Cornwall’s Heligan Night Garden Promises More Magic Than Ever This Winter

Published On: 30 September 2025Last Updated: 30 September 2025By CornishStuff

The Lost Gardens of Heligan’s legendary Night Garden will return on 15th November, bringing new installations, festive food and magical experiences for all ages. The winter celebration runs on selected dates until 3rd January.

Brand-New Installations

This year’s trail will feature never-before-seen highlights, including a sparkling showcase celebrating the beauty of rocks and their role in nature. Thousands of lights will pay homage to standing stones in the Park-an-Lann area, which appears on the 1.13-mile trail for the first time.

Another new attraction, Submergence by Squidsoup, will transform Heligan’s reserve yard into a glowing ocean of movement and colour. Set to music, the immersive walkthrough will add a fresh dimension to the experience.

Visitors will also find a striking installation dedicated to Heligan’s sponsored charity, St Petrocs, offering a creative interpretation of what it means to feel at home while highlighting the charity’s work to end homelessness in Cornwall.

Returning Favourites and New Lanterns

Heligan’s well-loved wildlife-inspired lanterns will be back, including the festive robin, giant spider and foxes. They will be joined by new creations from The Lantern Company, such as a water vole, dragonflies and a flock of bee-eating birds.

Children will also have the chance to write letters to Father Christmas, with meet and greet sessions available to book on selected November and December dates.

Laura Smit-Chesterfield, director of visitor experience and legacy at Heligan, said:
“Meander through atmospheric tunnels of light, bathe in the warmth of glittering trees and gaze at the most beautiful lanterns inspired by our natural world; Heligan Night Garden is an absolute must-visit over the festive season – and this year it’s even more spectacular than ever before. We’ve got more lights, more sparkle and even more installations on a brand-new route that weaves through the garden as it comes alive after dusk. It really is a magical experience.”

Food, Drink and Fire Pits

A festive food village will be part of the experience this year, with Heligan’s Meadow Kitchen opening to night-time visitors for the first time. Guests can also enjoy a vintage ice cream van, a Verdant Brewing Co bar, and Heligan’s famous fire pits for toasting marshmallows. The Steward’s House will serve winter warmers and sweet treats.

Laura added:
“Heligan Night Garden is synonymous with wintertime in Cornwall. When our iconic searchlights stretch high into the night sky to guide visitors around the trail, they can be seen across the bay and from St Austell, signalling a magical time of the year for the local community.”

📷ST AUSTELL, CORNWALL, UK , November 14th 2024 : Heligan Night Garden photographed for Heligan by Hugh Hastings.

Corporate Nights and Accessibility

For the first time, corporate groups can book party nights that include a seasonal meal in Heligan Kitchen followed by entry to the trail, priced from £60 per person.

A relaxed session with a quieter atmosphere will take place on Wednesday 17th December.

Tickets and Booking

Heligan Night Garden runs on various dates from 15th November to 3rd January. Tickets cost £22.50 for adults and £13.50 for children, with free entry for under-threes and Essential Companions. Local Pass Holders and Blue Light Card Holders can access reduced prices.

For more information and to book, visit heligan.com