The Eden Project
Visiting the largest indoor Rainforest
In the heart of Cornwall, near the town of St. Austell, is the Eden Project. Some might say that it is a botanical garden, others refer to a wildlife conservation project and environmental education centre and all of them are right. It certainly is one of those tourist attractions one must visit when in Cornwall and it comes right after The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Tintagel Castle. What Charlie mostly wanted to see is the largest indoor rainforest that is hosted in one of the Biomes at the Eden Project.
How to get to Eden
The Eden Project is about 5 miles from the town of St. Austell in the south of Cornwall. As anything in Cornwall, the easiest way to get around is by car and there is plenty of parking space available outside the centre. Charlie travelled – as usual – by public transport. She first took a bus from Newquay to St. Austell and changed onto bus number 27 which stops directly in front of The Eden Project. The whole journey took her about 2 hours (waiting times in between buses included). Cornwall released a new ticketing system in 2022 and you can now get around with a day pass for £5 or a weekly pass for £20.
What is The Eden Project
It is a large botanical garden with indoor and outdoor spaces that is dedicated to environmental protection and education. It is an education charity and social enterprise. The Eden Project was built in 2000 inside a former clay pit. The outdoor area shows local plants that you can find in the UK, the indoor space is formed by two large Biomes, one housing a Rainforest and the other one is home to Mediterranean plants. If you want to see it all in detail and enjoy a break in one of the many restaurants, you should plan around 4 hours for your visit. The ticket allows re-entry for an entire year. It is mandatory to book a time slot online before you visit.
| Ticket Type | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £ 32.50 | £ 37.50 |
| Student | £ 27.50 | £ 32.00 |
| Child (5 to 16 years) | £ 11.00 | £ 12.00 |
| Child (0 to 4 years) | Free | Free |
(Ticket prices as of September 2022)
The largest indoor Rainforest
The most exciting bit is certainly the Rainforest Biome and Charlie went there first. Temperatures and humidity inside are high, it really feels like a tropical Rainforest. Throughout the visit, you can hear water running whilst you admire stunning vegetation. The round walk starts with a visit to the flora of Hawaii and other islands in the Pacific Ocean, continues towards West Afrika, Southeast Asia and Central America. The feelings it evokes make the visitor dream of faraway destinations. If Costa Rica and Hawaii weren’t already on Charlie’s list, they would be now!
The walk guides the visitor to a bridge in between the trees. There is a separate viewing platform from above that you can only visit at certain times. Charlie was lucky that it was open when she was there. If you’re scared of heights, you shouldn’t go there, but for anybody else, it is worth the more than 100 steps up into the air on a staircase that is slightly swinging as you walk up.
Mediterranean ambiance
At the entrance to the Mediterranean Biome is a cactus garden and a restaurant that immediately transports the visitor to Italy. Compared to the Rainforest Biome, this one almost felt a bit chilly, and Charlie got her jacket out. During the whole walk, you can hear birds chirping and you occasionally see them too in between vineyards or chilli gardens. Yes, there is a chilli garden where you can get a good overview of all kinds of chillies and peppers. No, there was no tasting.
Charlie was surprised that this Biome also included the flora of California, South Africa and Western Australia which apparently have a similar climate to the Mediterranean.
A day at Eden
There is a lot more to sea at the Eden Project, but Charlie was tired, and she felt that nothing could be better than what she had already seen and felt that day. She had walked a lot, but also felt as if she had travelled the world in just one day at Eden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eden Project?
The Eden Project is a botanical garden and educational centre for environmental protection in Cornwall.
How to get to the Eden Project?
You can drive by car or take bus number 27 from St. Austell.
Is Eden Project worth the money?
Yes! You will be astonished by the flora of faraway places, learn about the environment and feel like you’re travelling the world in just one day! Besides, it’s all for a good cause.
How long does it take to do Eden Project?
If you really wanted to see everything, you should plan 4 hours for your visit. Your ticket is valid for a year, and you could split it up into multiple visits.
