Eden Project

What Eden Project does

Eden Project is an educational charity and social enterprise that operates a world-famous visitor attraction in Cornwall, UK — a transformed former clay pit housing two giant biomes (the Rainforest Biome, billed as the world's largest indoor rainforest at 50 m tall, and the Mediterranean Biome), together with the Core building's permanent Invisible Worlds exhibition, Nature's Playground, the Eden Sessions summer concert series, venue hire, and educational programmes from primary-school visits through to degree-level learning. Founded by Sir Tim Smit in 2001 and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, the organization has welcomed 25 million visitors, generated £2.2bn for the regional economy, and embedded operational sustainability (on-site geothermal heating since June 2023, solar PV, 39% Scope 1 emissions reduction since 2019/20). Structurally, it operates as The Eden Trust (Charity number 1093070) with Eden Project Limited as its primary trading arm and wholly-owned subsidiaries covering international expansion (Eden Project International Limited), community campaigns including The Big Lunch (Eden Campaigns Limited), and live music (Eden Sessions Limited).

Revenue is diversified across visitor admissions (online and on-site with dynamic pricing, locals' passes, and membership subscriptions), retail and e-commerce (shop.edenproject.com), venue hire for weddings and corporate events, corporate partnerships (tiered sponsorships with Volvo as Eden Sessions Presenting Partner, plus BAM, Canary Wharf Group, Pukka Herbs, Planet Mark), live-event ticketing, education programmes, donations, and international licensing through the New Edens initiative. The New Edens programme has, or is developing, Eden-curated or Eden-licensed destinations in Qingdao, China (with China Jinmao Holdings, £100m deal), Terra at Expo City Dubai (with Grimshaw Architects and Thinc Design), Morecambe, UK (scheduled to open 2028, partially funded by a £4.5m Omaze donation), Scotland (Dundee, in partnership with Dundee City Council and the University of Dundee), Anglesea, Australia (with Alcoa of Australia on a former coal mine), and Costa Rica (dry-tropical-forest restoration on the Nicoya Peninsula). Leadership includes CEO Andy Jasper (succeeding former CEO Gordon Seabright), David Harland as CEO of Eden Project International Limited, and Si Bellamy OBE as Chief Activation Officer, with Ian Haly also referenced in executive capacity and Tim Smit continuing as co-founder and vice chairman.

Name

Eden Project

Legal name

Eden Project Limited

Website

https://edenproject.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Eden Project is an educational charity operating a Cornwall-based visitor attraction built around the world's largest indoor rainforest and Mediterranean biomes, serving tourists, families, schools, and corporate partners while licensing the Eden model internationally as New Edens (Qingdao, Morecambe, Dubai, Scotland, Australia, Costa Rica).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Botanical Visitor Attraction

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Nature Lodges & Eco-Resorts (THAAAAAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rainforest & Jungle Lodges (THAAAHAD), Environmental Conservation & Sustainability Volunteering (EDAIAGAB)

Keywords

• Educational charity
• Botanical visitor attraction
• Indoor rainforest biome
• Environmental education programs
• Sustainable tourism destination

Headquarters

HQ city

Cornwall Bridge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Visitor Admissions: Direct ticket sales for entry to the Eden Project Cornwall attraction. Pricing varies by age (adults, children) with discounts for online booking and loca residents. The site participates in government schemes like Great British Summer Savings with VAT reductions.
2. Retail and E-commerce: On-site shops and online shop (shop.edenproject.com) selling licensed products inspired by plants in the biomes, gifts, food items, and merchandise.
3. Venue Hire and Events: Hiring out unique venues including the Rainforest Biome, Mediterranean Biome, The Gallery, and The Kitchen for weddings, corporate events, Christmas parties, and private functions.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with companies like Volvo Car UK (Official Electric Car Partner and Eden Sessions Presenting Partner), BAM, Canary Wharf Group, Pukka Herbs, and Planet Mark. Includes category exclusivity, sponsorship of programs, and co-marketing.
5. Memberships and Donations: Join/Membership program offering unlimited free entry for members and guests, exclusive discounts, and support for charitable work. Donations also solicited to support the Eden Project's mission.
6. Eden Sessions Concerts: Summer concert series featuring major international artists performing at the unique biome venues. Limited tickets and VIP packages available.
7. International Licensing: Revenue from licensing the Eden Project concept internationally through the New Edens initiative. The China project (£100m deal with Jinmao Holdings) represents a major international expansion.
8. Education Programs: Learning programs for schools, universities, and colleges. Includes school trips, degree programs, RHS certificates, and creative leadership programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Eden Project is an educational charity operating a world-famous visitor attraction in a transformed former clay pit in Cornwall, UK, featuring the world's largest indoor rainforest (Rainforest Biome) and a Mediterranean Biome. The organisation runs educational programmes for schools and universities, hosts live music concerts (Eden Sessions), hires venues for weddings and corporate events, and licenses the Eden Project concept internationally through its New Edens initiative (China, Australia, Scotland, Costa Rica, Dubai).

