Highlights
- The Rainforest Biome, with banana, coffee, rubber and giant bamboo
- The Mediterranean Biome, with olives, vines and plants of warm, dry climates
- Outdoor gardens of tea, lavender, hops, sunflowers and Cornish plants
- Seasonal events, including Christmas evenings and winter ice skating
About Eden Project
The Eden Project sits in a reclaimed china clay pit near St Austell that had been worked for more than 160 years before it was nearly exhausted in the 1990s. Tim Smit and Jonathan Ball conceived the idea of turning the pit into a global garden, and the visitor centre opened in 2000, with the full site following in March 2001.
The site is best known for its Biomes, a cluster of domed greenhouses designed by Grimshaw Architects. Eden is as much about the relationship between people and plants as it is about horticulture, so crops, medicines and materials feature as strongly as ornamental planting.
What to see
- Rainforest Biome: the largest of the domes, warm and humid, with tropical plants such as banana, coffee, rubber and giant bamboo.
- Mediterranean Biome: warm temperate and dry climate plants, including olives and grape vines.
- Outdoor gardens: terraces of temperate plants such as tea, lavender, hops and sunflowers, along with Cornish natives.
- The Core: an indoor education building at the heart of the site.
Planning your visit
Eden is just outside St Austell, and buses link it with St Austell railway station. Parking is free, with electric vehicle charging and a park and ride shuttle to the entrance. Tickets are cheaper online, and pre-booking is advised during school holidays. The Biomes open about half an hour after the ticket desks, and last entry to them is half an hour before closing.
Opening hours change through the year, with shorter days in autumn and winter, extended evening sessions over Christmas and some closed days in January, so check the opening times page before travelling. Dogs on leads are welcome outside but cannot go into the Biomes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Eden Project?
In 2026 an adult ticket is £39.50 on the door or £35.50 if booked online, and a child ticket (5 to 15) is £15 on the door or £12.50 online. Under 5s go free.
Can I bring my dog to the Eden Project?
Yes, dogs on leads can use the outdoor paths, the Visitor Centre and the Core, but they are not allowed in the Biomes, children's play areas or other undercover areas. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere.
Is parking free at the Eden Project?
Yes, visitor parking is free, with electric vehicle charging points and a free park and ride shuttle from the car parks to the entrance.