Should you visit The EDEN Project? - We were Shocked! - Cornwall Days Out 2024 An Honest Review 

It's a prime example of an idea of what we can build and what we can destroy over the years through commercialism. The care goes while the price rises....

We went 22 years ago when Eden had just opened. Everyone there were gardeners. if the gardeners have gone, weeds will grow.

Thank you for the update I won’t bother going

The Eden Project, from the very beginning, was intended by its' main visionary, the self publicist, Tim Smit, like Heligan, to be a green-washed tourist clip-joint. The first thing that he did after getting his claws into Heligan was to sell off the house for redevelopment as luxury accommodation ... THEN they started on the garden. They make a big thing of the gardeners who went off to war, many of them lying in Flanders fields, the poppies blowing between the crosses row on row. We are the Dead. Short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now .... we lie .... in Flanders fields. Anyone would think that Tim Smit himself had lead men over the top on the Somme or at Passchendaele. This is the man who came up with a scheme to build a string of hotels on the Narrowcliff in Pukey-Newquay cutting off the sea views of the hotels on the other side of the road and removing one of Pukey-Newquay's more desirable amenities from public access. The first priority at Eden before even the first sod was cut was to open a visitors' centre with some visionary diagrams and artist's impressions. There was one of those three-legged things that make the corners of the hexagons on display and a few bits of rock .... well, jolly good. There was a make-shift car park and they charged people to look down into the quarry, the creation of which had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with them. I could take people to more dramatic pits to look into for free. Expensive as they are, Lanhydrock, Trerice, and Castle Drogo are much better value. (My advice to visitors; If there are two of you, DO buy a joint membership to the National Trust. You will quickly pay for it in saved entry fees and parking charges to a few houses and, of course, parking in the National Trust seaside car parks is free with membership. On a visit to Trelissick in May, we had a singsong with the dear lady who plays the grand piano there from time to time.) Compare the Eden Project prices to the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Wisley in Surrey, in my view one of the most beautiful, enjoyable and IMMACULATE gardens running to hundreds of acres, that I have ever visited. I think my first visit was in 1964 with my Mum and Dad who were members. I have been back many times. If you are not a member, the charge for the opening period 10 a.m. - 6.p.m. or Sunset is £18.50 for an adult. Family (2 adults, two children) £44.40 and if you are in receipt of certain benefits (see the web site) entry for you and up to five people accompanying you (whether in receipt of benefits or not) is a pound per person. Having seen a number of videos about Eden over the years exposing poor maintenance, I wouldn't go near Eden with a barge Pole. . Until watching this video, I had no idea that they had the brass neck to be charging £42.00 a person. A whole family can get into Wisley for just £2.40 more. Eden, it ain't.

Untidy and tired: I've never related to a place more 🤣

I worked at Eden for a few years and I can honestly say that it declined in that short period. Senior management was all over the place, and the decision making particularly on budget spend was very questionable. Not sure if things have improved since I left, but it would need a big shake up in the senior management team to facilitate improvement.

Concerning as having donated hydroponic equipment to this project 20yrs ago expected better maintenance of grounds... Bindweed etc? Solar powered and £40 entrance ! Untidy grounds reflect untidy management This is not rocket surgery to fix

My wife & I visited the Eden Project in about 2005. It reminded me of a Groucho Marx quotation. "I have a great thirst for knowledge, but I hate to be educated". This is exactly how I felt. There was not an excess of weeds, but the planting outside was all in straight lines which we also found disappointing. Incidently, the Lost Gardens of Heligan just down the road was brilliant.

Having sat in a seven mile queue for about an hour we were so looking forward to visiting with my family a number of years ago . we were so shocked and so disappointed by massive commercialisation of the place, lack of ready support for those unable to walk the lengthy distance to get to the biomes from the car park all contributed to a very negative experience.I was hoping to see interesting plants but found everything covered in powdery mildew. The level of noise from bus loads of visitors was phenomenal. Of course the cost of everything was exploitative and seemed to contravene its attempts at ethical awareness. of any kind. There was little connection to the local area and we could have been anywhere .least of all a rainforest but .more like Disney without the fun!

If you're paying full price, taking into account the price for food, ice cream etc; I'd say it's an absolute rip-off.

I live in Bristol and have mobility issues. You have just saved me time and money. I’d say your review was more than fair. 👌

It was about 15 years since we visited the Eden Project. Totally wonderful experience. Very impressed with all of it. Probably wouldn’t return. Thankyou Sarah and Andrew for all your hard work that goes into your video’s. I love my armchair visits with you! 🥰🇬🇧

We went for the first time about 18 months ago and found the experience overpriced and underwhelming. With the exception of the rainforest and Mediterranean domes, it felt tired, neglected and quite tatty. The food was just okay but very overpriced. One thing that particularly irked was that many of the guided activities were not operating because it was out of season. If I visit a seaside town or village out of season, I expect some shops and restaurants to be closed. Fair enough. But you're not paying an entrance fee to go to a town or village. If, as Eden does, you are charging people an entrance fee throughout the year, you should be providing the same experience throughout the year. We have no desire to return and don't recommend it to visitors either.

I hope they inform the children that CO2 is the perfect plant food .

Eden will soon have a lot in common with the original soon, just two people walking about with one person charging them the earth to do it.

13:50 “Deforestation etc etc”……they should show how Armada Way in Plymouth used to look and how it does today! 😂

It’s really sad that things have come to this. I visited Eden about 15 years ago and enjoyed it but must admit I preferred Heligan. It think the whole weed situation is pretty common now in many public areas under the guise of being wildlife friendly but in reality it’s just about cost saving and lack of thought and care. The entrance fee is also crazy with no concessions! Certainly in no hurry to revisit now.

Beamish outdoor museum worth coming to in county durham...and it course Alnwick garden in Northumberland.enjoyed this ..very natural but full of information.💜uk

Think they ought to talk about cloud seeding and spraying the skies to change our weather especially in Cornwall.

I live within a few miles of Eden, but have never been. Expensive prices and a rather unpleasant owner who has insulted the Cornish.

I went to the Eden Project in the first year of opening. Much smaller complex then of course & would love to go back now ( we're only across the border in Devon) but charging £42 per adult with no family deals is madness & there is no way I will return based on those prices!

If your ever in Lisbon walk up to the top end of the park Edwardo which is just past the huge roundabout on Avenue Liberation . There’s a huge tropical covered garden as large as the Eden project . Instead of a glass dome the roof is slated wood and the main forest area is larger than Eden forest. It’s been there since the Forties and is amazing. It cost 5 Euro to get in. Amazing it’s not mentioned in many guide books Of

we were on holiday in Cornwall last week, looked at visiting Eden project, as it seems an is type of place, but opted to have a day trip to Scilly Isles instead. that was well worth the £35 each return, even on a wet and gusty day saw lots of wildlife, including dolphins and fot a taster if Islands. We also did the Lands end coaster full route which was a great intro to area, We were staying near Kennanck sands and your videos inspired us to visit many of the local coves so thank you. (booked again for next year!)

We go quite a few times a year to see the seasonal changes and ice skating over Christmas. We love it and the locals annual ticket.

We, as a family went in August 2022 for the first time. First of all I envy the space you had when walking between the biomes, it was rediculously busy when we went. And second it is worth heeding your warning about the amount of walking, this place is BIG. Generally, I was impressed when we visited..everything manicured and sign-posted. The attention to detail- even in the external gardens. Plenty of staff but this was the summer holidays when staffing was at its max. Its a shame to hear standards have declined and losing that attention to detail is not lost on people at expensive venues. My advice if you have never been- go for it, the view from the entrance hall is so memerable and the biomes are rewarding if you enter to not just to experience an alien habitat but is an education.

