The Eden Project – One of Britain’s most talked about attractions

Ever since the enormous greenhouses first made their appearance in the Cornish countryside, the Eden Project has become one of the most talked about, and most visited, attractions in the whole of the UK. This charitable and social enterprise, with its roots set in all things environmental, is an oasis of luscious vegetation, exotic flowers and is, for a day at least, an escape from every day life as we know it.

During the early 1990s, a restoration was taking place on the lost gardens of Heligan, and Tim Smit, who was working on the project, became fascinated with the link that existed between human and plant life. He then enlisted the help of Peter Thoday, the former president of the Institute of Horticulture and Philip McMillan Browse, the horticultural director for the lost gardens of Heligan, and put together a team of horticultural experts.

From this germ of an idea came the Eden Project, with their iconic and instantly recognisable Biomes. There is also a state of the art subterranean drainage system that catches every drop of rainwater that is then used for everything from irrigating the plants to flushing the loos. The rainwater that falls actually on the Biomes is used to maintain the humidity necessary for the contents of the Rainforest Biome to flourish and grow.

What many don’t realise until they go there is just how much there is to see and do at the Eden Project apart from exploring the biomes. It is essentially an educational establishment and schools make regular trips hear to learn more about self sustainability and green issues.

The cutting edge design and architecture is a pleasure to behold, as are the acres of gardens providing stunning displays all year round. There is also world class art and sculpture to be found here, daytime concerts, evening gigs and an ice rink in the winter are all features that appeal to tourists, as are the cafes and restaurants serving fare that comes from local produce with a Fairtrade accreditation.

Situated just outside St Austell in Cornwall, it is well signposted if you come by car, and other popular modes of transport are coach and train. The open times vary throughout out the year according to season, and if you are planning a trip to the Eden Project check out the comprehensive list of opening times on their website. There are also great offers on tickets to be had at certain times of the year, and these details are also on the website.

Article Courtesy of www.uk-cornwallexplore.co.uk