Our last day in Cornwall

Today we thought we’d head west and visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan.  We went the scenic way and took the Bodinnick ferry across to Fowey for a quick look round.  As usual, the place was full of high priced clothing shops and tourist “items”!  The main square was full of contractors vehicles and cranes and so gave us no chance of a decent photo.

The view towards Fowey from the ferry.

We moved on towards St Austell and took a detour down to Charlestown where we have always enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the old place.  This time was no exception and we were treated to three tall ships in port.  We enjoyed a cup of coffee and a piece of Doug’s birthday cake – and imagined we were on the set of the Onedin Line………

… what a scene!

We motored on to the Lost Gardens of Heligan as James was eager to see the changes since his first visit in about 1995.  At that time they were only a few years into the restoration since its discovery in 1990 when the whole garden had been overgrown and almost lost.  The gardens are now fully restored, of course, and we enjoyed a really nice, out of season, quiet walk round.

Lemons growing in one of the many specialised greenhouses.

Another Victorian green house which is virtually original.  It has been imported from another large country house garden and reassembled and restored.

A walk through the woods and we came across the ‘Mud Maid’

Back in its Victorian heyday Heligan had a fantastic “jungle” which filled a valley on the estate and, because of the mild climate, they were able to grow tropical trees and shrubs.  All this has been lovingly restored over the last twenty years and the atmosphere is really interesting.

A jungle view.

Another jungle view!

Our last ‘port of call’ was Mevagissey.  It has a very nice harbour but the shops were generally full of the most appalling tat.  However, we had a nice relaxing drink in one of the pubs before making our way home.  Our last full day and another thoroughly enjoyed – the weather was very warm, if a little overcast.  A change from yesterday when it rained most of the day.  We’re not complaining though as this week has been really great.

Mevagissey harbour.