Cornwall, The Eden Project and a Snoozebox sleepover


I've lived in the South West for 23 years but have only visited Cornwall once.  We decided this  weekend that it was about time we visited as a family.
Always one for a bargain, I trawled the Internet and came up with a great package from the Youth Hostel Association which would mean the four of us could visit the Eden Project and stay over night in a Snoozebox (a converted shipping container ) for just £122 !  Bargain especially as the Eden Project tickets also meant we had a year's membership to return as many times as we like.


We left home at at 7.30am on Saturday ad were pulling into the Eden Project car park by 9.00am.  I was surprised how easy it was to get to from Exeter.  Its certainly an impressive site with the huge Biomes Dominating the landscape.  The weather was pretty awful but as most of the site is undercover we couldn't wait to get in and explore.  I would definitely recommend eating before you go as like many popular attractions the food is a little on the pricey side.  We paid £28 for 4 bacon sandwiches and 4 drinks for breakfast.


So much to see (apologies for the quality of the pics the rain was not great for my camera on the phone) we made our way through the beautiful gardens, stopping for a pic with the giant bee and headed for the Rain Forest Biome.  Even the 10 year old twins were impressed with this place.  So much to see culminating in the climb up the Canopy walk.  The views from the top are worth the hot and wobbly walk up !


The suspended steps up to the canopy walkway. Take a backpack to put your coats in and plenty to drink.  It gets hotter the higher you get in the Biome.


Stunning plants, waterfalls, fruit, lifestyles of those who live in rainforests and more.  Interesting and educational.


Into the Mediterranean Biome  feels much cooler and comfortable in here.  There were Male choirs in full voice during our walk around inside here.  Absolutely wonderful to listen to.


Lots of olive trees and lessons about the oil.


The Bacchanalian Sculptures depicting the Myth of the Rites of Dionysus were actually quiet scary even though I could appreciate these amazing sculptures.


There is so much to see at The Eden Project it really is fantastic value for money.  We didn't see half of what was on offer and so are already planning a trip back in the Summer.


I loved that you could see the guys preparing the food in the Eden Kitchen.   The food and menu looked absolutely wonderful.  Next time we go back we will definitely try it.  We had a lot to fit in on our weekend break so left the Eden Project with plans to return in the Summer and catch some of the great events planned.


We headed next to Fowey for a walk around this beautiful Cornish Port, we just managed to catch sight of this impressive Ship leaving the harbour.  Wonder if it was anything to do with Poldark ! I could have spent many hours browsing the beautiful independent shops in this town but the boys were getting tired and keen to go and check out our beds for the night.  The Youth Hostel Association SnoozeBox !



The Snoozeboxes are lines of shipping containers the Youth Hostel Association have very cleverly converted into snug but very modern accommodation.  They are situated on the road into the Eden Project and are perfect location for a stop off if you are travelling around the area.



OK ! So maybe I was starting to wonder if perhaps this wasn't such a great idea !  It really was a shipping container.  The boys though this was "way cool" and raced ahead to our Box number 308.


What can I say !  This is definitely the accommodation of the future !  It was very snug but immaculate.  Super clean, modern family accommodation with a full size double bed and bunk beds.  A TV mounted on the wall with loads of channels.  There was a huge mirror with plenty of space for luggage underneath and inside cleverly designed cupboards.  Lots of electric points.  More storage space under the bunk beds.  But best of all a wet room with toilet, sink and shower.  The snoozeboxes do have air conditioning which you need as there are no windows to open.  Light comes from the porthole in the door.  It was great during our stay but  would imagine when the weather is warm it would be quiet uncomfortable in there.  The air conditioning does turn up but is noisy and the toilet freaks you out the first time you flush it (very loud) .


The staff on site at the YHA are young, efficient  and very friendly.  There is also an on site small bar and cafe housed in a large white tent. I would absolutely stay here again but probably for no more than 2 nights and at the cooler times in the year.


Next morning we packed up and left, initially the plan was to visit Lands End but on reading the reviews and the comments on the cost of everything from car parking to entry, we changed our minds and decided to visit The Lizard instead.  Paying only £3.50 to park we set out to explore this beautiful Most Southerly part of the UK.


The ruins of the old lifeboat station.


Wild and windy but a beautiful location.  We even spotted several seals but couldn't pick them out on the phones.




What trip to Cornwall wouldn't be complete with out a visit to the Poldark Mine.  Sadly when we arrived the winding roads got the better of Milo and he was sick in the car park due to travel sickness. We thought it best not to go into the mine just in case he threw up again !  Took a few snaps and headed home after a lovely couple of days away.


Wonder if the gorgeous Aidan Turner ever came here ???