Eden Project or Heligan Gardens with 4 year old?

[Peccary]

We have a week's camping at Pentewan Sands (St Austell area) coming up and looking for things to do as an alternative to the beach. Daughter is almost 4 adventurous and a good walker but easily bored. Which of the above is most suitable? Is eden best left until she is older and understands the message better? Any other suggestions welcome for that age. No rain forecast so outdoor preferred. Thanks

I've heard good things about the farm animal (rare breeds) but at Heligan but have to confess I haven't yet visited either! But if she likes animals that might be worth factoring in.

Heligan

Eden centre is very expensive for what it is and I can't imagine a 4 year old getting her money's worth.

Heligan is like a National Trust garden if she enjoys that kind of thing. There are also quite a lot of National Trust places dotted around Cornwall.

We took our 3 year old and 5 year old to Eden Project last year and it was great - well worth the money.

Definitely Heligan at that age, and especially if she’s adventurous. Around every corner there’s something new to discover. My DC loved the Giant’s Adventure Trail and spotting the sculptures in the woods. They were even brave enough to take off their shoes to try out the barefoot trail. There’s a good play area where we had our picnic lunch.
Normally there are additional activities during school holidays, such as den building, storytelling and craft workshops.

Heligan

Don't go to the Eden project with young children - we did it last week, they were tired and bored. It's VERY steep both in and out and nothing to hold children's attention

Definitely Heligan

I was definitely leaning towards Heligan so thanks for the advice!

I was bored at the Eden project it also gets hot and clammy costs a fortune. I preferred Heligan . I've stayed at the campsite you are going to it is lovely.

We love Heligan! My FIL lives just outside St Austell and we go there nearly every time we visit. Only been to Eden once since they moved there and IMO it isn't worth the money.

PS Pentewan is lovely too!

Heligan, most definitely!

If you wanted a different beach visit, Harlyn Bay is incredible. Would take about 30ish minute to get to by car from Pentewan.

I haven't been to Eden for a few years now but was in Heligan yesterday and saw lots of approximately 4 year olds having fun. There are a couple (at least) of play parks, a jungle, wide open grass areas and farm animals. I much prefer it to Eden, but, as I say, I haven't been to Eden for a few years. I remember it being very expensive and queuing a lot. Heligan is surely nearer to your campsite anyway.

Another possible option is Lanhydrock - my favourite NT place anywhere. Also, is it Trelissick Gardens with the maze?

Sorry, not Trelissick, it is Glendurgen Gardens that has a maze.

Glendurgan garden is fantastic, maze, swings, lots of little bridges and streams. Then at the end of the walk through the valley there is a little beach with an ice cream shop.