OUR BLOOMIN’ LOVELY DAY OUT (eden project)

• our Eden tickets were provided for the purpose of review

Look – I totally put my hands up. 

I only suggested the Eden Project on our recent Cornwall jaunt because it was raining (now there’s a surprise) and I just couldn’t bear another soul-shrivelling day spent in a soft play centre. 

The last time I visited the project – eight-ish years ago – it wasn’t much to write home about. Two big bubbles in the middle of nowhere, filled with plants. Sure, it was impressive that they’d recreated a tropical setting in the middle of weather-challenged Britain, but it was hardly the most exciting thing I’d ever seen.

So we trotted along with luke-warm expectations… and I was forced to eat my metaphorical hat. It was FAB! Totally different to the last time I was there. 

Of course the two main bubbles were still there, but there’s so much more now to see and do. The Rainforest Biome was actually really cool, with its banana trees, cocoa plantation, and faithfully recreated Malaysian-style home and garden – which reminded me of St Lucia, which we’d visited two years earlier. 

If you’re looking for a thrill you can climb to the top of the notorious Rainforest lookout – where, apparently, many a brave soul has been reduced to a quivering wreck by the vertigo-inducing heights. 

The Mediterranean biome was much better than I remembered too – the gardens were a lot more established, and there was a lovely cafe area that really made you feel like you were having an alfresco lunch in Spain, rather than soggy old England.

The weather was against us on the day, but there were loads of outdoor areas and gardens where you could sit on warmer days, and eat, and relax.

The food, for me, was the biggest and most pleasant surprise – fresh fish cooked on open grills right in front of you, coupled with organic veggies and salads that have been grown on site. Freshly-baked bread, pastries and cakes from the amazing Eden Bakery – where all the food is prepared and baked right in front of you.  

I was a bit worried the girls would be bored, but they had a fantastic time, running about, looking at all the sights, and admiring the plants and flowers.

The only criticism I had was that the entrance tickets were a bit pricey on the door (adults: £23, children 5-16: £9.50 under 4s: free). 

BUT… there are ways to save money, by booking in advance online. Plus, if you agree to convert your entrance fee into a donation to the Eden Trust, your ticket becomes an annual pass. 

All-in-all a fab, fun family day out.
www.edenproject.com