I think it looks like the rest Britain tired and worn-out and over priced when i visited last year and toured the cotswolds and South Midlands with my family i visited cirencester my home town what a dump it is just coffee shops and phone shops and charity shops the sports centre was closed so what does the kids have to do there these days we also visited Swindon it is just one big boarded up dead hole in the middle of massive housing estate im glad i left meny years ago and moved to denmark yes we have problems here but the councils do try to keep clean,.

We've been recently and also noticed that some of the outdoor areas needed work, however lot's of areas have had a lot of money spent on them and have been updated, you missed them out of your video. The outdoor children's play area is absolutely fantastic! The food is fab and I love that you can see it all being made from scratch. It's definitely worth visiting and a place I will definitely be returning to again this year.

£42? don't think so

We went many years ago, thought about it this year but glad we didn’t go. You’re right it looks tired and there seems to be a heavy leaning towards commercialism. Now we know about the discounts available we’ll think about going again - but come on Eden sort things out, even ask for volunteers - please!

I love gardens and had always wanted to visit, but my recent trip was a huge disappointment. The entrance fee is unjustifiable for the lack of planting and poor upkeep of the site; the quantity of food stalls for such a small area made it clear that money is their only motivation now. The domes contain some gorgeous plants but the paths were blocked with too many people, and it was impossible to enjoy the atmosphere. I spent 7 hours on the road that day, sad to say I will not be returning. I think your video was great, and you were honest. If the Eden Project is to rebuild itself, it better start soon or it will end in terminal decline. How about asking for 1/2 day weeding in exchange for an entrance fee?!

I have never been to The Eeden Project, but it was one of the main things that I have wanted to do. Not sure now though, but only because of the price and the lack of upkeep and loving care to the grounds. Perhaps the dreaded covid, combined with the poor economy has, as you say, caused a financial decline in income to pay staff. The price hike in entrance fee isn't the way forward now, but keep it affordable for the public, as they have their own financial difficulties as well. Keep people coming and time will improve things as the economy recovers. I really hope that time will make the economy recover, and that the Eden Project thrives to become more affordable so that I can visit with joyous pleasure. As a footnote, my son visited Eden about 24 years ago, and I'm going to forward this film to him and see what his response is. Really enjoy watching you guys, so thank you so much for your hard that's brilliantly presented, THANK YOU ❤️💛❤️🙌😎

We used to live locally and had a local pass when it was something like £10 for the whole year, so went on a regular basis and really enjoyed it. We now live a long way away but were lucky enough to go to on holiday to Cornwall in June. We thought about going to the Eden Project as we had lots of happy memories there, but were completely put off by the entry price, so didn't go. We would have been really disappointed had we done so - it's a real shame the quality has slipped and the experience isn't what it was. I hope it can find it's pioneering feet again. Thank you for the honest review. I enjoy all your videos as they are really balanced and informative.

The Eden Project was built up from a clay pit , where nothing grew and was an eye sore , an un loved and un used brown site , today its a amazing green space with the worlds biggest indoor rainforest , yes the Cafe is a bit over priced and there maybe a few weeds here and there but you have to look at the bigger picture , its about building something out of nothing , giving life and beauty . Once you have paid for your ticket you can return unlimited times for a year, that is a great deal . The domes are the best part they really are amazing , i would say take your self or the family and make up your own mind ...........Enjoy

Good morning to you both. I went to Eden in the early 2000 s I thought it was lovely but even then it needed a bit more care in the surrounding grounds. The food was not great, I think these places are all about profit and they for get what it’s really supposed to be about,which is about helping nature. I would not go back,it’s to expensive. Thanks for taking us around and showing us what it’s like now.😊

we often visit Cornwall, we were at the Eden Project this June ,from last year this year was okish very tired looking and needs a make over and agree about the weeds, they were everywhere thanx for sharing x

It's been about 10 years since we visited the Eden Project, and I'm a bit shocked and disappointed at what you reported, (Very honest and hart felt review) Well done Sarah and Andrew for another awakening for Eden Project management.. Cheers Bob

I live locally and used to go regularly with my local's pass. I stopped going when they insisted you go on line to find out whether you're allowed to visit at the time you want to. I like to get up and decide what I'm going to do. There were never any problems as far as I'm aware before you had to book. They'd operated that way since it opened.