Product overview

Eden Project is an educational charity and social enterprise operating a world-famous visitor attraction in Cornwall, UK—a transformed former clay pit housing the world's largest indoor rainforest (Rainforest Biome) and a Mediterranean Biome. The core offering combines giant conservatory biomes with educational exhibitions (Invisible Worlds), nature-based play (Nature's Playground), live music events (Eden Sessions), food festivals (World Pasty Championships), and venue hire. The organisation is expanding internationally through multiple New Edens projects including Morecambe (UK, opening 2028), Qingdao (China, open), Scotland (UK, in development), Anglesea (Australia, concept stage), and Costa Rica (environmental restoration). Educational programmes span schools, universities, and degree-level learning.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Big Lunch: Community initiative encouraging neighbours to come together for lunch, part of Eden Project Communities
• Eden Sessions
• Nature Connections
• Eden Project Communities

Products and services

• Rainforest Biome The world's largest indoor rainforest, standing 50 metres tall, housing over 1,000 plant varieties with attractions including the Wobbly Bridge canopy walkway, waterfall, Malaysian House, and spice market, maintained at 18-35°C.
• Mediterranean Biome Indoor Mediterranean climate garden featuring plants from the Mediterranean, California, South Africa and Western Australia, including over 1,000 varieties such as olive trees, citrus groves, and a Perfume Garden, maintained at 9-25°C.
• Nature's Playground A nearly 500m² natural adventure play area in the Outdoor Gardens featuring a nine-metre-tall Tree of Life climbing tower, interactive babbling brook, giant water course, accessible swing, and woodland adventure areas, designed for children aged 2-16.
• Invisible Worlds Exhibition Major permanent exhibition in the Core building revealing the world beyond human senses through installations including Infinity Blue breathing sculpture, Seed sculpture, Small Invisible, Invisible You, Past Invisible, and Soil exhibit.
• Eden Sessions Live music summer concert series at the Eden Project Cornwall site featuring global artists, with VIP packages and viewing platforms.
• World Pasty Championships Annual food championship event celebrating pasty-making with categories for amateur and professional bakers, junior competitors, and company entries.
• Venue Hire Wedding and event venue hire offering unique settings including the Mediterranean Biome, Rainforest Biome, The Gallery, and The Kitchen for ceremonies, parties, corporate events, and Christmas celebrations.
• Education Programmes Learning opportunities spanning schools, university trips, degree programmes, RHS certificate, creative leadership, and Eden at Home educational resources.
• Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion Eden-curated content for Dubai Expo 2020's green centrepiece, now a permanent attraction in Expo City Dubai featuring sustainable innovations and immersive experiences.
• Eden Project Qingdao, China £100m international Eden attraction developed with China Jinmao Holdings, officially open as an iconic sustainable tourism and education attraction.
• Eden Project Costa Rica Restoration project for a biological corridor of dry tropical forest on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, supporting local communities through agroforestry, education, and science programmes.
• Eden Project Scotland Transformative project for Dundee city regenerating former gasworks on East Dock Street into a beacon for regeneration and green tourism.
• Eden Project Anglesea, Australia Concept for world-class eco-tourism attraction on former coal mine site in Victoria, Australia, projected to create 1,300+ jobs and generate AU$350m for regional economy.
• Eden Project Morecambe, UK New Eden destination scheduled to open in 2028, described as a 'theatre of science' that will transform Morecambe Bay, with an Omaze £4.5m partnership securing a centrepiece.
• Premium Experiences Guided tours including Immersive Mediterranean Experience and Immersive Rainforest Experience with expert guides and tasting activities, available at additional cost.
• Adventure Activities England's longest and fastest zip wire, aerial assault course, and giant swing at Eden Project Cornwall, operated by Hangloose Adventure.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25 million visitors experienced the attraction in 25 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• BAM (Royal BAM Group)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Pioneering partnership to transform construction into a catalyst for ecological regeneration. Three key initiatives: Educate (programs for nature awareness), Act (deliver nature-positive projects), Influence (lead industry change). BAM is one of Europe's largest construction companies.
• Volvo Car UKflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Official Electric Car Partner of the Eden Project and Presenting Partner of the Eden Sessions live music summer series. Partnership focused on sustainability strategy and achieving climate positive goals. Volvo provides electric vehicle fleet (XC40 Recharge pure electric vehicles) and supports visitor charging infrastructure.
• Canary Wharf GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Unique partnership tackling biodiversity challenges in urban locations. Eden Dock initiative reimagines waterfront space with aquatic islands, open spaces, lush gardens, and art installations to connect people with nature in urban environment.
• China Jinmao HoldingsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 March 2016£100m deal signed in Beijing during UK-China economic dialogue for Oriental Eden Qingdao. First major international expansion for the UK charity. Jinmao Holdings owns and operates the attraction, replicating Cornwall's successful model.
• Pukka HerbscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partnership since 2015 developing exhibits and activities showcasing plants used in Pukka herbal teas. All Pukka teas are fair trade and certified organic, sourced from over 35 countries. Joint commitment to connecting people, plants, and planet.
• Planet MarkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Internationally recognized sustainability certification partner since 2012. Supports Eden's Race to Zero commitment and net zero journey. Provides carbon footprint measurement, certification, and guidance for organizations.
