FAQs

The Eden Project, just outside St Austell, is well signposted from both the A30 from Exeter and the A391/390 from Plymouth. If you’re coming from outside Cornwall, take the M5 southbound to Exeter, where the motorway splits. Take the A30 and continue until you reach the Innis Downs junction (A391) from which Eden is well signposted. Get more help with directions here.

The nearest rail station is St Austell – please visit the GWR website for details of travel.

There will be a First Bus service running before and after each Eden Session between St Austell Bus/Rail Station and the Eden Project. This service will also stop at Premier Inn, Britannia pub and Doubletrees campsite.

See full bus times and prices here.

If you arrive by bike, please lock it to one of our cycle racks in Banana Coach Park. We do not provide cycle locks, so please ensure you bring your own.

If you fancy some company, want to save money on fuel or reduce your carbon footprint, you might find someone to share your journey through the national lift share network.

Eden has two entrances known as the ‘North’ and ‘East’ gates. Whichever entrance you enter through you just need to follow the road and a car parking steward will direct you to a space. If you have a disabled Blue Badge, please ensure that this is clearly displayed to allow you to park closer to the entrance.

Eden has a very large car parking area. Please respect Eden’s neighbours by not parking in the roads and villages around Eden. Each Eden car park is clearly named after a fruit to help you remember where you parked. Some of the car parks are a long walk from the visitor entrance – this is often not so much of a problem on the way down but can be difficult on the way back up to the car park. If you would prefer not to walk down the sloped pedestrian paths, you can catch a park-and-ride bus from near where your car is parked to the visitor entrance. On Sessions nights, these buses operate only from the top car parks: Cherry, Melon and Mango.

The park-and-ride buses are fully accessible and all pick-up and drop-off points have raised kerbs to accommodate access. Please note that the park-and-ride bus only operates within the Eden Project and does not go off site. There is no charge for car parking or using the park-and-ride bus.

Cars may be left on site overnight providing they are collected the next day. There is strictly no overnight camping or sleeping in cars allowed, except if you've booked to camp at the on-site YHA campsite.

As we use fields as overflow parking, in the unlikely event that we experience periods of sustained wet weather, we may use parking options external to the Eden Project and run an additional park-and-ride service between Eden and the external location. Please follow directional signs for external parking should this be in place. Cars parked in external locations cannot be left overnight and are parked at the owner's risk.

See information on accessible car parking under the ‘Access for people with a disability’ section below.

Arriving

We run a free on-site park-and-ride bus service between our car parks and visitor entrance.

Drop-off points

• If you are being dropped off by car, the only drop-off point is in the Banana Car Park where you will also find toilet facilities and lockers.
• If you are being dropped off by taxi then the only drop-off point is in the Banana Coach Park, here you will also find toilet facilities and lockers.

Security check

The safety of our visitors and staff is our priority. All visitors will be required to go through a security point. Eden reserves the right to search anyone entering Eden premises, and all bags will be searched on entry. Please allow sufficient time to pass through the security points. Please also consider whether you need to bring a bag with you.

The right of admission is reserved by Eden and refunds will not be given to anyone refused entry because they appear to be under the influence of drink or drugs. Offensive weapons, illegal substances, laser pens, chairs (including folding chairs, stick chairs or inflatable chairs), umbrellas, alcohol, cans and glass may not be brought into Eden. Professional cameras (i.e. any SLR-type camera) and video/audio equipment are strictly prohibited.

Facilities and access

As you enter the area known as the Street, you will see a long, covered walkway. On the left are toilets and a cash machine and on the right is the Visitor Centre. This all has flat, level access.

A hearing loop is available at till 13 in the ticketing desks inside the Visitor Centre at arrival. It is marked with a blue hearing loop sticker. There will be balloons for visitors to feel the concerts, which will be available from the staff on the Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities (see details of this platform in the Accessibility section on this page).

Leaving a Session

At the end of the concert there will be 6,000 people leaving the site, so we ask you to take your time and be patient. Our Orchard Bar will stay open for 15 minutes after each Session, so why not avoid crowds and enjoy a drink? The route out of the site is the same as the route in and consists of a series of uphill slopes back to the Visitor Centre, then on to the car parks either using the park-and-ride buses or following the paths. Although there is a lot of lighting, it can be helpful to bring a torch. The car parks can become very busy when everyone is leaving a Session, so we ask for your patience at these times.

