Visiting The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

Here we are wandering in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall. I snapped a few photos as we walked through the estate. The mature rhododendrons are somthing special at this time of year. As I understand it they were raised from seed, by plant hunters, sometime during 1847-1851.

The gardens were first developed between 1829-51. They then got 'lost' however, during the first world war.

Heligan House was used for convalescence during 1916-19 for officers of course!

In the second world war American troops used Heligan House as a base.

Anyway, what's important now are the plants and flowers.

The Heligan Estate stretches over 200 acres, so there should be plenty of elbow room for everyone.

A couple of tulip photos.

Moving on there are usually farm animals wandering about in various enclosures - here's a couple of goats ...

... and some sheep.

Moving on once more, looking across the estate. The fishing village of Mevagissey can be seen in the distance from some view points.

Leaving the formal gardens we moved on towards the Jungle.

There isn't a fixed way to see the Lost Gardens of Heligan. You can take various routes. A map is provided.

Here we are - something hairy. Quite harmless though!

Oh yes, and there's a wobbly rope bridge to get from one side of the valley to the other. Children love it! Though there is an alternative route for those not so steady on their pins.

A pleasant setting for a rest perhaps.

A few jungle photos follow.

Back to the real world, cows being nosey.

We made our way back through the woods to the Lost Gardens of Heligan exit, after a very pleasant walk.

That's all for today, many thanks for visiting my blog. Have a happy week ahead ~ Mike.


A couple of other Heligan posts:

(1) The Lost Gardens of Heligan: 18 Photos of Farm Animals, Plants and Jungle

 (2) Lost Gardens of Heligan - Voted UKs Top Visitor Garden

Going Quackers at Cornwall's Duck Ponds

We were passing through St. Blazey when my wife suggested we should have a wander around the local Duck Pond. So we did.

St. Blazey is named after St. Blaise a Bishop who was martyred in Armenia in the fourth century. He supposedly landed at nearby Par in the third century. Oh yes, and it is said that his name is invoked by those who suffer from throat problems. Anyway, back to the pond!

In the good old days, okay just a short while back, I'd take my grandchildren to the pond armed with duck food. That was always fun.

The pond is all very pleasant, though there didn't seem to be as many ducks, and the like, as I remembered.

Three photos from back then.

Moving on to the pond at Par, near Par Beach

A duck admiring his reflection in the pudle.

The seagulls seem to think they are in charge of Par Pond ...

... but the Canadian Geese would perhaps disagree.

Anyway, to finish today's post four photos snapped in our garden

Wishing you a happy week ahead and thanks for visiting my blog. All good wishes ~ Mike.

Looking at Mevagissey, St Mewan and Gover Valley

A changeable morning weatherwise as we popped into Mevagissey. It looked pretty much as usual.

The harbour was colourful in the chilly sunshine but ...

... there's often something quirky hidden away. Not sure who this fellow is, but he looks a little unsettling.

The mural is from a previous poppy day.

A few of the boats in the harbour.

A bit of blue sky and cliffs to the east of the harbour.

Moving inland from Mevagissey some blossom ...

... and blooms.

We passed by the church at St. Mewan,  which dates back to Norman times. The bell tower foundations and the base of the font were built way back in 1100.

There is a local legend that the church builders were prevented from building the tower any higher by the Devil himself. He would throw down stones each night when he considered the correct height had been reached, to his satisfaction. Mind you, I have heard similar tales where this has happened to other churches.

Just around the corner from St. Mewan church the long straight road has views across the green countryside. 

Sadly developers have started to build houses alongside the road. But, in saying that, affordable houses are needed in Cornwall.

Moving on we made our way down the narrow  road which leads to Gover Valley ...

... stopping at a view point.

Finally we were in the valley and all was well with the world.

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

Similar Posts:

(1) A Perfect Chilly Winter's Day in Mevagissey, Cornwall - 12 Photos

(2) 33 Photos: A Circular Walk Based On Gover Valley, St.Austell, Cornwall

Walking at Charlestown Harbour and Port

Only a few people were in Charlestown so it was pleasant to meander  alongside the port and harbour. The white dove was quite amicable and happy to join  us at our view point.

The sea didn't look so inviting though.

A group of people mingled on the harbour wall, so we weren't completely alone.

It's hard to imagine that  40,000 tones of copper ore were exported from here between 1810 and 1813. The harbour and port would have been full of sailing ships ready for transporting goods worldwide. Today the harbour is empty.

Below is the bridge which joins the harbour with the port - plus a flush of blue sky.

The port with a few sailing ships, but gets much busier in the summer months.

The harbour is empty other than the inward tide.

Here we are, all alone, on the harbour wall with the cliffs in the distance.

A few 'toys' for when the weather brightens.

Moving on to the sought after cottages overlooking the port and harbour. One of the small cottages is currently on sale for £500,000!

More cottages below ...

... and a few sailing ships.

A couple of cannons on display, by the steps, just in case they are needed

Leaving Charlestown harbour now and making our way back to our car, which we had parked at Carlyon Bay. So a bit of a walk.

A small, but attractive, magnolia pointed the way.

We followed the path and ...

... the walls were covered in moss and greenery. 

Always interesting to visit Charlestown.

I have a few old photos - 1880 to 1900 - of Charlestown, which can be seen 0n my blog post Old Vintage Photos of Charlestown, Cornwall 

Enjoy your weekend and week ahead. 

Good wishes ~Mike