Eden Project

Only ten years ago there was nothing to see other than a worked out China Clay pit with no prospect of growing anything other than wild scrub. Not surprisingly the most exciting new garden on the planet has attracted some of the best gardeners – a uniquely skilled team that brings together expertise from professional backgrounds ranging from botanic gardens and public landscapes to conservation and even farming.

Eden’s Gardening Team have turned this mining landscape, offering huge challenges, into a vibrant global garden that has caught the imagination of gardeners the world over. There are over 100,000 plants that have turned a desolate scar on the landscape into the dramatic, award winning and often amusing style of that sets Eden apart.

Dubbed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', the Eden Project is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches. Experience the sights and smells of the rainforests in the world's largest greenhouse or travel to South Africa and California, as you amble amongst the citrus trees, olive groves and vines.

Over 30 acres of outdoor planting are growing here under the warm Cornish sun, so get out and explore! Find your hidden Eden and seek out the areas lots of visitors don’t get to- Wild Cornwall and The Spiral Garden, or visit the Global Gardens exhibit and pick up some tips to grow your own.

As well as the world’s largest greenhouses and the tallest rainforest canopy in captivity, you’ll always find something new to experience at Eden. From the colourful bulbs of spring to den building and survival skills in summer, Halloweden to our winter festival with its magical ice rink, you can be sure there’ll always be something new to enthral and entertain visitors young and old.

Opening Times

29 Mar - 31 Oct* 09:30 - 18:00
*27 Jul - 03 Sep (Tue, Wed, Thu) 10:00 - 20:00
01 Nov - 31 Dec 10:00 - 16:30
Closed: 24 & 25 December, 24 & 25 January 2011
Last Entry: 1 hr 30 mins before close.

Mediterranean Biome - Will close at 14:30 on the following days:
04, 11, 18, 25 September 2010

How to Get There

By Train:
St. Austell is the nearest major town with a train station. It is four miles from Eden. A bus service to the Eden Project meets many of the trains coming into St. Austell. The nearest train station to Eden is Par. It is a 45 minute walk or a short taxi ride to Eden.

By Bus:
Eden has its own bus service which is painted bright green. Buses run regularly from St. Austell, Newquay, Helston, Falmouth and Truro to the Banana car park at Eden. The walk from Banana car park is the most accessible route for entry to Eden. All return bus services leave from Banana car park.

By Car:
Eden is easy to get to from both the A30 and A38. There are signposts on both roads.

Parking

There is plenty of free parking at Eden.

There are Park-and-ride buses that will take you from the car parks to the drop off point nearest the entrance and Visitor Centre.

There are well signposted footpaths if you would like to walk to the entrance and Visitor Centre.

Facilities

Visitor Centre:
In front of the Visitor Centre there is a covered area. This area has flat level access. There are toilets and a cash point and on the right is the Visitor Centre. If you need to borrow a wheelchair or would like assistance from an Access volunteer please see a steward in the Visitor Centre.

Food and drink:
The restaurants and cafés at Eden offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options and do not knowingly include GM ingredients in any of our food. As well as enjoying the food you can also find out all about food and how it grows at Eden. We support the local economy by buying local food when we can.

Toilets:
All toilets on site are easily accessible and offer accessible facilities. They are located in Banana coach park, the Visitor Centre (on the left as you come in), The Core and in the Link Building between the Biomes (in both Zzub Zzub and between Pasty and Café Bar on the ground floor and on the Link Bridge).

Information (large print, Braille, audio tours):
Eden has developed a series of Discover packs with the Sensory Trust. These guidebooks are available to read in the Apple Café in the Visitor Centre and in Jo’s Café in the Core building. They are available in English, Easy English, Large Print, Widgit and also in French, German and Japanese.

Seating and shelter:
Eden has plenty of sheltered and indoor spaces as well as the great outdoors. There are also plenty of places to take a rest, on a seat or on some grass.

Medical assistance:
If you require medical assistance please speak to a member of the Eden Team who will call a member of the First Aid Team. We have a First Aid room in the Visitor Centre, the Link Building and the Core. We also have a paramedic onsite.