To get everybody off site as quickly as possible and avoid long queues you may be directed out of a different gate than the one you entered by, so it’s a good idea to check before you arrive how to get home from either gate.

Cars and taxis

• If you are being picked up by car then the only pick-up point is in the Banana Car Park.
• If you are being picked up by taxi, then the only pick-up point is in the Banana Coach Park. Please ensure that you pre-book a taxi if required, as it will be incredibly difficult to find a local one at the end of the night.

You will need an Eden user account to purchase Eden Sessions tickets. If you do not have an existing user account, we recommend you sign up for an account before tickets go on general sale. If you have an existing user account, you can update your contact details, change a password, view your booking history and manage your communication preferences in your account profile.

• Sign-up or manage an existing account.
• Forgotten your password? Request a password reminder here.

Each person will need a ticket to attend our concerts. As our tickets tend to sell out very quickly it is unlikely we can sell tickets on the door; please check availability on the Buy Tickets page instead, where any remaining tickets are available to buy online. We are unable to refund or exchange tickets.

• See the terms and conditions here

The only authorised way to purchase Eden Sessions tickets is directly through our own booking system, linked to via our website: www.edensessions.com

We therefore do not recommend buying tickets from unauthorised ticket agents or third party websites. Unauthorised ticket agents often charge increased ticket prices and add on substantial booking fees. Please note that tickets booked through unofficial agents or through private individuals may turn out to be fake, stolen or otherwise invalid, in which case you will not be able to gain entry to the event.

If you have bought tickets through an unauthorised third party, you will have to contact them directly in relation to any issues with your tickets.

If you have received your tickets by email but are unable to print them, please bring your booking reference (a combination of letters and numbers) to the ticketing desks, where our staff will ask you some security questions.

Printing and delivering physical tickets has a greater environmental impact than electronic delivery so we are no longer offering printed tickets by post. The print-at-home option is still available via your booking confirmation email.  A digital ticket reference will be emailed to you a couple of days before the show.

Please check the child age guidelines at the time of booking before you purchase tickets as some performances may be unsuitable.

We will not know the exact running order and timings until a few days before the show, so we advise that you check this website before your visit. Last entry is 9.30pm and latecomers may be refused entry.

If you hold Sessions Plus Mediterranean Biome Dinner, Sessions Plus Experience: Viewing Platform, Sessions Plus Experience: Arena or Sessions Plus Ultimate tickets, you will receive an email around three weeks prior to the concert with everything you need to know about your package, including a form to advise us of any dietary or access requirements.

Most Sessions Plus tickets require you to arrive at Eden at 4pm.

Sessions Plus Ultimate and Sessions Plus Experience: Viewing Platform Packages include access to the Sessions Plus Viewing Platform: an exclusive raised outdoor area with very limited capacity (standing only), offering a dedicated private bar and separate toilet facilities. Please note that the Viewing Platform is outdoors with no covered space.

Sessions Plus Garden Bar ticket packages include access to the Sessions Garden Bar – an exclusive outdoor area with a private bar close to the stage, allowing you to leave and return to the main Arena as you wish. Garden Bar ticketholders will enjoy complimentary drinks within the ticket package purchase. This will include cider, beer, wines and spirits. These drinks are strictly for the ticketholder and a maximum of two drinks will be served per ticketholder, per visit to the bar. Staff reserve the right to stop serving ticketholders if it is believed an abuse of these terms and conditions is taking place. Shots, straight spirits and cocktails are strictly not included in this ticket type. Complimentary drinks are available from the Garden Bar only. Ticketholders will not be served at any other of the bars on a complimentary basis.

When you show your ticket on arrival you will be given a coloured wristband that you must wear on the day of the concert. If you plan to return to Eden the day after, you will need to show your wristband on arrival.

To help us provide you with the best possible service we ask you to advise us of any access requirements you may have when booking your tickets for the Eden Sessions. Please contact our Box Office on 01726 811972 to buy a ticket for a carer, or to arrange wheelchair access.