• Grimshaw ArchitectscoreTechnology or IntegrationArchitectural firm that designed the original Eden Project in Cornwall. Appointed as architects for the China project, bringing deep expertise in the biome designs and sustainable architecture.
• Thinc DesigncoreTechnology or IntegrationDesign collective that created Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai. Worked with Eden Project on landscape design and visitor experience for the green centrepiece of the Dubai Expo.
• Alcoa of AustraliaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to transform former Alcoa coal mine site (closed 2015) into Eden Project Anglesea. Alcoa providing land and supporting rehabilitation while Eden brings expertise in ecological regeneration and visitor attractions. Projected to create 1,300+ jobs.
• Dundee City CouncilflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Eden Project Scotland development transforming former gasworks on East Dock Street. Partnership includes extensive community consultation and planning process for the Scottish city's landmark development.
• National Grid and SGNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnergy companies owning the former gasworks site in Dundee. Memorandum of understanding signed to explore converting the post-industrial site into Eden's Scottish home.
• University of DundeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for Eden Project Scotland, bringing research expertise and student engagement to the Dundee development.
• Costa Rica TourismcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership promoting sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation. Created Eco Lodge exhibit in Rainforest Biome at Cornwall. Supporting continued transformational environmental work in Costa Rica.
• Land Stewardship CocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner for Eden Project Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. Working on restoration of 65,000 hectare protected area of dry tropical forest.
• Good EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK renewable energy supplier providing 100% certified renewable electricity to Eden Project Cornwall, prioritizing local generation sources.
• Hangloose AdventureminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdventure activities provider operating zip wire, aerial assault course, and giant swing at Eden Project. Separate booking required for adventure activities.
• TouchwoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBespoke playground design company that designed and built Nature's Playground using regenerative and sustainable methods with UK-sourced materials.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Gardens by the Bay: Singapore's Gardens by the Bay operates massive climate-controlled biomes (Cloud Forest, Flower Dome) housing distinct plant collections — the closest functional analogue to Eden's Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes. Both are destination-scale eco-attractions combining horticulture, education, and events under iconic conservatory architecture.
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Kew is a UK-based botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site combining plant science, education, and visitor attractions. Like Eden, it operates as a charitable institution, draws 1m+ visitors, runs education programmes, and monetizes a globally recognized horticultural brand.
• Biosphere 2: Originally a closed-ecology research facility in Arizona, now a University of Arizona research and visitor attraction. Comparable to Eden as a closed-system biome showcasing distinct climate zones, with strong educational and research positioning.
• The Eden Project (referring to itself) - placeholder; see Chester Zoo and Longleat instead: Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest visitor attractions combining animal collections, education, and conservation with significant charitable status. Like Eden, it draws millions of visitors annually, runs education programmes, and pursues an international conservation mission.
• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): RHS operates UK gardens (Wisley, Harlow Carr, etc.), runs the Chelsea Flower Show, and offers horticulture education and certification. Directly comparable to Eden on education, garden shows, and plant-focused certification programmes; RHS Chelsea is also where Eden previewed the Morecambe site.
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Heligan is one of the UK's largest garden restoration projects in Cornwall, combining horticulture, education, and visitor experiences. Comparable to Eden as a Cornwall-based eco-attraction drawing tourism into the regional economy with educational programming.
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Phipps is a Pittsburgh-based glasshouse botanical attraction with sustainability leadership, educational programmes, and event hire. Comparable to Eden on the combination of indoor biome, sustainability mission, education, and venue-rentals monetization.
• Butchart Gardens: Butchart Gardens is a Canadian world-renowned horticultural destination combining themed gardens, events, dining, and retail. Comparable to Eden as a destination-scale botanical attraction monetizing admissions, seasonal events, and venue hire with global tourist appeal.

Broad incumbents

• Longleat: Longleat is a major UK visitor attraction combining a historic estate, safari park, and events venue. Comparable as a high-footfall UK leisure destination monetizing venue hire, events, and seasonal programming with a broad rather than eco-specialized proposition.
• Center Parcs UK: Center Parcs operates UK forest-based short-break resort villages with nature-immersive accommodation, activities, and dining. Comparable to Eden as a UK nature-themed destination monetizing repeat visitation, memberships, and corporate events in woodland settings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/edenproject
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/edenprojecttv
• Facebookfacebook.com/theedenproject
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eden-project
• Instagraminstagram.com/edenprojectcornwall
• TikToktiktok.com/@edenprojectcornwall

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Eden Project