Owl Souvenir Shop & Entrance

The name might sound like a quirky gift shop, but this is actually the entrance point to the famous Eden Project - the giant biodomes that have become one of Cornwall's biggest draws. You'll find yourself at what feels like a cross between a theme park entrance and an airport terminal, complete with turnstiles and security checks. The owl branding harks back to the site's previous life as a china clay pit, though most visitors are too busy wrestling with parking tickets to notice.

Families will appreciate the organised chaos of arrival, with clear signposting and helpful staff directing the flow of visitors. The shop itself is proper massive, selling everything from seeds to sustainable clothing, though you might want to save your browsing for the way out when you're not carrying coats and bags for the day ahead.

Expect queues during school holidays and weekends - this place pulls in serious crowds from the holiday parks around Indian Queens and beyond. Located about 3 miles from Parkdean's White Acres and easily reached from Trewan Hall, it makes for a straightforward day trip. Allow a full day inside the domes themselves, but budget extra time for this entrance experience, especially if you're arriving by car during peak season.