Free Entry
Open during any reasonable daylight hours. The interior of the Fogou is closed from the end of September until April.
Address:
Trelowarren Estate , Mawgan, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6AF
Roofed and walled in stone, this complex of passages is the largest and best-preserved of several mysterious underground tunnels associated with Cornish Iron Age settlements. The purpose of such ‘fogous’ – a Cornish-language word meaning cave – is unknown, but they may have been places of refuge, storage chambers or ritual shrines. Halliggye Fogou, thought to date from the 5th or 4th century BC, was once part of a small farming settlement, which was probably occupied until the end of the Roman period.
Managed by the Trelowarren Estate.
Read more about Halliggye Fogou's history.
Before You Go
How to find it: The entrance to the Trelowarren Estate is approximately 1 mile south-east of Garras off B3293. Drive past Garras Primary School and keep going straight for approximately 1 mile to the double lodges. Turn left where you see the large Trelowarren sign. Follow the track for approximately 0.8 of a mile to a crossroads, turn right through the Gothic Gate and turn right again shortly into a rough parking area. From here an information panel provides directions to reach Halliggye Fogou by foot. A pleasant walk through contryside and woodland of approximately 1/2 mile. This map shows the locations of the parking area and the fogou with red dots, as well as other walks and facilities within the Trelowarren Estate.
Access: Access to the fogou is down some steep steps, which can be slippery when wet. Please be aware that the fogou comprises of narrow passages with low ceilings, which may be uneven under foot.
The site is open any reasonable time during daylight hours from May until September. The Fogou is blocked from October until April due to roosting Greater Horseshoe bats. Entry to the Fogou is free, but the rest of the estate is not managed by English Heritage and charges may apply.
Facilities: Turnpike Cross is located 5 miles away. There are various facilities including shops and places to eat.
Parking: There is charged parking available in the Trelowarren Estate, free to English Heritage members. The Fogou is a short walk away through lovely countryside.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Other Information: If you want to explore the full 30 metres of this mysterious passage we advise you to bring a torch.
Please be aware: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.
Plan a Great Day Out
Take a walk around the Trelowarren Estate, visiting the fogou on your way. Click here for a downloadable map.
Extend your visit to Halliggye Fogou with a trip to Pendennis Castle, one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses. Explore the castle's 'Fortress Falmouth and the First World War' exhibition or visit the Discovery Centre. The Barrack Block tearoom also serves a selection of Cornish regulars, all sourced from local produce.
