Dilema

[bagpuss]

I am going down to Cornwall in a few weeks for a week. I have been given the choice of either possibly visiting the Eden Project OR The Lost Gardens of Helligon.

Could anyone recommend which would be better to visit at this time of year?

[jlottie]

Oh Bagpuss what a choice

It depends if you want a whole day trip or an afternoon.

To see Heligan you will need all day and some good walking shoes, lots of quiet areas to sit and take in everything.

Eden is usually busy and you can get around in an afternoon, probably better to go after lunch when it isn't so crowded.

Both are amazing, are you sure you can't fit both in?

I was lucky enough a couple of years ago to see Eden one evening with only approx 50 other people and throughly enjoyed my self but I don't like crowds so Heligan would be my choice.

[skarloey]

That is cruel! Who stated that? They may need a good flogging!

Right, this is MY opinion:

Eden is fantastic and it's quite amazing what they have achieved from a disused quarry. The whole architecture of the place is worth going for even if you don't like plants! Everyone should visit it at some point.

Heligan is (little Britain voice) summin' else!! Something about the place bewitched me. I loved it,loved it, loved it!!

So, here's what I'd do (I'm assuming you've been given the whole day to do 'your thing'):

1) Visit Heligan in the morning - early, get there when it opens, 10am. I'm not sure how fit you are but we did it in 4 hours including lunch.
2)Get to Eden by 2.30 and you've got 3 1/2 hrs to look round there and that should be plenty.
3) Get back to wherever you're staying and collapse in a heap. You WILL be knackered.

Last month had extended opening times with music and whatnot but that finished at the end of August.... shame that.

Well I hope I've helped a little but I definitely couldn't choose between the two unless you've been to Eden before and then I'd definitely say Heligan.

Regards, Skarloey

[4pygmies]

Hmmm, no contest - Heligan!!! Thought I'd died and gone to Heaven when I went there. See if you can get past the practically perfect kitchen garden, Bagpuss. I missed a lot cos I couldn't!
Eden is an amazing place but it was crowded when I went and it did feel like they were preaching to the converted with me. I'm a great believer in all they espouse but it's hard to see it all in one day I thought. But the shop is fantabulous.

[piggingardener]

Sorry - must disagree.

The Eden Project has something to offer all year round. Heligan, though beautiful, is predominantly a Spring garden. Lots of Rhododendrons, Camelias, etc. I went in September and was very disappointed.

If you're going to visit Heligan, go in the Spring - it would be fantastic then. PG

[4pygmies]

D'you know, you're quite right PG! I went in May/June, how thick can you get! Ignore me completely. Go to Eden - fantastic cafe there!

[skarloey]

I have to disagree with that I'm afraid as I went last month. Okay the Rhododendrons and Camellias were finished but it was still amazing.

Different strokes for different folks and all that. ;D

[4pygmies]

Now I'm confused.....are you sure you can't get to both??

[Cheerypeabrain]

If it was just me...no contest....Helligan...it is so breathtaking and very peaceful.
If I was taking small children, or people who find walking difficult then I spose Eden is the better choice.

Both places have excellent websites with lots of pics, so have a butchers and make your mind up...

(Helligan's got an excellent shop too)
With either I would suggest that an early start is a good idea.

[Spruance]

Hi Bagpuss.

Having seen both I would say probably Eden, if only for the fact that if it rains you can still have a good day out without getting wet through.

Both were good, although I am slightly biased as it poured with rain at Heligan, but was sunny and warm at Eden, and all within the space of a few days.

Having seen neither location before, I think that Eden had the most impact, in that it was totally different from anything that I have seen before. Heligan was ok, but certain aspects were very similar to other gardens I have seen.

BTW here are the links for both...

www.edenproject.com/

www.heligan.com/flash_index.html

Whichever one you pick, I hope you have a great day.

;D

Spruance

[Deleted]

Here's a twopennyworth from a local.

Eden - fantasic structures, biomes very dull inside - humid tropics mainly taken over by bananas, not many flowers. Outside biome going over and well past its best at the moment.
Very few guides to ask questions of they've just made them all redundant!

Heligan this time of year, again few flowers, but an enchanting place.

If you want to see a proper garden try Pine Lodge, over 6000 different species (all labelled) plants you won't see anywhere else. Lots of differerent gardens - Japanese, watergarden, lake, pineatum, stunning a real gardeners garden, knowledgeable and friendly owners too who do the work themselves.
www.pine-lodge.co.uk/

"Anne Swithinbank - also in the Western Morning News - described Pine Lodge as being; "A garden paradise for plantaholics" and also noted that; "As we drove back to Fowey, a long line of cars inched in the opposite direction on their way to the Eden Project. Little did they know, that just to their left they were missing a gem"

[Alicat]

Heligan for me...
I've visited both, but been to Heligan Twice. The first time the children were not old enough to do the jungle walk. So went again last year. We had a great day and were sad when it came to an end.
Eden Project is good & modern. I especially liked the tropical biome(sp?) but after that I lost interest. (food is good though. & all veg comes from their gardens.)

Which ever you decide, have a great time & don't forget to post some pictures.

alicat.

Ps. wear practical shoes you can walk in all day.
pps. I would go again to heligan. But in the spring. To see all the rhododendrons & camellias.

a view to wet you appetite.

[Alicat]

I forgot to say Pine Lodge will Definitely be on my list for next year .

[isabella]

We made an early start and managed to see both in one day - it was in October!
Went to the Eden project first thing in the morning- had lunch there and then went to Heligan.
Both places are worth a visit but if I had to choose it would be Heligan - a fascinating place!

[bagpuss]

Thank you all so much for your help. I think I will go to Heligan and may try Pine Lodge too.

Thanks again - will try and post some pics at some point when I get back.

[piggingardener]

I agree with Dee, Pine Lodge is well worth a visit. I'd forgotten that one. The best garden we visited in Cornwall though, without a doubt was Probus - now sadly gone. It was run by volunteers on leased land and the landlord decided to bulldoze the lot for a new garden centre. Sheer vandalism IMHO.

[4pygmies]

Have a really lovely time Bagpuss and look forward to the pictures. Save up some pennies for the shop at Heligan!

[Deleted]

Pine Lodge is great, we holiday in Port Mellon every June & go every year. We have bought some great plants there for us & cat minding gifts. They always grow well here 'up north' too. It is much bigger than you might first expect.