The Eden Project
Formed in a barren landscape - a giant clay pit, some 20 years ago, a group transformed the area into a “living theatre of plants and people”, with the aim of showcasing our dependence on plants, and demonstrating technological ingenuity and the regeneration of landscapes and livelihoods. The work here is “underpinned by the understanding we need to live with the grain of nature and that everything is connected.”
What was once a huge crater is now a beautiful global garden where you can explore the natural world like never before. The massive covered Biomes house the world’s largest indoor rainforest, and the extensive outdoor gardens offer the perfect place to sit back and feel at peace. There are wild lands, natural landscapes, Mediterranean hillsides, North American prairies and so much more to discover, all in this one spot in South West England!
Trebah Gardens
Trebah, the result of almost 200 years of horticultural endeavour, is a sub-tropical paradise set along the glorious Cornish coastline. This 26 acre valley garden boasts over four miles of footpaths, through vibrant canopies of exotic blooms that lead to a secluded beach on the Helford River.
Year round, there is always something to amaze you at Trebah. In spring, the 100 year-old rhododendrons are alive with colour, and in summer, the giant gunnera are a delight to explore. Hydrangea Valley opens up in the autumn showcasing its china blue’s, and in winter the magnificent champion trees dominate the landscape.
There is plenty to discover at Trebah, including a Koi Pool, Mallard Pond, Stumpery & Cascade and a glorious Water Garden.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Lost in the brambles of time since WWI, this hidden treasure was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today, there are 200 acres of garden paradise to indulge your senses!
Hard work has gone in to making sure this garden is as magical as it was before the estate was left to decay through decades of neglect, as its workforce left for the war. Those ordinary people that tended to these gardens are remembered now and recognised in Heligan’s Thunderbox Room.
Appreciated for its beauty and mystery, this garden is the ideal place to while away the day. With Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds to discover, a jungle of bamboo tunnels and majestic tree ferns to adventure through, and the estate itself which houses a lost world of traditional and rare breeds, wildlife and ancient woodlands. If you’re feeling really adventurous – there’s even a one hundred foot high rope bridge to climb across!