Eden Project | Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to the Eden Project, a world-renowned visitor attraction nestled in the heart of Cornwall, England. This unique site, set in a reclaimed china clay pit, is home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world and a Mediterranean biome, showcasing thousands of plant species from around the globe. As an educational charity and social enterprise, the Eden Project is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.

With its iconic biomes, stunning gardens, and a variety of events and exhibitions, it offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a science lover, or simply seeking a unique day out, the Eden Project is a must-visit destination.

Location

The Eden Project is located at Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG, England, in a transformed former china clay pit. This unique setting enhances its appeal, surrounded by Cornwall’s scenic coastline and countryside. Nearby landmarks include St Austell and Charlestown Harbour. For precise navigation, use GPS or map apps like Google Maps with the postcode PL24 2SG.

Opening Hours

The Eden Project’s opening hours vary by season in 2025:

• 12 May – 23 July: Site gates open at 9:45 AM, ticket desks at 10:00 AM, last entry at 3:30 PM, closes at 5:00 PM.
• 24 Jul – 31 Aug: Site gates open at 9:15 AM, ticket desks at 9:30 AM, last entry at 4:30 PM, closes at 6:00 PM.
• 1 Sep – 28 Sep: Site gates open at 9:45 AM, ticket desks at 10:00 AM, last entry at 3:30 PM, closes at 5:00 PM.
• 29 Sep – 17 Oct: Site gates open at 9:45 AM, ticket desks at 10:00 AM, last entry at 2:30 PM, closes at 4:00 PM.
• 18 Oct – 2 Nov: Site gates open at 9:45 AM, ticket desks at 10:00 AM, last entry at 3:30 PM, closes at 5:00 PM.

Biomes open 30 minutes after ticket desks, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. The Mediterranean Biome closes at 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) on 23 May, 25 May, 7 July, 2 August, 9 August, 23 August, and 20 September. The site is closed on 25 December and some days in January and February for maintenance. Check the Opening Times for updates.

How to Get There

The Eden Project is accessible via multiple transport options:

• By Car: Ample free parking is available, with electric vehicle charging points in the car parks. Use postcode PL24 2SG, and follow signs via the A391 to avoid narrow roads. Motorhomes and campervans can park in the coach park if oversized, but overnight parking is not permitted. 
• By Public Transport: The nearest train station is St Austell, approximately 5 miles away, served by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry. From St Austell, take a bus (lines 24, 26, 28, 31, 428) or taxi to the Eden Project. Check schedules via Moovit. 
• By Bike or On Foot: Bike racks are available at Banana Coach Park. Walking and cycling routes connect from nearby areas, offering scenic paths. Lockers for luggage are near the Visitor Centre (requires a £1 coin, refundable). 
• Car-Sharing: Use Liftshare to find travel companions, reducing costs and emissions. 

A green travel incentive offers a free Eden Guide Book (£6) and Children’s Guide Book (£5 for ages 5–16) for those arriving by train, bus, bike, or foot. Present receipts at the Visitor Centre; excludes certain ticket holders. For real-time travel updates, use apps like Waze.

Best Time to Visit

The Eden Project is a year-round destination, but the experience varies by season:

• Spring (March–May): Outdoor gardens bloom vibrantly, and milder weather makes it ideal for exploring both indoor and outdoor areas with fewer crowds.
• Summer (June–August): The busiest season, with vibrant gardens and events like the Eden Sessions music festivals. Expect larger crowds, especially during school holidays.
• Autumn (September–November): Stunning autumn colors and pleasant weather offer a quieter visit compared to summer.
• Winter (December–February): Indoor biomes provide a warm escape, with fewer visitors and potential seasonal events like Christmas markets.

Weekdays, early mornings, or late afternoons are less crowded, especially outside school holidays. The Rainforest Biome can be hot, so avoid very warm days for comfort. Check What’s On for event schedules.

Tickets and Costs

Tickets vary by category, with online booking offering savings. Below are 2025 prices:

Ticket Type	Category	Price (Online)	Price (On the Door)
General Ticket	Adult	£38	£42
	Student/Young Adult (17–25)	£32.50	£36.50
	Child (5–16)	£12	£16
	Under-5	Free	Free
Locals’ Pass	Adult	from £24.80	–
	Student/Young Adult (17–25)	from £16.50	–
	Family	from £44.95	–
	Child	from £10.30	–
Membership	Adult	from £77.50	–
	Adult (60+)	from £72.50	–
	Family	from £112.50	–
Premium Experiences	Adult	from £95	–
	Student/Young Adult (17–25)	from £68.50	–
	Child (11+)	from £37	–
General Ticket + Zip Wire	Adult	from £66.24	–
	Student/Young Adult (17–25)	from £61.29	–
	Child (8–16)	from £42.84	–
Universal Credit/Pension Credit	Adult	£5	–
	Child (5–16)	£1	–

• General Tickets: Annual Passes with unlimited entry for one year, treated as donations for charitable work.
• Locals’ Pass: For Cornwall and Devon residents, offering unlimited entry for one year.
• Membership: Includes unlimited entry, guest privileges, and 10% off shops and cafés.
• Premium Experiences: Interactive tours with private guides.
• Universal Credit/Pension Credit: Discounted single-day entry for eligible visitors.
• Free Entry: Up to four under-5s per adult and carers enter free.

Pre-booking is required during school holidays at Eden Project Tickets. Members and Patrons don’t need to pre-book. Tesco Clubcard vouchers can be exchanged for single-day entry.

