Staying on the edge of the largest indoor Rainforest at YHA Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project is an Educational Charity, which opened in May 2000 with the aim to connect people with plants. It houses the largest indoor Rainforest in the Country, with two giant Biomes, exhibiting plant life from both the tropics, and the Mediterranean, a rainforest Canopy Walkway, as well as incredible well maintained gardens, sculptures and ‘the core’ which is an educational centre, housing a range of exhibits from art to science.

It is a must see for lovers of the outdoors, plant life or eco-friendly fans.

If you are planning a visit to stay for a while, have a look into staying at the YHA, which is the only on-site accommodation at the Eden Project itself.

I’ve stayed in a number of YHA hostels in my time of travelling. If you want to know some more about the YHA, read my post on staying at the YHA in Snowdonia, Wales. 

If you aren’t keen on the idea of a traditional hostel. This isn’t one. You have two options for accommodation. One being to sleep in a fully equipped bell tent (‘Glamping’), or in a shipping container, known as a Snoozebox.

I choose to stay in the Snoozebox, as had such a good experience staying in one in Brazil, earlier this year. 

Accommodation

As you enter your snoozebox, you’ll be surprised to see how spacious it is. I was staying in a 2 person snoozebox, with its own ensuite bathroom.

There was a comfortable double bed, TV, plenty of storage, a safe and power points – so it was well set up for everything you need to stay.

NB: There are no towels or toiletries provided. However, if needed you can hire these at reception.

Facilities 

Within the main reception area are plenty of spaces to eat and chill out. Here you’ll be able to get a WiFi signal, and prepare light meals for yourself, and gain advice from the friendly staff about the area.

There is a small kitchen area with a couple of fridge/freezers, a microwave and kettle. There is no hob/cooker, so you will be a little limited into what you can actually cook.

There is a cafe and licensed bar in the main reception, serving fresh coffees, and pastries as well as alcoholic drinks, light snacks, cakes and microwaveable meals.

Reception times 

Check in times to the YHA are after 4pm, but if you arrive earlier than this, like I did then you can leave your car (if driving), and head off and explore the Eden project.

The reception is staffed from 8am to 11am, then 4pm to 11pm. So if you arrive outside of these times, the area will seem like a bit of a ghost town.

If you have belongings, there are lockers at the Banana coach park, where you could leave luggage or backpacks.

Getting there and Parking 

If you are driving to the Eden Project, there are plenty of car parking spaces in the ‘Strawberry Car Park’ with a regular shuttle bus which will take you to the Eden Project.

Parking is included in the price of the Eden Project ticket.

If going via public transport; your best bet is to get a train to St Austell Train station, then pick up bus number 101 from there, which will drop you right outside the hostel.

Staying at the Eden Project 

If you want to stay at the Eden Project YHA, a bed in a Snoozebox starts from £29.99 for one person, or £39.99 for 2 people. You’ll get some discount if your are a YHA member.

Visiting the Eden Project

If you want to visit the Eden Project, an adult ticket will cost you £22.50, if bought in advance through YHA, or the Eden Project website.  You can also choose to upgrade these tickets on the day, by way of donation, to convert the ticket into an annual pass.

 

Is the Eden Project on your travel bucket list? It should be! The YHA at the Eden Project is the coolest little place to stay at whilst you are there.

The photographs in this posting were kindly taken and provided by Chris Johnson, who travelled with me on this trip.