Eden

Cornwall - lands’end...or rather the ends of the island for England (the southwestern part anyway). Looking for an adventure in a tropical jungle? Or perhaps Mediterranean experience? Who wouldn’t want to get lost in a woodland that looks like it has be kissed by fairies? Dinna fash (Don’t fret), you dinna have to travel far. You don’t even have to leave England! Where is this you ask? Why, The Lost Gardens and Eden Project in Cornwall of course.

Both the Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project were developed (or redeveloped as in the case of the lost gardens) by the same man. (See Getting Lost in the Gardens blog post).

Eden Project http://www.edenproject.com/ was constructed in the late 20th century and remains to this day a conservation project which they constantly add to, by gifts donated to the charity. If you were there in 1999 then there will most definitely be something you have missed and need to see. Whether it’s the beautiful Mediterranean biome (these remind me of the film BioDome with actor Pauly Shore), or the hot and humid Tropical Rainforest Biome that’s about 85-90°F (don’t worry there is cooling hut for those who overheat); you’ll enjoy a walk through the wild side. Keep an eye out for the frogs and other insects (dinna fash there isn’t anything harmful inside- except the jaguar)…

Spotted the jaguar yet?

A great place to learn about the Eco system and just how fragile our Earth really is. For children there is a learning centre (hosts the world’s largest nut cracker inside- totally fun to play with). Meet the Mud Lady, a giant bumble bee and other garden sculptures dotted around the park. You’ll see plenty of flowers and herb gardens and learn what common medicines are made from if you pay attention to the descriptions near the plants.

Approximately 30 acres of gardens and biomes; whilst I planned for an entire day, you should be able to cover Eden in half a day. Don’t miss out on the train ride through Eden, you can see from the very top of Eden the entire quarry turned into gardens.

Want more excitement? Try riding the zip line over a rainforest Superman style. The zip line course is open 15 minutes after Eden itself opens. The last ride is 30 minutes before Eden closes. Fee is about £15 in addition to the cost of £24 to enter Eden. However, if you choose to stay nearby and walk in to the park, you get £4 off for walking and not parking- Go Green!

Places to eat: 
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g528862-d2392559-r219530129-The_Britannia_Inn_Waves_Restaurant-Par_St_Austell_Cornwall_England.html#REVIEWS