Exploring the Eden Project

Last weekend my sister, mum, step-dad and I spent a few days relaxing and rejuvenating in Cornwall. Having somehow managed to avoid this beautiful part of the world for so long, we decided to cram in as many of the top tourist ‘things to do’ as possible. After a long drive from Kent and a boozy first night at the rental lodge, we awoke ‘early’ on our first full day to make the most of the Eden Project.

Before arriving, we downloaded a voucher that offers 10% off the entrance fee (Google search ‘discounted Eden Project ticket’ for up to date vouchers). When we arrived we were told that buying an annual pass would save us a further 10%. While we probably won’t return to Cornwall within a year, the annual pass is great for anyone living locally as the gardens are subject to the seasons and so this gives visitors the opportunity to explore them both in bloom and snow-covered.

After collecting our tickets we headed out to a balcony to be greeted with the most spectacular view. I’d seen the Eden Project in pictures before visiting, but the first physical sighting of the architecturally stunning biomes, and the gardens spanning before them, was breath-taking (even on the mild and moderately wet day that we visited).

We started in the larger biome, which is home to the largest rainforest in captivity and aptly named the Rainforest Biome. This biome houses twisting paths that are lined on either side by lush greenery. Placards are dotted along the paths with the intention to teach visitors how many of the plants living within the biome are used by humans today, making a visit to the Eden Project not only beautiful but also insightful. One warning for any visitor is that the biome was hot and sticky as it successfully replicates the humidity of South-East Asia. I’d definitely advise taking a bottle of water and if you’re as unprepared as I was (I wore a black long-sleeved roll-neck top) consider utilising the small room pumped with cold air which is strategically placed mid-way around the biome (it literally saved my life).

Inside the Rainforest Biome

This walkway offers stunning views across the biome

A collection of cafés and restaurants separate the Rainforest Biome from the Mediterranean one. This is the ideal opportunity to grab a traditional Cornish pasty before exploring the rest of the Project.

The Mediterranean Biome offers a very different experience to the Rainforest as it contains plants from, and resembles the atmosphere in, the Mediterranean, California, South Africa and Western Australia. This means it’s far dryer and therefore suitable for the growth of cacti and vibrantly-coloured rows of sunflowers.

With the temporary closure of the Core, we finished our trip wandering around the gardens and admiring the biomes from afar once more. For me, the biomes are the most magnificent part of the Project as the round domes are inspired by soap bubbles which cling to one another and form in clusters on the water. I am in awe of this architectural beauty and advise anyone spend a few hours wandering around and within it.