Cornwall/Eden Project - recs to see/eat?

[Meepme]

Hi,

We are thinking of heading here near Christmas for a week. Looking for recs of what to see/where to eat. It's a romantic getaway and both are foodies (I'm not a huge fish lover) and the main thing would be seeing the Eden Project. Any tips on :

Restaurants
Things to do - we love walks
Spa stuff

Money isn't a huge issue either

The Scarlet Hotel is stunning
The Hidden Hut does amazing outdoors rustic food
Watergate Bay Hotel is also lovely

hope this helps as a starter

Gear Farm for the best pasties, Greg and Lous's Redruth or Cousin Jack's, Illogan for the best fish and chips.

There are some nice restaurants and bars in Charlestown, near the Eden Project, and it's also beautiful.

I assume if you're into the Eden Project you will also enjoy the Lost Gardens of Heligan, down the road.

Fowey is also a gem (absent the summer crowds) and also has good restaurants.

(I'm poor, so my lunch of choice in Fowey is a meal deal from the Coop in Par. But I hear the restaurants are good!)

Depending on weather, walking the coast path is stunning. Fowey to Gribbin Head and beyond is good, also catching the ferry to Polruan and going to Lantic Bay. Portholland to Gorran Haven/ Mevagissey via Caerhays Castle is also a good one.

Much as I agree with you that Gear Farm pasties are the best, it's a bit of a hike from the Eden Project 😆
Unless OP wants to spend a day on the Lizard, which wouldn't be a bad thing to do!

(and if you do OP, I highly recommend Chimichangas in Lizard Village. Amazing Tex Mex food for somewhere so remote. And also CAST cafe in Helston for lunch).

Thanks all - i just googled the Eden project and feedback on here says its not that great? We just want to explore the area and eat at some nice places. My partner says Rick Stein but im not a huge fish person

Edie's Kitchen is a Michelin restaurant at Carlyon Bay and I always hear positive things about it.

Also lots of nice places to eat at Fowey and Charlestown.

I would definitely recommend The Lost Gardens of Heligan. If you can get there in the evening they do Heligan Night Garden which is always lovely.

Also close to the Eden project is Boscundle Manor for a lovely spa day and food.

Kind of depends what you like. I've always found the Rainforest Biome stunning, and like the Mediterranean Biome, too. In December it should be lit up for Christmas, and there is ice skating. I think there's loads to see on a first visit- but that is from the point of view of someone eligible for a locals pass, which is much cheaper.

I think some people expect it to be a bit like a theme park, which it isn't really.

OK im making a note here : Eden Project for Christmas lights, Scarlett spa for an evening session, Heligan. Just need some restaurants - ideally with a beautiful view?

So it a good few years since I've been to the Eden Project The first time ( years ago ) you had to queue to get in and it was very good .
The second time , a two years ago , not so good , to me it seemed that they don't bother too much about it and it all looked a bit tired .
Love going to Heligen .

Restaurants:
Zacry’s at Watergate overlooks the beach and we have yet to have a disappointing meal there, love it.

I think the Scarlet has gone downhill lately, we stopped going a couple of years ago as food was very hit and miss. The spa there is a bit different though so worth looking into.

Padstow has nice places (Rick Stein isn’t all fish but IMO there are better places) eg Paul Ainsworth’s place - or if you can get in, his pub The Mariners which is on Rock.

Not sure why people are recommending restaurants over an hour away!

The Brit is in par/st blazed gate and does nice food if you are after pub grub.

Charlestown has the Long store if you want a posh meal, rebellion is a steak house sort of thing which is also really good.

Fowey has numerous pubs and restaurants, and you have Polkerris on the way.

The kingswood burnt down unfortunately as that was a beautiful restaurant. But there a few places down in Mevagissey too.

I used to live about 5 minutes from Eden so if you need any more info on the local area just let me know :)

@SashMontgomery true, but OP said she was going to Scarlet and that’s only 15 mins from Watergate, and asked about Rick Stein which suggested Padstow…

Hi - we will have a car so can drive, and are flexible in terms of location to stay. The only prequisite is we would like to see the Eden Project! Any amazing restaurant with a great view would be ideal - or 3/4 places for fancy lunches to try

Driving in Cornwall takes AGES though. I wouldn't do Padstow AND Eden Project AND Lost Gardens AND Fowey AND Watergate Bay within a few days.

I'd narrow it down to an area (either north or south) and take it from there. The distances on the map may look short, but the roads aren't good. Granted it will be quieter than the summer, but it may also be raining/not great driving conditions.

It's not that bad driving around Cornwall at this time of year.
It'll be completely different to getting around in the summer.

Sams On The Beach at Polkerris is great for lunch- the view is stunning. You need to book a table with a view. It's not far from Eden Project.

Talland Bay Hotel has utterly fantastic views. You could be in the Med. Walk to Polperro along the coast path on a fine day, lunch in The Blue Peter and get a taxi back ( Chariots of Hire is Polperro Taxi)

Fowey and the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are all in the same area.

I was very disappointed when we went to the Eden Project, hugely overpriced, not much to see or do and the food was awful. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are lovely. The scenery all around is gorgeous, so it's a question of looking into what and where you want to go. Personally I wouldn't bother with the Eden Project.

They are, but they're some way from The Scarlet hotel, Padstow and some of the other places mentioned.

I ate at Edie’s Kitchen when I went to the Eden Project and it was probably the best meal I had that year.

Fantastic food, lovely friendly service, and I would love to go back. @Meepme , I can’t recommend it highly enough.

You’ll have a wonderful time at EP; it is a fascinating place to visit.

project and it was one of the best meals I had that year.

The Mariners on Rock.
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
The Tartan Fox, Newquay
All gorgeous food!

With Edies Kitchen, the location doesn't sound that great, is it really that good?

Liking all those like the pig, tartan fox, mariners (@wibblywobblytummytumtum )

Sardine Factory in Looe, 30mins drive, is amazing. Run by Ben Palmer- GBM.

Hi - i have marked down :

Heligen
Eden Project
The Pig
Tartan Fox
Mariners
Scarlett for a spa session

For the King Arthur castle - is this very difficult to walk to? Im clumsy!

Has anyone got an recs of where to stay location wise so i can find an air B&B - say Polzeth or Newquay - are these far from the Eden Project? If anyone is local, may i PM for advice?!