A former clay mine in Cornwall. Where else would you build the world’s largest indoor rainforest? Since the turn of the millennium, the Eden Project’s “global garden” has been one of the UK’s most breathtaking attractions—and just one more reason to trek to the southernmost corner of the country.
Step inside these iconic biodomes and travel from humid California to tropical China and beyond. Home to thousands of plant species and around two million individual plants (as well as “England’s fastest zip wire”), the Eden Project has created a green oasis on the South West Peninsula. And once a week, you can visit for free.
What’s there to see at the Eden Project?
The Eden Project is largely focused around two main manmade biomes (each with a distinct climate) that will take you all over the world. The Rainforest Biome heads deep into the world’s rainforests, from West Africa to South America, while the Mediterranean Biome provides the scents and smells of a more tame (yet no less wonderful) ecosystem.
Plus, don’t miss the permanent Invisible Worlds exhibition that will transform your understanding of our Earth; discover over 20 plant-based exhibits, art installations and play areas in the Outdoor Gardens; and keep an eye out for one-of-a-kind live music concerts, The Eden Sessions, which have seen the likes of Amy Winehouse, Oasis, and Pendulum perform.
How much is it?
If you’re booking in advance, you can get an adult ticket for £38, while a young adult’s (17–25) is £32.50 and a child’s is £12 (under-5 go free). To save some pennies, residents of Cornwall and Devon can save up to 35%, while those on Universal Credit or Pension Credit can grab a ticket for just £10.
But, if you’re eager to get into the Eden Project for free, you must be willing to run there. Fans of parkrun (the Saturday morning 5k that’s taken over the UK) can get inside without paying a penny. The run starts by the ‘Banana’ coach park and finishes by the Eden Kitchen. You’re free to then wander around—just remember to register beforehand.
You can learn more about the Eden Project here.