One of the best things about Cornwall is that the county isn’t short of landmarks and attractions – and one of the most distinctive is the Eden Project. From its famous biomes to the vibrant collection of plants and trees kept within, our favourite eco garden attraction is known the world over.
If you’re heading to Cornwall, the Eden Project is a must-see at any time of year. From how to get there to what events and activities are on offer, here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Eden Project.
What is the Eden Project?
The Eden Project’s iconic domed biospheres – or bug eyes, if you want the less technical term – have become such a staple of Cornwall’s landscape that it’s hard to believe the site only opened in the early 2000s.
Before then, the site of the Eden Project has been many things. For 160 years it was a working china clay pit, providing the raw materials to help launch Cornwall’s thriving porcelain industry. It’s also been a TV and film star, serving as a set for the BBC’s adaptation of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and the 20th Bond film, Die Another Day.
The unique global garden we know and love opened in 2001, and since then it’s been providing visitors with a place to relax among nature, learn more about sustainability and ecology – and above all, enjoy a day out you can’t find anywhere else.
Visiting the Eden Project
You’ll find the Eden Project on Cornwall’s southern coast, just a few miles outside the gorgeous market town of St Austell. If you’re travelling from Kilden Mor, it’s just under 35 minutes away from us by car. Parking at the site opens 15 minutes before first entry.
The Eden Project’s opening times vary slightly depending on the time of year. From April onwards they are generally open from 10am–5pm, but during school holidays they open earlier at 9:30am. During the summer holidays in July and August, the Eden Project is also open until later in the day, from until 6pm.
It’s a good idea to buy your tickets online, as you can save yourself some money compared to buying them on the day. Tickets bought online cost £38 for adults, £32.50 for young adults (17–25) and students with a valid student ID, and £12 for children. If you’re visiting with any children under 5, those lucky ones can enter for free!
However, always make sure you double check the Eden Project website before you visit, as their prices and opening times can change.
Biomes and gardens
The main attraction of the Eden Project is of course its global garden. Inside the two giant dome enclosures you’ll find the site’s two carefully curated and simulated biomes, each dedicated to a different natural environment.
There’s the Mediterranean Biome, which shows off a vibrant array of plant species from drier climates – including plants from California, South Africa and Western Australia as well as the Mediterranean itself. Then there’s the Rainforest Biome, which is the largest indoor rainforest in the world and takes you on a journey through the landscapes of Southeast Asia, West Africa and South America.
Outside of the biomes, you can take a relaxing stroll through the Outdoor Gardens. This is where the Eden Project has brought life back to the slopes of the clay pit, with banks of soothing lavender, crimson sweet gum trees, monkey puzzles and tea plants.
Activities at the Eden Project
If you’re wondering what else the Eden Project has to offer besides its headline biomes, the answer is: lots!
First there’s Invisible Worlds, the Eden Project’s permanent exhibition dedicated to the invisible systems that shape our everyday lives. From life on the tiny scale like microbes, bacteria and our own internal “biomes”, to everything from the far reaches of space and time that have contributed to us being here today.
If your kids – or you, for that matter – need to blow off some steam, there’s plenty at the Eden Project to help with that as well. For little ones there’s Nature’s Playground, a new adventure play area that’s open year-round, complete with a climbing frame inside a 9 metre fantastical tree, as well as areas for sensory and accessible play.
If you’re looking for something more high-adrenaline for yourself and your older family members, there’s a whole range of activities run by Hangloose to get your heart rate soaring. Like the 660-metre SkyWire zip line – the fastest zip wire in England – that takes you on a 60mph flight across the gardens and biome domes below.
If that’s not enough, there’s also aerial trekking, base jumping, climbing and more. As these activities are run by Hangloose they’re not included with admission to the Eden Project, and prices start from £15 per activity or £50 for packages.
Other events
As well as its year-round exhibitions and activities, the Eden Project also has a full calendar of special events, from art installations and half-term festivals to spectacular concerts.
Between 25th and 27th May 2024, the Eden Project will host outdoor cinema showings of Mamma Mia!, Jurassic Park and Pretty Woman. In June and July it’s also home to the Eden Sessions – a calendar of outdoor concerts featuring big name artists like Fatboy Slim, Paolo Nutini and the Manic Street Preachers.
If you’re visiting Cornwall later in the year, the Eden Project also offers an indoor ice skating rink around the Christmas season, while the Eden Marathon – Cornwall’s largest running event – takes place on the 20th October.
Check the Eden Project website before you visit to see what’s going on while you’re there.
Eating at the Eden Project
If you’re spending all day at the Eden Project – and trust us, you’ll want to – you need to know where you and your family can make a pitstop to stay properly fueled up.
The Eden Project is home to plenty of places to enjoy lunch, grab a quick coffee or just take a load off for a minute. There’s the Med Terrace inside the Mediterranean Biome itself which offers – you guessed it – a menu of Mediterranean classics like pizza, pasta and paella. Or the Bakehouse and the Eden Coffee House, which are both perfect if you’re looking for a delicious cake, pasty or hot drink to keep you on your feet.
For families with little ones, there’s also the Core Play Café which serves family-friendly lunches and snacks alongside a range of board games to enjoy with your kids.
www.edenproject.com boxoffice@edenproject.com 01726 811972