Connect with Mother Nature at the Eden Project

An incredible feat of architecture, engineering and preservation, the Eden Project is an honest declaration of love to nature and the awe-inspiring landscapes this earth has been blessed with. The project came from the minds of Tim Smit and Jonathan Ball, who, in 1996 decided to create a place unlike any other in the world which set out to assess human’s place in the world and particularly in relation to nature. The project was opened in 2001 on an old china clay pit in the town of St Blazey, and inaugurated its iconic enclosures which all recreate a specific natural biome and adjacent domes. A humbling yet fascinating space to visit, the Eden Project is undoubtedly one of the UK’s most spectacular landmarks. It’s a wonderful place to learn about the world we inhabit, its intricacies and how we can continue to work to preserve it and find hope for the future amidst an increasingly worrying context of climate crisis.

Eden Project, Cornwall.

- © Anna Jastrzebska / Shutterstock

About the structure

The Project’s design was conceived by structural engineering firm Anthony Hunt Associates and Grimshaw Architects. The site took about two and a half years to complete and features two biomes, a meandering path which provides stunning views over the entire site and especially the biomes, planted landscapes and even a sculpture of a giant bee.

The Core was added in 2005 as an educational space for learning, facilitating community exchange and getting Eden’s message of cohabitation between man and nature across to visitors. It is also a space which hosts various temporary exhibitions. The building is also of great architectural interest too, as it actually shaped like a sunflower.

Eden Project structure, Cornwall.

- © Francesco Carucci / Shutterstock

Explore the different biomes

The main features of the projects are its impressive biomes. Located at the bottom of the pit, the Eden Project features two biomes: the Rainforest Biome and the Mediterranean Biome, the former covering about 1.56 ha and reaching a height of about 55m, and the latter covering 0.654ha and reaching a height of 35m. The purpose of the biomes is to educate people on how our different ecosystems work by recreating them, and allowing visitors to bask in their incredible diversity.

The Rainforest biome invites visitors to step into what almost feels like a different world, featuring rubber trees, banana plants, a wobbly bridge, a waterfall and of course, its signature tropical temperature (complete with moisture and all) which allows visitors to immerse themselves in that environment and to understand how the rainforest supports us.

The Mediterranean biome allows visitors to experience the familiar warmth of places like Greece, Italy, South Africa and even Western Australia. Keep an eye out for the gorgeous olive trees, aloe plants and sculptures.

Eden Project Mediterranean Biome, Cornwall.

- © Photos BrianScantlebury / Shutterstock

Take a stroll in the outdoor gardens

The beautiful outdoor gardens make for a stunning and stimulating walk. With over 20 different kinds of plants on display, it’s worth taking your time to explore the grounds and learn all you can about the various flowers and plants. From fragrant lavender to dramatic sweet gum, there’s a fantastically eclectic mix of florals that cover the 20 acres of garden. Take your time to get lost and wonder about even the most secluded, peaceful and tucked away areas of the project and appreciate all the incredible landscapes that surround you.

Eden Project Gardens, Cornwall.

- © sambutler1029 / Shutterstock

Other fun activities around the site

In the Core building, the project puts on various temporary exhibitions that are worth seeing when you visit. Make sure to take a look at the website in advance to see what’s on

If you’re a thrill seeker, you’ll want to think about going on England’s fastest zip wire which travels over 660 metres at the speed of 60mph. The zip wire goes over the Project, giving visitors not only a thrill, but also a dazzling view of the site. Find out more information about taking on this adventure here.

Nature’s Playground opens in July 2023 and will provide visitors aged 16 and under to go on some amazing nature filled adventures in this sustainable purpose-built outdoor playground.  

ZipWire going over the Rainforest Biome, Eden Project, Cornwall.

- © David JC / Shutterstock

Practical information about your visit

  • The Eden Project’s opening times really vary from day to day so be sure to check their website ahead of your visit in order to have all the information about time schedules at the ready.
  • Tickets are cheaper when booked ahead of time on their website so we strongly recommend you do so. Adult tickets bought online cost between £33 to 38 and between £28 and 32,50 for students and young adults (under 25), while tickets for children ages 5 to 16 cost between £11 and 12. 

Our favourite hotel near the Eden Project

Wyndham Trenython Manor Cornwall

Wyndham Trenython Manor

Only 5 min from Fowey, an exquisite Victorian manor offers stunning countryside views, an à la carte restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking within 24 acres of land.
From
£126 /night
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How to get to the Eden Project?

By car: 

  • The project is located outside of the town of St Austell. The project is well signposted from both the A30 from Exeter and the A391/390 from Plymouth. 
  • Parking on site is provided and free.  

By bus: 

  • Local bus services 28 and 31 drop visitors off at the Eden Project . 

By train: 

  • Local trains operate to St Austell railway station which connects to trains from London Paddington. Local buses can then take you from the station to the Eden Project.  

Some things to keep in mind for your visit

  • Bring a reusable water bottle! The Eden project provides many taps where you can fill up your bottle as the day goes along. 
  • There are many different cafés on site that provide guests with seasonal meals and cater to all kinds of diets. 
  • Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, you’ll be out and about all day long and will want to stay protected from UV rays. 

Useful Links

Official Eden Project website: link

  

by Val HANCOCK | Editor
Val Hancock is an editor, writer and researcher. While she is currently based in Paris, she previously lived in London and Brussels. She holds a Masters degree in International Relations from King’s College London.
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