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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 April, 2023

The Eden Project has transformed an old china clay pit into a spectacular global garden.

Gigantic ‘biomes’ – futuristic conservatories, one of which is the largest conservatory in the world – house different climatic zones (tropical, Mediterranean, temperate), which work in tandem to explain the evolution of Man’s relationship with plants.

Constructed from hexagonal panels that clip together like a giant Meccano set, the vast and remarkable biomes are entirely self-supporting (with no internal supports) and built using a thermoplastic that repels dirt and helps maintain a consistent environment within.

There’s also specially commissioned art, summer concerts, winter ice-skating and – the latest addition – England’s longest zip wire, with remarkable views across the whole complex.

Don't miss

The Skywire, England’s longest and fastest zip wire, sends visitors right over the biomes for a unique and exhilarating perspective on the site. Also look out for the new aerial rainforest canopy walkway.

Price from: £33
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Eden Project is close to St. Austell; the gardens are well signposted from the main roads and there is free parking. St. Austell train station is 3 miles away.

At time of writing, you have to buy tickets in advance for an allocated time slot. Check the website for updates and to book tickets.

The attraction is self-guided, with maps available to download from the website.

When to do it

The project is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Fowey Hall Hotel

Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[7.9 miles]

Lovely country house family hotel, located in the beautiful town of Fowey, with five acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands. Close to the Eden Project.

Official star rating:

Fowey Harbour Hotel

Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[8 miles]

Luxury boutique hotel with heart-stopping views of the Fowey estuary, set in a beautiful restored Victorian building. Close to the Eden Project.

Official star rating:

The Lugger Hotel

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[18.9 miles]

Boutique style and fabulous seafood in a 17th-century smugglers’ inn on the Roseland Peninsula.

Official star rating:

Watergate Bay Hotel

Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[23 miles]

Iconic, family-friendly boutique hotel set just above the vast golden sands of spectacular Watergate Bay. Great for all ages, especially families and groups.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

A region of craggy cliffs, sheltered creeks, glorious sandy beaches and quintessential villages – rich in local life, pagan legend and delicious, locally-made food and drink.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Bodmin Jail [ghost hunting]

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[12.8 miles]

Former 18th-century prison offering a fascinating glimpse into Victorian and Georgian crime and punishment. Excellent heritage tours and night time ghost hunts.

Best for ages: 7+ | £19

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The Clay Trails [cycling & walking]

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[2.2 miles]

A lovely 12-mile trail (with shorter subsections) from Truro to Bodmin that explores a unique area of Cornwall previously home to Cornwall’s China industry, and passes many top sights.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | Up to 4 hours

Poldark’s Charlestown

Charlestown, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[3.2 miles]

Picturesque and historic waterfront town that was the setting for Poldark – now a place of pilgrimage for fans of the hit BBC series.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
St Austell Brewery
Experience

St Austell Brewery

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[3.7 miles]

This family-owned brewery, founded in 1851, produces a range of award-winning beers and ales using local ingredients, such as Cornish barley and spring water. They offer guided tours of the brewery, teaching you about the brewing process, ending with tastings. The brewery also runs a variety of events throughout the year, including beer festivals and live music.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
vistiors take a distillery course at Colwith Cornwall
Experience

Colwith Farm Distillery

Lostwithiel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)[5.2 miles]

This plough-to-bottle distillery, owned and run by the Dustow family, has mastered the art of transforming their potatoes into award-winning spirits, notably gin. You can book in for tours of the distillery and gin tastings, and courses to make your own custom bottle of gin.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >