Name: Halliggye Fogou
Rating: 5.0

Halliggye Fogou

Trelowarren Estate, Helston, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Halliggye Fogou 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. The underground complex at Halliggye is one of the most elaborate and best preserved fogous in Cornwall. It is all that remains of an early settlement.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Halliggye Fogou: The underground complex at Halliggye is one of the most elaborate and best preserved fogous in Cornwall. It is all that remains of an early settlement.
Situated at the top of the hill, the fogou is a complex of underground passages built with massive stone slabs. It is thought to have been constructed in the 5th or 4th centuries BC, in the middle Iron Age.
Fogous, from the Cornish word ‘ogo’ meaning cave, are found only in the far west of Cornwall. Their original function is unclear. They may have been used to store valuables, or as refuges. Fogous could also have been places of ceremony and ritual.
The fogou was built within a small farming settlement known as a round, surrounded by an earthwork enclosure. Over 2,000 such settlements, dating from the Iron Age and Romano-British period, are known in Cornwall.
The round at Halliggye was probably home to several family groups, who lived in four or five houses. Pottery found during recent excavations suggests that the settlement was occupied for 700 years, probably until the end of the Roman period.

Facilities

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.
Food & Drinks: Turnpike Cross is located 5 miles away. There are various facilities including shops and places to eat.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/halliggye-fogou/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open during any reasonable daylight hours. The interior of the Fogou is closed from 1st Oct-30th April due to roosting bats.

Address: Trelowarren Estate, Helston, UK

Post Code: TR12 6AF

Council: Cornwall

County: Cornwall

Road Access: The entrance to the Trelowarren Estate is approximately 1 mile south-east of Garras off B3293. Enter the Estate by the gatehouses. After approximately 0.8 of a mile, turn right at the crossroads through the gothic gate posts and find the parking area around to the right. An interpretation sign shows you the route to the fogou along the signed footpath.
Bus Access: Go Cornwall Bus 36. Nearest Bus Stop to Halliggye Fogou is Double Lodges, approx. 1 mile / 1.6kms southeast of Garras on the B3292. From Double Lodges to Halliggye Fogou is a walk of 1.0mile / 1.6kms.
Train Access: The nearest stations are Penryn (12.1miles / 19.5kms), Camborne (14.6miles / 23.4kms), Perranwell (15.2miles / 24.5kms), Redruth (15.2miles / 24.5kms) or Truro (19.7miles / 31.7kms. In addition to Go Cornwall’s Bus 36 that operates direct from Truro and Perranwell, bus connections are available from Penryn, Camborne or Redruth by changing at Helston.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
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.