Heligan Night Garden returns with an eight-metre sphere of light

Somewhere in the gardens at Heligan tonight, more than 20,000 tiny lights will start to ripple and pulse in slow, hypnotic waves.

Heligan Night Garden opens this evening (Friday 13 November) for its sixth winter, billed as its most ambitious display yet. And it arrives with a bit of extra shine, after the Lost Gardens of Heligan finished in the top three of the Event of the Year category at the Cornwall Tourism Awards.

📷Inside Singularity. Credit: Brian Robinson Photography

An eight-metre sphere of light

The headline piece this year is Singularity, an immersive light sphere eight metres wide, created by internationally acclaimed artist collective Squidsoup.

Its 20,000-plus individual LEDs create an ever-changing world of light, rippling and pulsing as visitors take it in.

📷Family in front of the geometric light tunnel. Credit: Brian Robinson Photography

Recognition on the eve of opening night

David Harland, chief executive of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: “To be recognised among Cornwall’s finest tourism events on the eve of our opening night is a wonderful achievement.

“The Cornwall Tourism Awards showcase the absolute best of our region, and this award is a proud testament to the passion and hard work our team pours into transforming the gardens each winter. Each year we welcome thousands of families to Heligan, and we are privileged that Night Garden has very much become part of Cornish families’ festive season and to celebrate this milestone as our sixth season gets underway.”

📷Mud Maid. Credit: Brian Robinson Photography

Robins, owls and a humble garden snail

Beyond Singularity, the trail is lit with wildlife-inspired lanterns, sparkling foliage and plenty of spots made for photos.

Heligan’s red-breasted robin, tawny owl and kingfisher are among the installations making a return. This year they’re joined for the first time by rare-breed sheep, a colourful jay and the garden snail.

Father Christmas is back too, this time with a new grotto in the heart of the estate, where he’ll meet families alongside his elves. Daytime visitors get something new as well, with brunch and afternoon tea experiences with Father Christmas.

📷Heligan roller rink at Night Garden. Credit: Brian Robinson Photography

Roller rink, fire pits and festive food

The Heligan roller rink returns in a new spot for 2026. It will be open on every Night Garden evening, plus selected daytime hours.

For keeping warm, a festive food village will serve winter food and drink, including a collaboration with Big Green Egg and the return of the Verdant Brewing Co. bar. The fire pits are back as well, so there’s a chance to gather round and toast marshmallows.

📷Mycelium Network. Credit: Brian Robinson Photography

Dates and tickets

Heligan Night Garden runs on selected dates from Friday 13 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027.

Entry is £23.60 for adults and £14.20 for children. Under-threes and essential companions go free, and reduced prices are available for Local Pass holders and Blue Light Card holders.

A relaxed session with a quieter atmosphere takes place on Wednesday 16 December.

More details and booking are on the Lost Gardens of Heligan website.

📷Singularity. Credit: Brian Robinson Photography