Eden Project

Newquay
Newquay showing rainforest
Eden Project
Newquay
Newquay featuring farmland


Explore one of Cornwall’s biggest and best attractions, an eco-garden of plants from around the world that was built to educate and entertain.

Witness the vast, futuristic beauty of the Eden Project, a wildly successful eco-experiment hidden in the hills of Cornwall. Spend a whole day roaming gardens contained within biomes, vast greenhouse-style domes that contain microclimates from around the world. A trip to the Eden Project means roaming the jungles of South America one moment and exploring the Mediterranean coast the next.

The Eden Project began as a clay pit with a lot of potential. Tim Smit, the project’s founder, had a vision for plants from all around the world, so he bought the biggest space he could find to fit his vision. Explore an attraction that first opened in 2001 and welcomed over a million visitors in its first 4 months.

Travel across the globe by exploring each of the gardens contained within the attraction. The Rainforest Biome features a walkway through the canopy and viewing platforms which allow you to look down on the largest indoor rainforest in the world. The Mediterranean Biome houses over 1,000 plant varieties from hot coastal climates.

Once out of the biomes, explore the outdoor gardens. Amble through over 20 acres (8 hectares) of flower beds and fields, looking out for the sculptures that are scattered throughout the gardens. Some spaces are dedicated to medicinal plants, while others create sensory experiences.

Bring your family to this all-ages attraction. The Nest, a play area for children, allows kids to run wild while parents relax. Children will also enjoy finding the secret garden that looks at the myth and folklore of different plants.

Brave the Sky Wire, a giant zip wire that carries you over the biomes at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). For more sedate activities, explore the interactive exhibits in The Core, which teach visitors about ecosystems and evolution.

The Eden Project can easily take up a full day of entertainment, so allow plenty of time to visit this vast attraction. Buses run here from St. Austell train station and ticket prices are reduced if you come by public transportation, although car parking is available. Come back in every season for events and gigs throughout the year.

Reviews of Eden Project

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
109
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
34
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Keep a good 5-6 hours. It is truly an amazing place

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Elderly and people with walking difficulties will struggle with very steep walks. If you want something light to eat, take a picnic. Would prefer a lovely garden centre!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A lot of walking, but well worth the effort

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not really worth the excessive entrance fee.

Popular places to visit


Top Eden Project Hotel Deals

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

4 out of 5
Pentewan Road, St Austell, England
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate
Carlyon Bay Hotel

Carlyon Bay Hotel

4 out of 5
Sea Road, St Austell, England
Carlyon Bay Hotel
Penarth Guest House

Penarth Guest House

3 out of 5
St. Austell Road, St. Blazey Gate, Par, England
Penarth Guest House
Pinetum Garden Cottages

Pinetum Garden Cottages

3.5 out of 5
Holmbush Rd, St Austell, England
Pinetum Garden Cottages
Premier Inn St. Austell

Premier Inn St. Austell

2 out of 5
St Austell Enterprise Park, Treverbyn Road, St Austell, England
Premier Inn St. Austell
Pier House

Pier House

3.5 out of 5
Harbour Front, Charlestown, St Austell, England
Pier House
Pochin House Collections

Pochin House Collections

4 out of 5
Pochin Drive, St Austell, England
Pochin House Collections
Rashleigh Arms

Rashleigh Arms

4 out of 5
Charlestown Road, Charlestown, St Austell, England
Rashleigh Arms
Sandy Toes Accommodation

Sandy Toes Accommodation

3 out of 5
23 Eastcliffe Road, Par, England
Sandy Toes Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Eden Project

The Eden Project in St Austell offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors. From thrilling adventures for the adventurous spirit to tranquil outdoor paths for plant lovers, there’s something for everyone. You can immerse yourself in unique experiences and explore the educational centre, which showcases the wonders of nature. Nearby, you can also indulge in a relaxing spa day or enjoy fishing, making it a perfect destination for all types of tourists.

Shopping

At Eden Project, you can enjoy shopping at Kingsley Village, located 14.5km away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Lemon St Market, 24.1km away, for a lively local atmosphere, or Discovery Quay, 32.2km away, perfect for family outings and shopping.

Recreation

Experience Cornwall Football Golf, just 1.6km from Eden Project, for a fun twist on traditional golf amidst a lively outdoor setting. For a more tranquil outing, Lanhydrock Golf Club, located 9.7km away, offers a picturesque course, while Cornish Health, 12.9km from Eden, provides soothing body treatments for ultimate relaxation.

Adventure

At Retallack Water Sports, located 16.1km from Eden Project, you can enjoy thrilling water activities in a vibrant outdoor setting. For hiking enthusiasts, the South West Coast Path Section 33 Trailhead, only 3.2km away, offers stunning scenery. The Camel Cycle Trail, 13.2km distant, is perfect for cycling amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

For an exciting night, visit Kidzworld, an arcade Adventure Zone just 1.6km from Eden Project, for thrilling games. Alternatively, enjoy a romantic film at Lighthouse Cinema, located 25.7km away, or seek adventure at Adrenalin Quarry, 24.1km away, for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Eden Project

When visiting the Eden Project in St Austell, immerse yourself in its stunning biomes and lush gardens. Beyond the project, explore nearby attractions such as beautiful beaches and historic castles. Enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor experiences available in the region, particularly in summer when the Eden site comes alive with events and activities. The Eden Project stands as a remarkable visitor attraction, perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

  • Lost Gardens of Heligan: Discover the enchanting Lost Gardens of Heligan, a stunning botanical garden rich in history and beauty. Explore its lush landscapes, romantic pathways, and family-friendly areas, perfect for a leisurely day out. The gardens offer a unique blend of nature and heritage, making it an unforgettable experience.
  • Bodmin Jail: Step back in time at Bodmin Jail, a historic prison steeped in culture. Explore its intriguing architecture and learn about its fascinating history through engaging exhibits. This landmark provides a glimpse into the past and the harsh realities of prison life.
  • Charlestown Harbour: Visit Charlestown Harbour, a picturesque port known for its stunning scenery and charming beach atmosphere. Enjoy the coastal views, watch the tall ships, and soak in the tranquil vibes of this beautiful harbour.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Eden Project

To save money on your visit to the Eden Project, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also secure better deals, especially on Tuesdays, the cheapest day to stay. Utilise Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and explore last-minute deals for spontaneous trips. Additionally, consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for further savings. Public transport options are available for affordable travel around the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Eden Project are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Eden Project about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Eden Project is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Eden Project is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Eden Project with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.