What to Expect

A visit to the Eden Project offers a rich exploration of global ecosystems:

• Rainforest Biome: The world’s largest indoor rainforest, featuring plants from Southeast Asia, West Africa, and South America. The Canopy Walkway provides stunning treetop views.
• Mediterranean Biome: Showcases plants from Mediterranean climates like California, South Africa, and Western Australia, with vibrant flower displays and seasonal crops.
• Outdoor Gardens: Over 20 plant-based exhibits, colorful borders, art installations, and Nature’s Playground, a family-friendly adventure play area.
• Invisible Worlds Exhibition: An interactive display exploring microscopic organisms and their role in ecosystems.
• Events and Exhibitions: Includes music festivals (Eden Sessions), art exhibits, and educational programs. Check What’s On for details.
• Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, gift shops, restrooms, and water refill stations. Dogs are allowed in Outdoor Gardens but not in Biomes.

A typical visit lasts about 4 hours, though a full day allows for a deeper experience. The mix of indoor and outdoor attractions suits all weather conditions.

Safety and Accessibility

The Eden Project prioritizes safety and accessibility:

• Safety: Clear pathways and staff assistance ensure a safe visit. Mobility scooter guidelines are provided, and visitors should be cautious in humid biomes.
• Accessibility: Multiple awards for inclusivity. Features include:
• Free manual wheelchairs (25 available) and bookable mobility scooters (£20/day).
• Accessible parking in Apple 1, Apple 2, and Banana car parks.
• Changing Places toilet and ADI toilets for visually impaired visitors.
• Braille guide books and text readers for visually impaired guests.
• Assistance dogs welcome with water provided.
• Free entry for personal assistants.
• Family-Friendly: Pushchairs available (£10–£14/day), and Nature’s Playground caters to children.

Contact Guest Services or call 01726 811911 for specific needs. See the Accessibility Guide.

History and Background

Conceived in 1996, the Eden Project transformed a disused clay pit, operational for over 160 years, into a global garden. Construction began in 1998, overcoming challenges like flooding. The visitor center opened in May 2000, with the full site launching on 17 March 2001. Notable milestones include hosting the 2005 Live 8 concert, planting Europe’s second-largest redwood forest in 2016, and using geothermal energy since 2023.

As an educational charity (The Eden Trust, 1093070), it promotes sustainability and has inspired projects like Eden Project North in Morecambe. Fun fact: The site appeared in the James Bond film Die Another Day (2002).

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit with these nearby attractions:

• The Clay Trails (5–10-minute drive): Walking and cycling trails through Cornwall’s clay mining landscape, offering scenic views and historical insights.
• Charlestown Harbour (10-minute drive): A historic 18th-century harbour with tall ships and a maritime museum.
• St Austell Brewery (10-minute drive): Tours and tastings at a leading UK brewery.
• Tregrehan Garden (10-minute drive): A Victorian garden with rare plants.
• Wheal Martyn Clay Works (10-minute drive): A heritage site exploring Cornwall’s china clay industry.

These sites offer a mix of nature, history, and culture, ideal for a full day out.

Practical Tips

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Bring a reusable cup (30p off hot drinks), water bottle, and sort waste at recycling stations. Opt for vegetarian/vegan café options.
• Sun Protection: Biomes transmit UV light; apply sun cream.
• Green Travel Incentive: Claim a free Eden Guide Book (£6) and Children’s Guide Book (£5, ages 5–16) for sustainable travel (train, bus, bike, foot).
• Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing for humid biomes. Bring a rain jacket for outdoor areas.
• Photography: Allowed for personal use; tripods and drones prohibited.
• Facilities: Rest areas, rainwater-flushed toilets, and dog-friendly Outdoor Gardens (dogs not allowed in Biomes).
• Recommendations: Book tickets and experiences online at Eden Project Tickets. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and check Events Calendar for special activities.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of the Eden Project?

Hours vary by season. For example, from 24 July to 31 August 2025, gates open at 9:15 AM, ticket desks at 9:30 AM, last entry at 4:30 PM, and closes at 6:00 PM. Check Opening Times for updates.

How much does it cost to visit the Eden Project?

General Tickets (Annual Passes) cost £38 (adult), £32.50 (student/young adult), £12 (child), free for under-5s and carers. Discounts include Locals’ Pass and Universal Credit/Pension Credit tickets (£5 adult, £1 child).

Is the Eden Project suitable for children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly with Nature’s Playground, interactive exhibits, and free entry for under-5s (up to four per adult).

Are there any discounts available for the Eden Project?

Discounts for students, young adults, Cornwall/Devon residents, and Universal Credit/Pension Credit holders. Online booking saves money.

How long does it take to visit the Eden Project?

A typical visit lasts 4 hours, but a full day allows exploration of all biomes, gardens, and events.

Is photography allowed at the Eden Project?

Yes, for personal use, but tripods and drones are not permitted.

Are there guided tours available at the Eden Project?

Free daily Biome tours and bookable Premium Experiences with expert guides are available.

What’s the best way to get to the Eden Project from St Austell?

From St Austell station, take a bus (lines 24, 26, 28, 31, 428) or taxi. Driving takes 10 minutes with free parking.

Is the Eden Project wheelchair accessible?

Yes, with free wheelchairs, mobility scooters, accessible parking, and toilets, including a Changing Places facility.

Are there dining options near the Eden Project?

On-site cafés and restaurants offer sustainable food. Nearby St Austell has additional dining options.