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The Eden Project - Outdoor Gardens

Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

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Access Guide

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Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The classrooms in the Core Building can be used as a quiet space.
  • All-terrain Tramper mobility scooter.
    The Eden Project partner with Countryside Mobility to offer an all-terrain ‘Tramper’ mobility scooter, enabling you to discover our extensive Outdoor Gardens and estate.
    The Tramper is able to take on the steeper gradients of our former clay-pit, the Tramper allows previously challenging areas to be easily explored. As there is only one Tramper available for hire, it is strongly recommended to book ahead. There is a hire charge for this service. If you would like to book a Tramper please get in touch directly with the Eden Team on [email protected] or call us on 01726 811 911.
  • The Eden Project has a number of manual wheelchairs (approximately 25) which are free of charge and available to borrow on a first come first served basis.
    Booking is not necessary for the manual chairs.
    These are available in the Apple car parks and visitor centre.
    All wheelchairs are routinely cleaned by stewarding staff before and after use.
    The Eden Project has eight powered chairs (subject to operational availability) which are available to book in advance; we recommend one month's notice to avoid disappointment.
    The weight limit for these chairs is 21 stone; you can find out more in our powered wheelchair safety guide.
    If you would like to book a self-propelled or powered wheelchair please get in touch directly with the Eden Team on [email protected] or call us on 01726 811 911.
  • There is a text reader that can be borrowed to read and interpret signs.
    You are able to pre-book an Access Guide to support your visit – please telephone 01726 818 558 or email [email protected] for information.
  • A BSL Interpreter can be arranged in advance. Please contact the venue for more information.

Related Access Guides (Visitor Centre)

Entrance (From Visitor Centre to the Outdoor Gardens, Biomes and Core Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located just beyond the ticket counter.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'TRANSFORMATION: it's in our nature'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 190cm.
    • The doors are permanently held open during warmer weather. The doors are only closed in colder weather to conserve heat. Staff can provide assistance with the doors if needed.

Getting Around (Upper Gardens)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
    • After exiting the visitor centre there is viewing platform which looks out over the gardens.
      There is a map of the site next to the viewing platform.
      To the left after exiting the visitor centre there is a long slight slope which leads down to the path around the upper gardens and the path leading down to the visitor centre.
      In the Wild Edge area of the upper gardens, there is steep slope off the main path, which is part of the Pollinators trail.
      To the right after exiting the visitor centre there are two slopes with steep gradients in places, which lead to the bridge across to the picnic area and the lift down to the Core Building.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is stone, wood and concrete.
    • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There are some side paths off the main walkways which may be unsurfaced or uneven.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Related Access Guides (Easy Access Route Upper Gardens to the Core Building, Lower Gardens, Link Building / Biomes)

  • The Easy Access Route from the Upper Gardens to the Lower Gardens is located to the right after exiting the visitor centre.
    There are two slopes which lead to a bridge which crosses to the opposite side of the Gardens.
    After the bridge there is a lift which goes down to the same level as the entrance to the second floor of the Core Building.
    The lift within the Core Building can be used to access the Lower Gardens via the Ground Floor entrance.
    For more detailed information about the route please click the link below.
  • Easy Access Route to Core Building, Lower Gardens and Link Building / Biomes. link (new tab) - click here

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Upper Gardens to Lower Gardens - Climate Zig Zag)

  • There is a ramp/slope located leading from the Upper Gardens to the Lower Gardens.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the Lower Gardens, Link Building, Rainforest Biome, Mediterranean Biome and Core Building.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a standard lift to overcome the ramp/slope.
  • There are resting areas along the slope.
    There are some narrow steps located along the slope between levels.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Upper Gardens to Lower Gardens - Wild Edge)

  • There is a ramp/slope located at the rear of the Wild Edge area of the Upper Gardens.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the Lower Gardens, Link Building, Rainforest Biome, Mediterranean Biome and Core Building.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There are resting areas along the slope.
    There are sets of steps with handrails on both sides which are located near the bottom of the slope, the steps give access to the walkway to the Link Building. The steps can be bypassed by following the slope.

Step(s) (Upper Gardens to the Lower Gardens)

  • There is a/are step(s) located to the left after you exit the visitor centre.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the Lower Gardens, Link Building, Rainforest Biome, Mediterranean Biome and Core Building.
  • There is/are 15+ step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a standard lift to overcome the step(s).

Getting Around (Lower Gardens)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
    • There are slight slopes in places along the main walkways in the Lower Gardens.
      There is a slight slope leading down from the main walkway to The Avenue.
      There is a slight slope leading to the Core Gardens.
      There is a steep slope leading up to the Arena viewing area.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles, stone and concrete.
    • There is bench seating and single seats with armrests at regular intervals.
    • There is a play/activity area located in The Avenue.
    • There is an events area located next to the Arena.
    • Some of the walkways in The Avenue area have a cobbled surface.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Outdoor Facilities (Nature's Playground)

  • The following outdoor facilities are available: a playground with play equipment.
  • The routes to the outdoor facilities are at least 150cm wide.
  • Routes to the outdoor facilities are even and well maintained.
  • Surfaces for the facilities include: grass, rubber mulch or rubber bark and wood bark.
  • There are fenced areas.
  • The entrance to the fenced area is over 100cm wide.
  • The gate is easy to open and has a good colour contrast with the fence.
  • The landscape has a variety of levels but they are not accessible.
  • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
  • The play equipment is in easy reach for seated and standing users, and users of different heights.
  • The following accessible play experiences are available: balancing, viewing and social play.
  • The following play experiences are also available: swinging, sliding, rotating, climbing, balancing, crawling and social play.
  • There is a small tea room available within the Nature's Playground area. Picnic benches are available.

Attraction Space(s) (Invisible Worlds Pavilion)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
    • The type of flooring in the attraction space is vinyl.
    • There is seating available within the attraction space.
    • There is bench seating available.
    • The attraction space does play background music/noise.
    • During busy periods the attraction space can become congested.
    • No exhibits/attractions can be audio described.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
    • As you enter the exhibition space there is film room playing video clips. The videos do not have subtitles.
      There is space for a wheelchair user next to the bench seating.
      In the exhibition area there are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
      There are information boards available.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction Space(s) (The Tunnel of Love)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a ramp/slope located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step free access throughout this attraction space.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • The type of flooring in the attraction space is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is not seating available within the attraction space.
    • The attraction space does not play background music/noise.
    • During busy periods the attraction space can become congested.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
    • There are a number of interactive activities and games. The heights of the controls varies between 50cm and 90cm.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Toilet Facilities

  • The nearest toilets to the Upper Gardens are located in the visitor centre, where there is a Changing Places facility, 3 accessible toilets, a parent and baby room and standard toilet facilities.
  • The nearest toilets to the Lower Gardens are located in the Core Building and Link Building.
  • In the Core Building there are 3 accessible toilets, 2 parent and baby rooms and standard toilets.
  • In the Link Building there are 3 accessible toilets, 2 parent and baby rooms and standard toilets.

Related Access Guides (Core Building, Link Building, Rainforest Biome and Mediterranean Biome)