How many times have you had the chance to travel a thousand miles from home whilst being rooted to the same spot? At the multi-award-winning Eden Project, each moment is an opportunity to do just that.
The dream of Sir Tim Smit KBE (who also restored the Lost Gardens of Heligan), the Eden Project began its life as a tiny sproutling in 1995, sown within the basin of a former china clay quarry. Taking root and developed over the next 5 years, its doors were opened to the public in 2000. Since then, nearly 20 million people have come to see it flourish and share all that it stands for today: a centre of world-class horticulture, an internationally-renowned architectural symbol of human endeavour and an unrivalled platform to promote sustainability.
Constantly diversifying, the Eden Project promotes an infectious passion for the living world and boasts timeless appeal. Home to enormous Biomes and a jaw-dropping array of plants, it invites all to immerse themselves in the natural world and explore the largest rainforest in captivity. From the snarled vines of the rainforests of South America to the stout grass trees of Western Australia to the aromatic floral perfumes of the Mediterranean, there are a whole host of fascinating worlds to discover amongst Eden’s verdant maze.
If you are visiting for the first time, make sure you take a trip to the canopy top with a walk across the Canopy Rope Bridge. Stretching an impressive 23 metres between two of the tallest trees in the 50-metre-high Rainforest Biome, you can look down upon patchworks of leaves peppered with bursts of colour from vibrant flowers and watch tropical rainstorms from the Weather Maker roll in. With feet firmly on the ground again, set off an adventure to find the beautiful Eve sculpture in the outdoor garden’s Myth and Folklore exhibits before losing yourself to ‘invisible worlds’.
If you are feeling really daring, you can fly through the air on Eden’s zipwire (England's longest and fastest zipwire) or embrace the rush on the attraction’s giant swing. Of course, for those looking for something a little more sedate, there are lots of options too. Head for a bite to eat at the Eden Kitchen or grab yourself an ice cream and find a good spot to sit and lap up the views. Whatever the weather, there are ample quiet nooks to sit a while as well as places to fuel up with tasty food and drink.
As well as the huge number of permanent exhibitions and attractions, the Eden Project also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From mind-blowing concerts from the likes of Coldplay and Kylie Minogue to Christmas festivities such as ice skating and winter gift fayres, there is always plenty going on for all generations to get involved in.
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Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall PL24 2SG | 01726 811911 | www.edenproject.com
