown over a century ago.
2. The Jungle
Welcome to Cornwall’s only subtropical valley! Thanks to the unique microclimate, the air is lush and humid, allowing giant ferns, bamboos, and exotic plants to thrive. The Burmese Rope Bridge is the iconic must-see feature here, giving you an exhilarating treetop view over the entire valley.
3. The Pleasure Grounds
This area encompasses the more formal, curated sections of the garden. Key features include the serene Italian Garden, the mysterious Crystal Grotto with its wishing well, and the secluded pathways that are perfect for photographic opportunities. Look out for the famous Mud Maid and the Giant’s Head sculptures nestled in the woods.
4. The Estate
Venture beyond the formal gardens into the wider estate. Here you can discover the Home Farm, meet rare breed livestock, and explore kilometres of woodland trails. It’s an ideal area for quiet wildlife viewing or a longer, more challenging walk.
Choosing The Perfect Day Itinerary
The best way to enjoy Heligan is to pace yourself and save the spectacular evening for Treveague!
1. Morning Arrival And Quick Tips
Aim to arrive as close to 10:00 AM as possible. This allows you to visit the more popular areas, like the Productive Garden, before the crowds build up.
Tickets: It’s strongly recommended to book your entrance tickets online in advance (https://www.heligan.com/) to secure the best price and guarantee entry during peak periods. You get a discount from the campsite in your booking documentation - use it in the voucher code of their online booking system and get 10-20% off the price.
Facilities: Restrooms and a Visitor Information Centre are available at the entrance. The entire site is well-signposted with clear accessibility notes.
2. Lunch And Relaxation Spots
Heligan has several great food options, including the Heligan Tearoom and various seasonal food stalls. Alternatively, pack a picnic from Treveague! There are plenty of quiet benches and sprawling lawns in the Pleasure Grounds for a scenic, budget-friendly lunch.
3. Afternoon Highlights Before Heading Back
After lunch, take on The Jungle—it can be hotter in the afternoon, but the light filtering through the canopy is beautiful. Aim to depart Heligan between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM. This gives you plenty of time to drive back, relax, and prepare for the main event: the sunset from Treveague’s cliffside.
Morning vs. Afternoon at Heligan
Time of Day | Garden Areas | Benefits | Considerations |
Morning | Productive Garden, Pleasure Grounds | Fresher air, fewer crowds, best light for formal areas | Morning dew, can be busy near entrance until 11 AM |
Afternoon | The Jungle, The Estate | Perfect light for photos, quieter further into the Estate | Can be warmer in The Jungle, Productive Garden may be busier |
Where To Enjoy Sea Views By Night Near Mevagissey St Austell Cornwall
Once you’ve returned to your pitch at Treveague, the day’s exploration is replaced by quiet, coastal magic. You're perfectly positioned near Mevagissey, St Austell Cornwall to enjoy some of the best sunsets in the region.
1. Coastal Path Overlook
A short, moderate walk from the campsite grants you access to the South West Coast
Path. Heading along the path towards Gorran Haven (a manageable 15-20 minute stroll) brings you to overlooks where the vista is uninterrupted. The views over Chapel Point and the coastline are spectacular as the sun dips.
Photography Tip: Look for the dramatic shadows cast by the setting sun on the cliffs for the best shots.
August and September : the Milky Way is so clear that you need nothing to see it. But if you want to photograph it we have tripods you can borrow for you camera phone.
2. Treveague’s Cliffside Views
The unique elevation and location of Treveague Campsite offer panoramic sea views right
from your pitch. Many of our cliffside pitches are perfectly positioned to see the colours of the sunset light up the sea. Settle in with a local beer or a warm drink, light your fire pit (where permitted), and watch the distant lights of fishing boats emerge. This is the ultimate, relaxing end to your busy day.
Tip: Even in summer, the evening sea breeze can be cool. Bring a warm layer and a blanket!
Plan Your Next Treveague Escape
Combining a deep-dive into the lost Heligan gardens with the dramatic sea views by night at Treveague is truly the perfect Cornwall itinerary. You get the best of inland history and coastal beauty, all from one convenient, relaxing base.
Whether you're visiting in the colourful spring or the golden light of autumn, the contrast between the lush, historic gardens and the rugged, panoramic coastline creates an unforgettable holiday experience.
Don't wait! Book your pitch now to enjoy the relaxing sea views that await you after a day of garden exploration!
FAQs About Visiting The Lost Gardens Of Heligan From Treveague
How long does it take to drive from Treveague Campsite to the Lost Gardens of Heligan?
It takes approximately 5
to 20 minutes to drive the 6 miles from Treveague Campsite to The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
What is the best time of day to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan?
The best time to visit is immediately after the 10:00 AM opening time to avoid crowds in the main areas and secure parking.
Can I see both the Lost Gardens of Heligan and enjoy Treveague's sea views in one day?
Absolutely—a full day exploring Heligan, followed by an evening enjoying the sunset over the coast from Treveague, is the perfect itinerary.
Are the Lost Gardens of Heligan suitable for children?
Yes, the gardens are highly suitable for children, with adventure areas, the famous rope bridge in The Jungle, and extensive estate areas for exploring.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Lost Gardens of Heligan?
While tickets are available on the gate, booking your tickets in advance online is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons. We have a discount code for their tickets.
What beaches can I see from Treveague Campsite?
From Treveague's vantage point, you can enjoy views of several local beaches and coves, including those near Gorran Haven and Chapel Point.
Is there public transport between Treveague and the Lost Gardens of Heligan?
Direct public transport options are limited; driving, cycling, or walking are the easiest and fastest ways to travel between the two locations.
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