We were disappointed it was difficult to walk to for my husband and I’m claustrophobic and it wasn’t simple to walk around if you couldn’t go the normal route ( no one to help ) . Whilst some of the planting was exceptional it was sad to see some of the areas were unkept . On are way out seeing we were struggling one member of staff took it upon himself to help us and we will be truly grateful for that . I would never go back . Cornwall has beaches which we could access more easily and on our way to them you get to walk by peoples wonderful gardens and it’s free .

A very fair review. I would be very disappointed to have the smell of the flowers overwhelmed by that of pizza. The price of the food was eye watering.

We visited over 10 years ago. My wife actually said she found it preachy. We loved the walk up the tall biodome. There was an air conditioned room you could sit in that we took advantage of.We queued for a long time to get in. Someone wanted to buy a pass for something and instead of having a separate area we had to wait for them. It took ages we were not impressed. Overall we would not go back. The food was all brackets healthy and expensive. Definitely a one off. The entry price now is too high.

My wife and I went here about 3 years ago as part of our holiday in Cornwall. The gardens were in better order then. Dont remember the flower beds being that bad. We liked the place but for the admission price. We visited both domes and found them interesting. We also went on the zip line, which was great fun. As to whether we'd revisit the place, I honestly don't think we will. Great content by you guys as usual.

I remember the ‘Eden Project’ being constructed, it looked beautiful when it was completed, now it looks lifeless and as Andrew rightly said unkept, never worth the expensive prices, it’s a sign of the times I believe where everything is going down hill unfortunately, I think the highlight of your visit Sarah was the charming exotic courting couple of birds 🦅 I loved the Mediterranean Biome but noticed the lack of gardening staff in there as well, Interesting video, but a bit of a damp squid! you have taken us to many more beautiful gardens at less than half the price, thanks 🙏 for all the effort you put in to making the most enjoyable videos, Best wishes from Bernice in Derby’s 🥰🥀🤗

Another great, informative and well presented video guys. Please keep up the fantastic work, which so many of us still really appreciate a lot.

Glad you did this. We from London were lucky to see it as it was being built and then again in a few years but I'll not be back again now.

I'd heard it was expensive, up here in Yorkshire, £20 is expensive... FORTY TWO QUID!!!

I wonder if it will one day end up an amazing ruin full of urban explorers and ghost hunters and old people will have their memories of long ago childhood visits.

A honest review on Eden - it does look tired and unkept & this surprised me as I haven’t been there for many years. Would I pay £84 for 2 of us to enter? the answer is NO. It was exciting when it was being built and for the first years but somehow the ‘shine’ has faded - from a resident and a local from Cornwall.

Highly recommend your review checks out the Workers reviews too, makes for unhappy reading. Such a shame the venue reflects how the staff feel. Xx Eden need to start at the roots completely and show the staff love and it will grow again ❤

My husband and I have visited twice now. We went in May and we were disappointed. Lots of areas needing replanting needed. The entrance fee too expensive. Don’t think we will go again.

Thank you for the video and the honest review. I haven't been there for years, I didn't realise it was so expensive now.

Regarding the weedy greens sticking out everywhere, we've had nothing but rain rain rain since December. My own garden looks like a sheep gone feral and that's me looking after it.

Great review and great to see you two again on RU-vid, objective, informative and entertaining. We went to the Eden Project in the year it first opened, it was still in development then. My last visit was about ten years ago and we got in on a locals discount as we had relocated to the South West by then. We have been at Christmas time and they had a skating rink, my wife and daughter went skating. I have always been impressed by the gardens full of colour in the summer, is the giant bee still there? I agree, the bio domes have always impressed us and are most enjoyable, especially the rainforest. In the temperate dome I remember sat in the Mediterranean cafe and it did make me think of holidays in the med. How could they improve? As you said, ask for local volunteers is one way. I feel they could run courses in biodiversity and ways to combat environmental issues. How about approaching Cornwall college to get involved or any other college or university nationally? Young students could live nearby working and studding at the same time gaining a qualification at the end. It just needs someone with drive to set it up and could be a great experience. Especially for disaffected youngsters. We have been thinking of going back to Eden for some time but will be rethinking our position on this now. Looking forward to your next video.

