lynsey has been thanked 2 times for this contribution
"The first time I went to the Eden project I wasn't sure what to expect – there had been a lot of hype about it and wasn't sure if it would live up to my expectations.
When we arrived there we looked for car parking space, there are plenty of car parks but some of them are quite a walk to the main site itself, however there are shuttle busses you can catch.
As we paid and entered we first walked through the outdoor Biome which to me was just normal plants – but apparently some of them are quite exotic. After that we headed for the main Biomes which are the Humid Tropics and Warm temperate biome.
As soon as I walked into the Humid tropics biome I was impressed, it was just like being in a rainforest so much greenery and amazing colourful fauna. And the temperature made me feel like I was abroad. There is even a lovely water fall within the biome.
The variety of plants and species of animals living in the biome is far too many to mention but it truly was spectacular, I particularly got excited when I saw cocoa beans growing – I always knew chocolate grew on trees ;-)
We then looked round the warm temperate Biome which was more like being in a desert atmosphere with many strange cactuses and other things growing, this was also interesting but I preferred the humid tropics biome.
Some of the more interesting things growing are listed below:
West Africa
Tropical South America
Crops and Cultivation
Cola
Chewing Gum
Rubber
Timber
Cocoa and Chocolate
Palms
Rice
Coffee
Tropical Displays
Sugar
Mangoes
Banana
Tropical Fruits
Bamboo
Pineapples
Pharmaceuticals from the Land
Spices
Cashews
Tropical Dyes
Fruits of the Mediterranean
Cork
Peppers
Alliums
Citrus
Grape vines
Aubergines
Tobacco
Lesser-known grains
Cut flowers
Sunflowers
Olives
Perfume
There are also many more things growing and other exhibitions.
The outdoor biome also has a wonderful children's play area and there is also an education centre where you can learn all about the building of Eden of the future plans.
There are two restaurants between the Biomes, Morocco Red and Zzub Zzub. Morocco Red is an assisted service restaurant. They offer a wide range of food and also have a licensed bar. There is also the Apple café and the Gallery restaurant in the ticketing hall which have fantastic panoramic views across the site.
As a whole facilities are really good, dogs are not allowed except guide dogs and they have 45 free wheel chairs, they have tried to make the site accessible for disabled people but do make it aware that the site is over 35 acres.
The site has plenty of toilets and also baby care rooms.
The Eden project is also host to many events, particularly in the summer when they have Eden sessions where many concerts are held. Several years ago I went to see Moby and a massive stage was set up in the outside biome and as part of the ticket price you were permitted to look around the Eden project. So before you go check out to see if any events are taking place.
How to get there:
You'll find the Eden Project 4 miles to the east of St Austell; we are signposted from the A30, A390 and A39.
Buses: Run daily from St Austell, Newquay, Helston, Falmouth and Truro to the Eden Project. No need to book. You can buy a combined bus / Eden admission ticket on the bus.
Admission Prices:
Adult Admission (Day) £12.50
Senior Citizen (Day) £9.50
Student Admission (Day) £6.00
Children (Day) under 16 £3.00
They also have family tickets
The Eden project is a great family day out with loads to see and do and is good value for money, and I truly recommend it as an attraction that has to be seen at least once.
Advance tickets can be bought on the internet or from various tourist information offices in Cornwall."
