My Favorite Places - The Eden Project Cornwall UK

I first heard of the Eden Project when it was under construction and made a mental note to visit it in the future. The sheer scale of the project and what it was going to entail was amazing. The designers had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve.

My first visit to the Eden Project was in 2009 during our family holiday to Cornwall. I enjoyed it so much that I made another visit the following year. I'm going to explain why this place has become one of my favorite places in the world and why I plan to revisit this summer.

On arrival at the Eden Project you will enter the range of car parks. There are lots of different car parks and each one is name after a fruit such as cherry, orange and strawberry. Once you've parked your car you have the choice of walking down to the visitor entrance or waiting for one of the regular buses that will drive you to the entrance (a free service). Just remember which car park you parked on as the buses stop near each car park.

As the name suggests, this biome is an indoor rainforest, the largest in captivity. There's an abundance of plants such as those that bring us cola, cupcakes and chewing gum, a Malaysian hut that has a vegetable patch and paddy field, an impressive waterfall, a mini soya plantation and rubber trees. The biome gets very hot so dress lightly when visiting here. I remember there being a shed where you can cool down during the walk but can't remember if its this biome or the other biome. It can take some time to explore fully so allow yourself plenty of time.

Just across from the entrance to the rainforest biome is the Mediterranean biome. As the name suggests this biome is influenced by the Mediterranean climes. Strolling around the biome you definitely feel as if you're immersed in the Mediterranean, the plants, the fragrances, the heat which is quite different from that in the other biome, and the sculptures to name just a few of what you'll encounter. I enjoyed smelling the vats of natural perfumes. This biome has influences of South Africa, and California as they have a climate similar to that of the Mediterranean. Again, allow yourself plenty to explore everything and dress lightly to avoid overheating.

The Core is an interactive educational hub where you can see a giant nutcracker and learn about how it's powered, an indoor sculpture called Seed, a cafe (serving fair trade products naturally!), a film about the construction of the Eden Project and the plant engine that shows the different things leaves do for us. However, in the evening The Core transforms into an arts venue where different acts can perform.

Walking through the glorious gardens at the Eden Project you'll find plants, flowers and trees from across the world. The gardens are an impressive 13 hectares. They make a beautiful place to eat if you have brought your own food with you. Whatever time of year you visit there's always something to see. During spring there are daffodils, crocuses, bluebells, campions and violets. Summer brings roses, dahlias, sweet peas, day lilies, lavender and wild flowers. Autumn brings harvest to Eden with displays of fruit and vegetables. During winter the garden is brightened by anemones and display lights.

There are events all year round, it is worth a visit to their website to find out what is available before your visit. When we visited there was a fantastic tent building activity; you had to construct your tent with tree branches, ropes and canvas. Many families did this together so it was a great family team building opportunity. There are often story telling sessions and music and art events.

There are some facilities and exhibits in the entrance building where you'll also find a selection of cafes and a gift shop. My youngest daughter enjoyed watching the performance in the video I've added about life without plants.

If you plan to visit the Eden Project a visit to their website is a must. It gives you a flavor of what t expect and can help you plan your visit. You can also book online and you can get a discount. The Eden Project also have their own Youtube channel.