The Eden Project is a unique experience, I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere quite like it. It’s rare to find such an inclusive day out, with accessible paths for pushchairs and wheelchairs, “things to do” for children and even dog friendly, I think you will struggle to find somewhere that entertains all ages of the family so well as the Eden Project.
What is the Eden Project?
I’m not going to paraphrase their website here. I am sure they use lots of technical language to explain the amazing work they do but i’m going to write this article from the perspective of a day visitor looking for a nice day out with all the family. Essentially it is a visitor centre to learn about sustainable living with beautiful gardens and large domes (a bit like greenhouses). There are a few cafes and also large gift shop and small plant shop.
What is a typical day out at the Eden Project like?
The site housing the Eden Project is big. When you first arrive you will park in a large car park quite high on the hill and follow the long winding path down to the arrival building. At the time of writing (July 2021) security checks are being carried out on all visitors so be prepared to empty/show the contents of your bags (a bit like airport security). I strongly recommend packing everything you need for the day into a backpack as you won’t want to walk back to the car!
Just by the arrival building are the loos – good to know! Once through the ticket office you can choose to take a short path direct to the domes or meander to the left following the scenic route down. I have done both routes many times but I much prefer the scenic route. You will miss out on quite a lot if you take the quick walk route.
Take your time enjoying the gardens as you go. Don’t forget to look up and down as you go. There are lots of sculptures on the way, including the beautiful sculpture of Eve created by Peter and Sue Hill. Eve is a living sculpture so has been planted with Stipa tenuissima which means she also melts into her surroundings. Eve is part of the Myth & Folklore exhibit in the outdoor gardens and you almost feel like you are in a fairy land as you creep through the wonderful overgrown plants that shroud her.
Once you have made your way down to the centre of the project you have several buildings to choose from. The two main domes house a rainforest biome and a Mediterranean biome. The same building also houses 2 cafes and an ice cream shop (and more loos!). The stone fired pizza is very good so if you are looking for a bite to eat then why not stop for lunch. There are plenty of picnic spots too dotted around the site including an indoor picnic spot perfect for escaping the rain.
Although the Eden Project is dog friendly, dogs are not welcome in the buildings (which includes the domes) so you’ll need to take turns holding your four legged friend outside or maybe just choose to enjoy the extensive outdoor gardens instead.
Turn left into the rainforest biome. It’s like travelling abroad. The warmth of the jungle hits you the minute you enter. It even smells like a jungle with warm wet earthy air. Learn all about the different species of plants which thrive in the rainforest and also the different trades which utilise the jungle. It’s quite eye opening learning about deforestation and the devastating effects of the animals and habitats of the rainforest. Take time to spot unusual plants both high and low. Can you find real growing cacao pods? What about a pineapple? You can find beautiful flowers hidden amongst the greenery.
Sometimes you forget your are in Cornwall at all!
As you wind your way to the top of the rainforest dome you will eventually come to an area where you can carry on (accessible route) or turn left for an alternative route (not suitable for pushchair or wheelchair users or those unsteady on their feet) and cross the wobbly bridge!
Next up, the Mediterranean Dome! It is completely different in here compared to the rainforest dome. For a start it’s cooler. A different kind of warmth, a dry sunny warm as opposed to an almost oppressive wet heat in the jungle. Enjoy a stroll around the dome and look at the various plants and sculptures including a vineyard. If you have time to stop for a drink in the bar then do, it’s a lovely terrace, you can pretend you are in Greece whilst enjoying a glass of wine! Occasionally they have live classical music too.
If you have children with you then let them run off some steam in the play area. They can pretend to be mini-beasts and climb in a supersized Bug Hotel. The playground is conveniently located next to the ice-cream shop so the perfect place to stop and rest.
My children love spotting the sculptures around the gardens and running through the willow arches.
One thing I haven’t mentioned so far is the Hangloose Adventure. Every now and again you hear a whizzing noise and see a brave soul speeding overhead on a massively high and long zip wire over the domes. The skywire is England’s longest and fastest zip wire experience! Why not be brave and give it a go! Booking online is available here .
Finally it is time to head home. The gift shop at the exit is beautiful. The shop showcases a lot of locally made produce such as Kernow Chocolate made in St Eval (near Rock Cottage), honey from the bees in the Eden Project as well as lots of sustainable and ethically sourced goods. Bees Wax wraps, science kits and all sorts! Just next to the gift shop is the Plant Shop. The staff are very helpful and will often give you a box to help you carry your plants safely home.
So in conclusion the Eden Project is suitable for:
- Adults of all ages interested in plants and gardening
- Adults of all ages with absolutely no interest in gardening or plants but who like to stroll about pretty places and stop somewhere nice for lunch
- Children who like to explore, and run and play, and spot sculptures and learn about the world
- Travellers who want to experience the jungle and other climates
- Eco Warriors who want to improve the positive impact on the environment
- Wheelchair users or less able walkers, with so many accessible facilities you can experience all the Eden project offers
- Dogs! Come and have a lovely walk.
- Teenagers – why not try the Hangloose adventure?
- Have I covered everyone?
So why not book your accommodation at Rock Cottage by clicking here for prices and availability and then head over to the Eden Project to book a great day out.
