The Eden Project caters to plenty of visitors even in winter, thanks to its all-weather biomes and fun activities. The last two weeks in February are the time to experience the Freaky Nature Festival at the Eden Project. Aimed at families with children, the event covers the half term holiday for those planning to rent a holiday cottage in Cornwall.
Things to do at the Eden Freaky Nature Festival
The Freaky Nature Festival introduces visitors to the weird and wonderful side of nature. The Eden Project is home to many amazing plants in the different zones and once you have learned about insect trapping plants etc. you will never view plants in the same way again.
Past Freaky Nature events included freaky bugs (would you like to handle a tarantula?) and delicious edible bugs in the café. Follow the Freaky Bug Trail around Eden or create your own designer bug. You can even dress up as a bug and peer at creepy crawlies under the microscope. Not all these activities may be repeated for the Freaky Nature Festival in February, but you can be sure there will be plenty of fun things to see and do.
Reasons to visit the Eden Project
The Freaky Nature Festival might be the main reason to visit the Eden Project in late February but there are plenty more things to enjoy while you're there.
When you arrive at the Visitor Centre, it's a good idea to admire the unique architecture before stepping inside. The biomes are made from huge hexagonal panels slotted together to form insulated greenhouses within the former china clay quarry setting. The outdoor gardens show signs of colour with early flowering bulbs and evergreen plants.
The Eden Project was primarily started to demonstrate the plants and fruits that are grown all over the world. It has a huge emphasis on conservation, eco-friendly and sustainable growing and is very interesting and educational for visitors of all ages.
Explore the steamy tropical zone which houses the largest indoor rainforest, complete with a waterfall and steamy jungle foliage. New in 2013, the Rainforest Aerial Walkway is a fun way to walk above the treetops and see the jungle from above.
The Mediterranean Biome focuses on the more arid areas of the world with lemon trees, olive groves, grape vines and cork trees growing in the biome. You can see over 1000 different species of succulents, aloes and plants. Even in February, when you visit for the Freaky Nature Festival, the biome is a warm 9-25°C.
Ice skating at the Eden Project Freaky Nature Festival
Located near St Austell, the Eden Project is popular with winter visitors as it has an ice skating rink. It remains open through the February half term holiday, so as well as the Freaky Nature Festival you can also enjoy a spin on the ice.
There is even a café overlooking the ice so you can watch everyone having fun as you enjoy a hot chocolate or perhaps a burger and sweet potato fries. For those with a sweet tooth, the café serves hot crepes too. I can definitely recommend the West Country apple crumble crepe with a topping of Cornish clotted cream. You can always skate off the calories later!
Beginners and children can make use of the skating penguins to help them stay upright. Skating is great fun, but the 40-minute sessions do not come cheap. Visitors have to pay admission to the Eden Project and the skating session are a further £6 each. If you want to hire a penguin skating aid, that's a further £4 and pre-booking is advised as there are a limited number. Better value for locals is the Eden Great Skate Discount Card which offers half price skating for off-peak session and includes admission for £50.
Which season do you like best at the Eden Project? It can be crowded in summer when the flowers are a real picture. Winter is fun with the all-weather biomes. Let us know which season you like the best!
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.