Heligan on a roll-er with opening of Neon Jungle roller skate rink

Sunday, 11 January 2026 06:42

The Lost Gardens of Heligan will open a new roller skate rink with a retrofuturist, neon-tinged vision of its iconic Jungle garden on Friday, January 16.

The undercover rink, known as Neon Jungle, will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until March 29, with midweek opening during February half-term. It will also be available for educational visits and as part of event-hire packages.

The design of the rink has been inspired by the restoration of the Lost Gardens and will evoke feelings of lostness and the spirit of adventure. Skaters will be accompanied by an expertly curated playlist of retro hits and future classics.

Continuing the retro theme, the rink will have its own pop-up café serving crumpets with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings as well as a selection of warming winter drinks. The Heligan Kitchen restaurant will be extending its opening hours until 6.30pm at weekends, offering winter favourites and a family friendly menu.

David Harland, chief executive of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: “Neon Jungle is a hugely exciting development for Heligan and one we can’t wait to open to our visitors. It is a brilliant way to get active and have fun in the new year and will reinterpret the unique story of Heligan in a beautiful and striking fluorescent setting.”

Neon Jungle is the beginning of a year of activities and events at Heligan designed to promote wellbeing, wild connections and the rediscovery of lost games and activities.

The immersive light installation Submergence, one of the highlights of the recent Night Garden event, will have an extended residency at Heligan until February 1, with later opening available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to enable visitors to enjoy it in darkness.

Also starting soon is Cornwall’s newest parkrun, a weekly 5-kilometre walk, jog and run taking place at Heligan on Saturday mornings.

Then in February half-term, Heligan’s Home Farm will invite visitors behind the scenes for a series of exciting and immersive animal experiences.

The Neon Jungle roller rink opens on Friday, January 16, with a 45-minute session costing £10 per person (skate hire is £3 extra for those who don’t have their own skates). Garden admission is not required to skate. Pre-booking is recommended and can be made through www.heligan.com/neonjungle.

Until the end of February, Heligan is offering Free Range Pricing on garden admission, meaning visitors can set their own price for entry to the gardens.

More from News

Community nursing team’s pride after picking up award

The Trust's Liskeard-Looe Community Nursing team have spoken of their pride after winning an award.
TEDxPorthtowanWomen speakers announced!

Eleven inspiring women from Cornwall are preparing to share their extraordinary ideas as the speaker line-up for the first TEDxPorthtowan is announced.
The Cinnamon Trust Receives Global Recognition as a World’s Happiest Workplace

The Cinnamon Trust has been named one of the World’s Happiest Workplaces for the second consecutive year, according to leading employee experience platform WorkL.
“Small town with big ambitions”: Redruth launches bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028

Redruth has today announced its official bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, led by a partnership between Redruth Town Council, Redruth Cultural Consortium, and The Ladder.
The best independent wine merchant in the UK is revealed, and it’s right here in Cornwall

Today Harpers, the respected voice of the wines and spirits industry, unveiled its prestigious list of the top independent wine merchants across the country, with No.1 going to Cornwall’s very own Old Chapel Cellars.
Cornish Non-Profit Calls for Volunteers Across the County

A Cornwall based non-profit is calling on local people to volunteer as demand for its services continues to grow.
Council leaders thank residents and responders as Storm Goretti clean-up continues

Cornwall Council is continuing its response and recovery work following Storm Goretti, with clean-up operations expected to continue into this week and disruption likely for several days.
Storm Goretti Damages NAWT Cornwall Rescue Centre

After a terrifying, sleepless night filled with the sound of violent winds and falling trees, this morning it became apparent that Storm Goretti has caused significant damage to key areas of the centre, striking at the very spaces that bring our rescue dogs safety, freedom and joy.