There is no way we would pay £42 each.

Andrew and Sarah, great video, and I agree with everything you say . What a shame , and why on earth has it been allowed to get that bad… the price is shocking , and very expensive if it’s a family. This will stop people going . And I am sure there must be many many complaints. ..love your videos … ❤ I love Cornwall and have a few friends down there who I go to see, and I must say I have noticed it’s gone down over the years. But I still love the peace …. For me I look forward to that.

More importantly .What about the fantastic domes ?That I’d the focus surely .Not worrying about dandelions .Which by the way are a vital plant for nectar in spring

We think you're spot on with your comments. It has to be said that this place is awesome when everything is looked after. The neglect to the outside is beyond comprehension. The saying goes... that you get an idea what's to come on approach, if it's poor then beware! Get the approach right. People will be glad to pay the price ,spread the word, and come back again. It's a no-brainer. Is the zip wire still there? We do love Eden, too. Jan and jeff Cross

Best thing to do is turn it into an agricultural site growing goods for locals that traditionally would be grow abroad. Therefore eliminating produce transport costs for the Cornish. Much better than drawing hords of emits down here, give a bit back to locals instead. Tourism has got too big for cornwall!

So sad to hear it looking sad and tired. We came a good few years ago and it was far better than what I have just seen in your video. Just as a side, the bird sounds in the biosphere ps was lovely to hear.

We went 19 years ago. Our kids were young, we were on a budget, £25 each for an adult wasnt happening. I didn't even check the kids price, I just figured it was priced for Londoners who get triple what us 'lesser mortals' do. There were even these hippy longhair guys in the car park directing parking, patronisingly telling us it was 'excellent value for money''. I wasn't big on bargain hunting online at the time and didnt have a smartphone, we were so disappointed by the entry price we left. Looking back though, we went to lots of other attractions, and nowhere else in Cornwall was anywhere near that expensive.

Thanks (as ever) for this. We were planning to drop in next week but the cost is now absurd, before getting to the poor state of the place. Seems post covid many (most?) attractions are milking visitors and it’s finally time to say ‘enough’. So sad!

We went 2 years ago and we were very disappointed It’s very expensive and the information and exhibits are quite patronising unless you’re on a primary school trip.

There are some businesses that don't use reviews as an opportunity to serve customers better. This is clearly one such business.

Such a shame I lived in Mount Charles St Austell for 11 years and saw the Eden Centre come together. We visited often as the children loved it. Although we only ate there once. Purely on the grounds that as a family it was just too expensive. Fine for the emmets It was an amazing experience going for the first time. It was very expensive then and caused locals to be divided. But Kew Gardens it never was. I guess like any other business trying to recover from the pandemic. Perhaps the local magistrates could pass out 30 days ‘weeding’ or 30 days in jail. Sad to see any garden (especially the front) fall into a tangled jungle. Thank you for your review

Ooh. I hope they do some weeding before we get there from Australia in September. We’ll be on a Trafalgar tour when we visit the Eden Project. Perhaps some Horticultural Students or Garden Clubs could volunteer to do some weeding and the Eden Project could reward them with entry and lunch for that day? Thanks for visiting. You are great ambassadors for your county. Cheryl and Mark

I love all your ‘Honest Reviews’, the pair of you make it such an enjoyable watch. Well done and please keep it up! Unlike the BBC we know that everything you say is honest and true! So sad to see the Eden Project in need of so much TLC!

