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

We were staying 5 minutes from The Eden Project and it was a tenner in a taxi to Edie’s (so we could have a cocktail and wine)

The lunch at the Eden Project was very good too - in that warm sunny done it was like eating outside in the Med in summer , despite it being in the U.K. late autumn

St Michaels Mount. Try and plan to go when the tide is out so you can walk across the causeway.

Eden is interesting for a one off visit if you never been before. But definitely eat before you go or plan food for after because although you can eat there, it's not exactly to die for.

I know you're already going to Heligan, but if you can try and book an evening visit. They do a gorgeous light festival thing over Christmas. It's worth a visit.

We went a couple of years ago and ate at St Petrocs which is one of Rick Steins. The food was some of the best we have eaten. We took our 2 boys (11 and 15) and they loved it too.

We've eaten at The Seafood Restaurant and St Petrocs many times before and they never disappoint.

For an AirBnB near the Eden Project, I would suggest looking at Charlestown, Fowey, or Mevagissey, or possibly a nice village like Tywardreath or Polkerris. But NOT St Austell!

By "the King Arthur castle" do you mean Tintagel? It's probably about 1- 1.5 hours away from the Eden Project. It's in a stunning location, although it's only ruins. I haven't been there since they built the new bridge, which looks amazing.

If you do go to Tintagel, you could also squeeze in St Nectan's Glen/ the Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle, or Valley of the Rocks.

@Neeenaaw for the Heligan night trip, how much time would you allow, and are there any restaurants you'd recommend near there? I'm thinking getting there for 5pm and allowing 2hrs?

A couple of hours would be enough for the night garden. You do have to book tickets so will have to plan ahead. Have a look at their website.
They do serve food, but will depend on what you want.
Other options close by would be the Polgooth Inn, which is always popular. Or lots of options of pubs or restaurants in Mevagissey.

@Meepme 2 hours would do it. They do open their barn and sell pulled pork roll, etc (think they’ve got a big smoker out there) but you might want something a bit nicer. I’ll see if I can think of anywhere not too far away.

Timewise - how much would people allocate to seeing the Eden Project?

Thanks everyone - i have a comprehensive list. We will probably stay near Padstow but travel around

A whole day, definitely. It does take a while to get into, literally- you park at the top, then have to walk quite a long way down to the bottom of the pit.

Inkie’s Smokehouse is a great place for breakfast/brunch in the area. It’s the middle of no where but good base for a walk.
The Sardine Factory in Looe.
Polperro - The Three Pilchards
All quite close to or on the way to Eden Project from Padstow.
We’ve visited in the Summer and it’s worth it. My DSis lived in Looe so explored the area lots. Not sure what it’s like in Winter though. Her and her DH were big foodies so the above are some of their local favourites.
We are travelling down in a couple of weeks for her funeral, we lost her last month, far too early, but intend to visit BIL regularly ( we promised her not to forget him) and will be carrying on our “foody” visits in her memory. She would have approved.
Also check on the National Trust site to see if any of the bigger properties are doing Christmas events.

We quite often do Eden (or near there), Padstow, St Agnes in a few days.

If you enjoy walking briskly, register for parkrun and be at the Eden Project by 8:40 on Saturday morning. You cab then participate in parkrun as a walker and get free entry (or you could register and then email in offering to volunteer).

Must admit to being disappointed with the Eden project. Very much aimed at younger children. Much preferred the Lost Gardens of Heligan

Three hours max at Eden. We’ve been four times and never spent longer, even the first time.

Any more tips for great restaurants, Tartan Fox was perfect