Place of Interest
Eden Project Eden Project
Visiting the Eden Project
There’s something for everyone at the Eden Project, the most famous gardens in Cornwall.
During your visit you’ll see displays of plant species from across the world housed in huge geodesic domes. The Eden Project is so much more than just a garden, with the focus being on environmental education and conservation as well as promoting sustainability.
Things to do at the Eden Project
There’s so much to explore at the Eden Project that you’ll find it easily takes up half of your day. Read on to discover some of the best bits.
Explore the Rainforest Biome
Entering the Rainforest Biome, you’ll be instantly transported to tropical islands and far away destinations like West Africa and South America. This huge indoor rainforest with over 1,000 plants is between 18-35°C year round. From the Malaysian house in the heart of the Biome to the free-ranging partridges, there’s enough to discover here to take up over an hour of your visit.
This Biome is home to cacao, wild bananas, pineapples, arabica coffee, vanilla and many more plants you know and love.
Discover the Mediterranean Biome
Explore plants from the Mediterranean, Western Australia, South Africa and more in this Biome which is sure to set your senses on fire. Brightly coloured flowers, vibrant citrus fruits, the twisting trunks of olive trees and scents wafting from the Perfume Garden are simply delightful.
Chilli peppers, grape vines, cotton, and aloe are all familiar plants but ones you might be fascinated to see thriving in the UK.
Enjoy the Outdoor Gardens
Back outside in the Cornish climate are 20 acres of beautifully maintained gardens with over 3,000 plant varieties. As you journey through the gardens, remember that the Eden Project is built on what was barren land of a former clay mine, so the transformation is incredible. There are so many elements to the outdoor gardens, such as areas to play in, gardens growing vegetables, gardens targeting health and wellbeing, and so much more.
Take a guided tour
Free daily introductions to the Biomes take places most days and are a brilliant way to learn a little more about some of the fascinating plants thriving within them. There are several ways to sample some of the herbs and spices growing within the Biomes too. Join the free Pukka herbal tea tasting and talk, pay a little extra for a deep dive into the Spice Garden or book onto a private tour for an expert led experience.
Visit the Invisible Worlds exhibition
This exhibition explores the invisible forces that shape life such as air, microbes, and bacteria. Learn all about soil, what’s in the air we breathe and your own microbiome in the permanent exhibit.
Eden Project tickets
You must book tickets to the Eden Project online in advance during busy times like school holidays to guarantee entry. Booking online also guarantees the best price.
You’ll find a number of ticket options on the website, including tickets that allow unlimited entry for a year. Children under 5 go free, as do carers.
Eden Project opening times
Opening times at the Eden Project vary throughout the year so make sure you check the website before you go. Generally, you can expect to arrive from 10am with last entry around 3:30.
Getting to the Eden Project
The Eden Projects location in St Austell makes it easy to reach.
If travelling by car, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s free visitor parking. Use the postcode PL24 2SG in your sat nav. Electric car owners can also charge their vehicles while visiting. You'll find it's around a 35-minute drive from our Veryan Club Site to the Eden Project.
Those travelling by public transport can make use of the Eden Projects Green Travel Incentive which means you’ll get a free guide book when you present your travel tickets on arrival. Nearby train stations include St Austell, Luxulayan, Bugle or Par. From there you can bus, walk, or cycle to Eden. The 28 and 31 bus services travel directly to the Eden Project.
Food and drink at the Eden Project
There is a selection of places to grab a bite to eat to refuel during your visit to Eden. All of the food served is responsibly sourced and fairly traded.
Top tip: take your own reusable cup if you’d like a takeaway drink like a coffee or you’ll need to pay a deposit for one as the Eden Project are committed to tackling waste.
The Core Play Café
This is ideal for those visiting with small children, with family-friendly lunches like jacket potatoes and kids’ meals available. Make use of the games and laid-back atmosphere to take a break during your visit.
Med Terrance
Grab a bite to eat in the unique setting of the Mediterranean Biome with dishes like paella, stone baked pizzas and a range of nibbles to enjoy.
Biome Kitchen
Ideal for a hearty family lunch, grab everything from a cheesy pasta bake to a home-made soup.
Eden Coffee House
For a quick bite to eat, like a sandwich or soup, the Eden Coffee House is your best bet.
Find more information on the Eden Project or view all campsites in Cornwall.