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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Eden Project/Heligan area

17 replies

ThatBloodyWoman · 23/07/2014 08:13

Got to post and run, so thanks in advance for any help.

I'd be grateful for any thoughts and tips on The Eden Project and Heligan, and anywhere else in that area you'd recommend.Junior age children and dog, but the dog can be dog sat for particular trips if necessary.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 23/07/2014 14:10

Bump!

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mistlethrush · 23/07/2014 14:22

We've just been there for a week with the dog.

We had a day at Heligan. We had two days at Eden (2nd one very cloudy to start with and looking like rain but cleared up later), a day on the beach near the Gook Beach cafe a little up the coast, a day at a village fete on the edge of Dartmoor, and some fantastic visits to Lanhydrock - they have bikes you can hire and ride round their bike trails - some are more suitable with the dog than others and some better not to take the dog on - my DS (9) and dog loved it, the rides are easier than I thought they would be and somehow seem to have a lot of down hill and not too much uphill - even I as a cyclist that has not cycled for years could manage it.

hulahoopsilove · 23/07/2014 14:22

We did the Eden Project last year and we absolutely loved it our DS was age 8...our tickets are still valid so going this year.

Lots for kids to see and explore about other cultures and countries, also we did Den building outside and other activities that they had on during August.

We took a pic nic but I must admit the food looked fantastic and it wasnt expensive either - eg. we did have a cream tea which was huge scone, jam, cream and pot of tea for 5

We spent the whole day there as well from 10-6pm then on the way back stopped at Fowey for tea...now that's definately worth a visit!

Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 23/07/2014 16:11

Oh thank you so much you two Thanks

It's one thing looking at guide books, but another having an idea of what things are really worth it, and what are a bit meh!

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mistlethrush · 23/07/2014 16:15

DS is 9 and he was not at all keen on going to either Heligan or Eden as he imagined them to be all 'plants and flowers'. But he loved both days. The jungle in Heligan is lovely and there's a rope bridge over the stream now, there was a BBQ on the day we went there.

At Eden we managed to get to the top viewing platform in the morning - when it was DH's turn to go in whilst I waited with the dog they weren't letting people up there anymore as people had been fainting (it was very hot and humid up there).

Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 23/07/2014 16:20

Yes, I've heard it can be very very hot in there -I must remember our inhalers!

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negrilbaby · 27/07/2014 20:44

Looking at the websites of for Heligan and Eden there is a deal for visiting both. You pick up the voucher at one and get 25% off at the other.
Does anyone know if it matters which way round? Obviously 25% off Eden is much better value

Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 29/07/2014 14:19

Bump, as I would definitely like to know too neg !

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mistlethrush · 29/07/2014 17:17

You could do with picking up a 'gardens of cornwall' leaflet which has a place to stamp. You can definitely get a Heligan stamp first. If you go to Eden early in your visit you might want to go back again - you can get your ticket validated so that you can revisit anytime in the next year.

Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 29/07/2014 18:14

Thanks - that is a really useful bit of information mistle.

Could you revisit twice in a week under that scheme? And do you know, is it ok to get tickets on the door?

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mistlethrush · 29/07/2014 19:15

Yes, we went twice in the week - the first visit my husband validated the tickets for the remainder of the year - I think you can do this in the seating area of the cafe - its a gift aid thing I think.

Yes, we got tickets on the day, at the door - the first time, and the second time we turned up at the 'Members' (to the left of the passageway that leads to the entrance) and got stickers that allowed us to get in without repaying.

If you're taking the dog, pick up the leaflet that tells you where you can take it - I got challenged about being in one building with the dog - apologised and said 'I thought it was in the list of allowed buildings', got my sheet out and low and behold she was allowed in there (rather surprisingly). I would avoid any uncovered cake in 'the Core' because there's a canny blackbird that waits until the automatic doors are open then dashes in and tries to eat the slices of cake on the top of the counter.

Down at the link there are a variety of things to eat - there's an indoor 'italien' cafe in the med. biodome. There's plenty of choice in the main area (we had lovely plate load of salad with a hot slab of tortilla or a tartlet - its not cheap but its very good). There's a pasty stall too - and the icecream is lovely - hazelnut and caramel was my favourite of the ones I tried!

The birds in the jungle dome have chicks so watch out for them - and there's a gecko that we spotted too.

Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 29/07/2014 19:26

Thank you mistle Thanks

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Bunbaker · 30/07/2014 08:34

I can concur that the food at the Eden Project is lovely. I am an omnivore but ate the vegan salad both times we went because it was so delicious.

I must admit that at first I was a little underwhelmed when we went to Heligan, but as soon as we reached the jungle part it was wow!

Lanhydrock is worth a visit, but my favourite place was Tintagel. Boscastle is very pretty as well.

joeypoey123 · 04/08/2014 23:02

Edens great, but everything is expensive.
Heligan is pretty.
Go to mevagissey
Charlestown
Gorran Haven

*Live 5 minutes from eden

Original poster
ThatBloodyWoman · 04/08/2014 23:54

Thank you!

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hulahoopsilove · 05/08/2014 09:07

Big bury on sea beach is gorgeous and there's an old pub on the beach lit only by candles when the tide goes out you can only get back by the sand teacher, great fun

IrianofWay · 05/08/2014 12:22

Fowey is lovely. Charlestown too. Our favourite beach is called Polridmouth - bit of walk but worth it - dogs allowed too on that one. Lantic Cove is wonderful but a killer of a walk back up the cliff!

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