If you’re visiting Cornwall you may well be thinking about visiting the Eden Project in Cornwall. This is one of Cornwall’s top attractions and is a popular place to visit all year round.
There are around 30 acres of ground to explore at the Eden Project in Cornwall which include outside gardens, indoor Biomes and playgrounds. Throughout the year, the Eden Project is also home to some great events happening in Cornwall. This also includes the Christmas ice rink.
Getting To The Eden Project In Cornwall
The address for the Eden Project in Cornwall is Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG.
There are plenty of brown signs directing you along the Cornwall roads, however I would say trust your sat nav if you’re using one. Once onsite, there is lots of free parking for the duration of your visit.
The nearest train station to the Eden Project is in St. Austell which is around a ten minute taxi journey away. Busses from St. Austell bus station also run to the Eden Project which takes around twenty five minutes.
Arriving At The Eden Project In Cornwall
Once you arrive to the Eden Project you will be directed to the large free car park. There is a short drive from the entrance down to the car parks, so take this into account when timing your journey.
The car parks are all named after different fruits, and as an example, it was around a five to ten minute walk from the Plum car park to the visitor centre and the entrance.
When booking your tickets to the Eden Project, you select a timed entry. I would suggest arriving at the car park a few minutes prior to your entry time. There is some flexibility however on entry if you’re running late.
A park and ride bus does operate from selected car park areas to the entrance and back again. The Eden Project was once a quarry site, so on your entrance you walk downwards. What goes down must also go back up on your return to your car.
The Eden Project Biomes
The most popular things to do at the Eden Project is to visit the Biomes. There are a choice of two, the Rainforest Biome and the Mediterranean Biome. They are huge indoor experiences that are a must see on your visit to the Eden Project.
Mediterranean Biome
You can experience sights and smells from the Mediterranean, California, South Africa and Western Australia in this amazing Biome. Spot all the amazing herbs, olives and grape vines on your journey.
You’ll also find a small cafe area in the Mediterranean Biome. What an amazing place to stop for a drink or bite to eat. There is plenty of information to absorb, and beautiful pictures to take.
As with any garden, your views will change through the year, so don’t forget to take advantage of a return visit with your annual passes if you can for a different view.
Rainforest Biome
You can take a journey through the rainforest in the Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project. This is an enormous rainforest area that can also reach high humidity levels.
As part of your visit to the rainforest, if you’re brave enough you can also walk to the top of the Biome up the canopy walkway.
There are over 1,000 varieties of plants in the Rainforest Biome with temperatures reaching up to 35C. There is a handy place to leave your coats in a locker just outside if you’re visiting in the cooler months of the year. You definitely wont need them in the Rainforest Biome.
Things To Do At The Eden Project
Aside from the Biomes mentioned above, there is lots to discover. The outdoor gardens have seasonal borders and over 20 different exhibits with interesting information boards.
Visit the Wild Edge to see all the crops that are grown around the World, and the Climate Garden to discover over 400 million years of climate change and what the future may bring.
Back inside, you can also visit the Invisible Worlds Exhibition. This is the chance to discover how the World is beyond our senses.
Nature’s Playground is the newest addition to the Eden Project. An outdoor natural playground with plenty of imaginative and sensory play.
If you’re wondering whether you can take your dog to the Eden Project, then the great news is yes you can! This is one of the many dog friendly days out in Cornwall to discover. The only restrictions are that only assistance dogs are permitted into the Biomes. There is however plenty of outside seating nearby if you’re taking it in turns with family.
Places To Eat At The Eden Project
During your visit to the Eden Project, you may want to stop for a bite to eat or drink. There is a large cafe and restaurant area below the Biomes. This has both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is dog friendly.
The Bakehouse offers snacks including sausage rolls and Cornish pasties. Whilst the Biome Kitchen serves a range of hot meals including pizza and salads. If you fancy a sandwich, then visit the Sandwich Shack for a range of sandwiches, drinks and coffee.
Don’t forget to stop for an ice cream in one of the ice cream parlours around the site.
Our Experience At The Eden Project
Visiting at the start of the Summer, I was able to book tickets online at the beginning of the same day we visited. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance online as you save a small amount on the price, and it shows the availability of the day.
All standard ticket prices also include an annual pass, so whilst the initial ticket price is expensive, it’s a great excuse to visit Cornwall again in the future if you’re not a local.
We arrived mid morning for our visit, and we also took our dog with us. The walk down from the car park was quite long, and we knew the walk back might be more of a challenge.
Once through the visitor centre, the views are amazing. There is another walk down a zig zag path towards the Biomes. A lift is also nearby if needed. We decided to visit the Biomes first, and having a dog with us, we took it in turns.
There is plenty of seating, benches and steps to stop on nearby. This worked really well for us, and it also meant that one of us got to visit the Biomes twice.
In the Rainforest Biome, we appeared to visit during a busy time. The queue to visit the viewing platform lasted around 30 minutes. It’s worth remembering that if the queue is snaking down the steps, then you will have a wait.
Despite wanting lunch at peak time, we found there was plenty of seating both inside and out. We sat outside with the dog, but the lines moved quickly, and a buzzer system alerted you when your food was ready.
The remainder of our visit was wandering around the gardens, and in total I think we spent around three an a half hours at the Eden Project. We will definitely visit again in a different season to see the flowers, gardens and Biomes from a different perspective.
Eden Project Cornwall Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you take dog to the Eden Project in Cornwall?
- Dogs are welcome at the Eden Project in Cornwall in all areas aside from the Biomes and indoor restaurants.
- Do you have to book in advance for the Eden Project?
- Booking in advance is advisable as it saves money and alerts you to ticket availability.
- Are there discounts at the Eden Project for those on Universal Credit?
- Discounted tickets are available to book online for people in receipt of certain benefits including Universal Credit.
- Are Blue Peter Badges valid for Free entry to the Eden Project?
- Yes Blue Peter Badge holders can enter for FREE with a paying adult. (Find out more information about Blue Peter badge attractions).
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