Such a crying shame......Shame on the management (or mismanagement ) of this once magical place.

the problem with all these attractions is the cost of upkeep has outstripped its income

I remember it being well kept and a great place , Peter foeday would be sad to see the demise of his involvement in Eden , sadly passed now , I had the pleasure of working with him at Compton acres years ago , it wouldn’t surprise me if it closed in the near future , 😔

“The difference between weeds and flowers is perception”.....having said that I could save myself some dosh and look at the dandelions in my garden instead 😀

Thanks for sharing this useful update. I'm sad to see that it is now in clear decline... I travelled hundreds of miles in September 2020 to visit this place, which was my brother's dream to see, but knew he won't be able to. So I spent almost 3 days at the Eden Project trying to film as much as possible to show it to him. He was delighted to see it though my eyes (filmed a series about it) and I know I brought him much happiness and useful info (he used to write nature articles) he could use. I noticed then bits and bobs that needed addressing, but thought these will be sorted. Now, I see that it just got worse. Prices even then, were very high, especially in the cafes/restaurants. I had no access to other food/drink for 3 days as I had no car and was walking everyday to and from the shipping container accommodations, which were advertised to have shuttle bus service to the EP, but they didn't. Altogether it was a wonderful experience and I chose to block out from my memory the bits that weren't.

I still intend to visit, however I do understand the criticism. I live in East Anglia and the last few years have been tough on the leisure industry in general.

I’m a local and the last time I went I thought it was tired and quite frankly grubby. They need to do better.

I'm mortified.. the price is crazy!! Go to penzance.. walk along the sea front.. take a tennis racket and ball.. visit the subtropical plants and Morab gardens.. look at the ponds, fish and the beauty.. when you've visited there, walk 5 minutes up the road to penlee park, where there's a museum and tennis. It's free * except some museum exhibits.

Visited recently and totally agree with your comments in the video. We used Tesco Club card vouchers, didn't believe that we could return free of charge this year.

£42??? WTF. That's bloody ridiculous! My back garden simulates the Mediterranean, and I live in South Manchester !

Reminds me of a visit to Chester Zoo. The ticket lady asked us if we would like to pay an extra 10% donation to their environmental protection fund which we did. Inside we discovered a multi million pound Africa exhibit under construction. 😕

As locals we love it. You didn't cover the play parks throughout and the new water woodland playpark, and my kid just really loves the stuff in the Core building which you also don't have footage of? Its great for his age.

Thing is some weeds mean life for many insects maybe have a designated area for weeds

Thank you for sharing your visit. If the lack of fund causing the place to look as it is, I’m just wondering can it possibly be done if the army of volunteers could help with all sort of things like the maintenance, getting rid of weeds, tidying up the areas and etc. Perhaps employs a very good project manager to oversee the operation.

I was involved in the installation and maintenance of the dehumidified pressurisation system for the Biome roof pillows. In the early days it was assumed that these would only last around 25 years so I suspect that a major investment in repairing/replacing these pillows may have already started therefore cuts in other services may be having to be made to cover these additional costs.

New subscriber... can't believe I have never found your channel before. I have absolutely enjoyed the videos I have watched so far.

We visited last year and thought exactly the same and nothing has changed from your video …it’s a shame . Haven’t and will not be returning.

My daughter & family went in May this year. Thank goodness for Tesco CC vouchers! They've been before & wanted to go to Heligan this time, but weather was so bad they decided to go back to Eden! They won't be returning though for all the reasons you have mentioned & watching your video I can see why. How sad. Locally we have Lavender Fields to see with no charge at all (although you can pay for a guided walk through them). Beautiful colourful rows of purple, divine smell, lovely coffee & pretty shop with all sorts, including locally picked strawberries🍓 ....& not a weed in sight! x J x

We were there about 7 years ago and was expensive also we rode there on bikes from St Austell and there was nowhere to park and lock up our bikes....looks like it needs a bit of crop rotation to freshen things up..love your walks..as Cornwall is home and we are in Australia

i was super excited to visit this someday but this made me change my mind tbh, what a bummer

£42 pp is absolutely batshit insane.

ive always wondered if their sustainability extends to how much palm & vegetable oils are used in the kitchens, but I doubt it

We ended up cancelling our locals pass. Even at half price it just became too expensive to visit and felt more and more like a money grabbing tourist trap.

