Wildlife and Nature

The Eden Project

Opened in 2001, Eden is a unique regeneration project and anarchitectural and horticultural wonder of the modern world. Created onthe site of an old china clay mining pit, the project's main focus aretwo huge Biomes: the largest greenhouses in the world.

OneBiome houses an amazing array of plants from a Mediterranean climate and the other, 55 metres high,contains an incredible tropical Rainforest with hundreds of plants andtrees and over twenty different displays, from a Malaysian garden to abanana plantation. You will learn lots aboutplants and the environment. Find out wherethe coffee you drink and the chocolate you eat comes from.

Surroundingthe biomes there are fantastic gardens and plantings, and The Core,Eden's education centre, is one of the most sustainable buildings inthe world.

There are loads of exhibitions, activities and eventsat the Eden Project, including the popular Eden Sessions concerts andlots of activities for families throughout the school holidays. Thereis quality food available, with the emphasis on fresh, locally sourcedingredients, and a gift shop with books, gardening items and lots more.

See our Eden page for more information.

The Eden Project
Bodelva
Cornwall
PL24 2SG
Tel: 01726 811911
Website: www.edenproject.com
Distance: 4 miles

Porfell Wildlife Park

A lovely wildlife park, small enough to be friendly and easy to find your way around, but with lots of animals you can get up close to, and interesting talks and demonstrations. If you love and care about animals you will love Porfell.

There are also woodland walks around the Park, a tea room where food and drink is obtainable and small gift shop.

Porfell Wildlife Park
Trecangate, Nr. Lanreath,
Liskeard
Cornwall
PL14 4RE
Tel: 01503 220211
Website: www.porfell.co.uk
Distance: 11 miles

Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary

The Monkey Sanctuary in Looe is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of primates. They rescue and rehabilitate ex-pet monkeys and educate the public about the destruction of the monkey's natural habitats.

There are four different species of monkey at the sanctuary: Amazonian woolly monkeys, capuchans, macaques and patas monkeys.

There is also a play area for your own little monkeys, and a cafe and shop.

The Monkey Sanctuary
St Martins
Looe
Cornwall
PL13 1NZ
Tel: 0844 727 1271
Website: www.monkeysanctuary.org
Email: info@wildfutures.org
Distance: 15 miles (take the car ferry over from Fowey to Bodinnick)

Dairyland Farm World

Dairyland is an all weather attraction. There is an indoor adventure park, with slides and ball pools, and also a children's farm, where they can meet and pet the animals, ride mini tractors and take a pony ride. There is also an outdoor play area with an assault course.

At the gift shop you can purchase gifts and local produce, cream teas and homemade ice cream.

DairyLand Farm World
Summercourt
Nr Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 5AA
Tel: 01872 510349
Website: www.dairylandfarmworld.com
Email: info@dairylandfarmworld.co.uk
Distance: 16 miles

Blue Reef Aquarium

The Aquarium is situated on Towan Beach in the centre of Newquay. On display there are local marine species from the Cornish coast as well as hundreds of tropical species in a huge ocean display, complete with an incredible underwater tunnel. Visit the amazing Shark Lagoon and Turtle Creek. Children and adults will enjoy this magical day out.

Blue Reef Aquarium
Towan Promenade
Newquay
Cornwall
TR7 1DU
Tel: 01637 878134
Website: www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Email: newquay@bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Distance: 22 miles

Newquay Zoo

Award winning Newquay Zoo is set in beautiful sub-tropical gardens and is home to many different species of exotic animals and birds. There are fascinating talks, feeding times and animal encounter sessions. There are also all the usual: play areas, cafe and gift shop.

Newquay Zoo
Trenance Gardens
Newquay
Cornwall
TR7 2LZ
Tel: 0844 474 2244
Web: www.newquayzoo.org.uk
Email: info@newquayzoo.org.uk
Distance: 22 miles

The National Lobster Hatchery

Based in Padstow on the north coast, the hatcherys aim is to promote sustainability and conservation. Pregnant females which are caught by fisherman are bought to the centre to lay their eggs and then the baby lobsters are released back into the wild when they are big enough to survive. Education and research is also carried out here to further environmental understanding.

At the Visitor Centre you can see the baby lobsters growing and also meet a giant lobster. There are activities for all ages as well as a gift shop.

The National Lobster Hatchery
South Quay
Padstow
Cornwall
PL28 8BL
Tel: 01841 533877
Website: www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk
Email: info@nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk
Distance: 25 miles

The National Seal Sanctuary

The National Seal Sanctuary started life in the late fifties, when one man built a small pool at his home to help rehabilitate seals and oiled birds. Over time the work he did outgrew his home and so in the 70's the sanctuary moved to its present location in Gweek, on the banks of the River Helford, where it is still a busy rescue centre as well as being home to many types of seals and other animals.

There are regular talks and events throughout the season. You can book online and save money.

The National Seal Sanctuary
Gweek
Nr. Helston
Cornwall
TR12 6UG
Tel: 01326 221361
Website: www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Email: seals@sealsanctuary.co.uk
Distance: 36 miles