The new green gardening ethos, weeds are plants and flowers too.

Thank you for an honest review. We will return and give our feedback in just over a week's time!

Sounds too expensive to many people. If I ever visited the Uk there were only two paces I really wanted to see; The Eden Project and the Falkirk Wheel. Our Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne, Victoria, Australia which attract many compliments. It is also free admission although the food here is relatively expensive also.

Our first port of call when we went on a coach trip in 2018, from the long journey from West Wales was the Eden Project. Our ETA was prearranged with expectation of getting their transport down to the site as some of our group are disabled. That facility had been prearranged. We were met by an unpleasant jobsworth who denied us that service. I was able to help one of our group who had a severe scoliosis with loaning him one of my walking poles. When we did get down there, the ladies was bereft or toilet paper. It had already been a long day travelling so our experience of Cornwall got of off to a rocky start. Lands End, from my childhood experience had become a catch penny Disneyland and a Cornish Mining Historic Centre selling trashy jewellery, was shambolic. I can recommend West Wales with all the same westerly weather as a better place to holiday. Perhaps I am biased as I live there. I preferred the Mediterranean biome too.

The Eden Project was wonderful when i last went a few years ago now. So i find this very sad.

We went there years ago. Expensive walk and we were disappointed too. For the money it's a rip-off. Go to the Night Garden at the Lost Gardens of Helligan, half the price and much better experience.

Eden is probably like most local councils, nowadays. They can't be bothered/too expensive to keep weeds under control, so they call it "helping wildlife" by providing mini wildlife areas😄😄😄

I went for the first time, last summer. I thought the domes were good, but they should be expanded. The outside areas were awful. I will not be going back, not good enough for the ticket price.

I am holidaying in Cornwall for my first time. My wife wanted to come to the Eden Project. We did enjoy our visit, but agree about it being overpriced. We live near Glasgow so won't be able to use the annual ticket. We paid online in advance of visiting at £38 each. There should be a lower priced one day ticket. The bus to take you back up the steep hill to the car parks was not running. Elderly people were having to walk up to the car parks. I have angina and found it tough going walking back up to my car. The food and goods in the gift shop were way overpriced. I bought some ice cream in the restaurant in the visitors centre and was really disappointed in the lack of customer service from the girl who served me. The only words she spoke were for the cost. No smile, no enjoy your ice-cream, etc. It looked like she couldn't be bothered being there. The only friendly person was the lady at the entrance till, who was very pleasant. We loved the biodomes, but have been to far better gardens. We can say that we have been, but sadly won't rush back, which is a shame.

We visited The Eden project in the early days and it was new and spreading a message that was new too. So it would always destined to become mainstream. Part of its appeal was how it was created and again that wow factor has diminished over the years. If you stand back and look at what it really is then its still amazing the tropical biome was always the best area the mediterranean one less so. On our second visit a few years later they had added the "educational dome" as I call it and although some aspects where interesting I felt then that I was being preached too. The food then although expensive was very good quality and there are a lot of people to feed on a busy day so many outlets are required. Yes it looks like some areas are in need of better maintenance and that needs to be addressed. But in general the pricing seems to be in line with outer visitor attraction around the country. We have just returned from a holiday in North Wales and we were taken aback by some of the pricing of the attractions. Is this just because we are more aware of our financial expenditure these days? Eden has always been on the pricey side but what an experience and it filsl a full day so maybe not such bad value after all.

I remember visiting as it was being built…I believe the domes are constructed from ETFE a kind of plastic. The maintenance bill must be a very hefty one. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle as you need paying people to visit and keep coming back, but if people continue to be disappointed they will not come back!

I went there and the lost gardens of Heligon last year and was thoroughly disappointed. I have wanted to go to both of these places for years but now my husband and I now live in Somerset it’s easier to get there. First the gardens were so different than what we thought they would be, the garden had hardly any plants or flowers, plenty dahlias but all in a separate garden. Next was Eden I haven’t got much to say except it a rip off. We are never coming back to either.