Accessible car parking

Accessible parking spaces are available in car parks Apple 1 and 2 and Banana to those visiting by car with a clearly displayed disabled Blue Badge. You will be directed to park in the larger accessible bays in the car parks nearest the entrance. Alternatively, there is a drop-off area in the Apple 1 car park – for directions just ask any of our car park stewards. If you are not a Blue Badge holder but would benefit from accessible parking, please ask a car park steward on arrival, who will offer parking spaces in the closest parking available.

Our accessible car parking spaces do fill up on Sessions evenings. Please arrive early to allow for the best chance of being parking closest to the entrance.

Please note the park-and-ride buses do not run from these car parks. To get to the visitor entrance from Apple 1 accessible parking drop-off point you will need to take the path down, which is 75 metres at mainly 1:18 with a short section at 1:10. The Apple car parks will be manned by our access volunteers from 2pm until 7.30pm. Assistance required from this location can be booked in advance on 01726 818558 or by emailing accessbookingsteam@edenproject.com.

Accessing and leaving the Arena

Accessible route to the Arena – Once through the ticketing area in the Visitor Centre you have several options for getting down to the Arena. There is a route down the zigzag path, which is a continuous 1:18 gradient path with landings at each end. You can also go over the bridge on your right as you exit the Visitor Centre, and down in the lift, which will bring you out by the Core building. You can then go down a short slope around the cafe terrace to the main path; this is 30 metres at 1:15 gradient. You can also go through the Core building using another lift to get to ground level, and exit the building on to the main path. It is then a flat, level route to the Arena area.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to operate the Land Train.

• Download the access route map (PDF)

Assistance to leave the Arena – We offer an assisted route for leaving the Arena, primarily for visitors using the Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities. Please let the Box Office staff know when you book your tickets if you would like assistance in leaving the Arena. If your circumstances change after you have booked your tickets and you find yourself in need of assistance, this can be arranged on the night with our Access Volunteers in the Visitor Centre.

Assistance dogs

While these are not allowed in the main Arena, they are permitted in the Relaxed Viewing Area (see below).

Balloons

Balloons are available for visitors to feel the concerts; please ask staff on the Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities.

Bring a Personal Assistant for free

Eden offers complimentary spaces for personal assistants accompanying guests with a disability. When buying your tickets online, you’ll be able to select an Accessible Viewing Platform ticket (subject to availability). Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll be emailed and asked to complete an accessibility form, which will include the option to request a free space for a Personal Assistant, if required. We do not issue separate tickets for Personal Assistants; instead, we instead ask for their name on the accessibility form and then associate this name with your Accessible Viewing Platform ticket.

Space is limited on the Accessible Viewing Platform and personal assistants are limited to one per booked space (we provide a chair) to maximise the opportunity for places for people who need them.

If Accessible Viewing Platform tickets aren’t available to book, customers with a disability should secure Standard Arena Tickets for their whole party, then contact our Box Office on 01726 811972 to be put on their waiting list for a wheelchair space, either on the Platform, should more spaces become available, or in the Arena.

Eden recognises the support provided by young carers. Our policy, however, is that young people under 16 years old must be supervised on our premises at Sessions and we must be confident that personal assistants can assist effectively in the event of an emergency.

Your personal assistant, by accepting this ticket, must be aged over 18 (or as agreed by the Access Team) and accepts responsibility for providing the additional support you require to access our venues and services, including in an emergency or evacuation situation, and must be capable and available to provide this support throughout your visit.

Toilets

All toilets on site are easily accessible and each location includes a dedicated accessible cubicle. We have an accessible portaloo on the Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities, which is lit. We also have accessible loos next to the other portaloos close to both bars. Our Changing Places accessible toilet in the Visitor Centre includes a height adjustable changing bench, hoist system, shower and space for one person with a disability, and up to two carers. Please note, for the Eden Sessions temporary toilet facilities may be in use throughout the evening.

Wheelchairs

We offer a range of free wheelchairs for visitors who need them. All of our wheelchairs, including the power chairs, are rated up to 133kg/21 stone. We have a limited number of power chairs available so it is advisable to book – please contact our Access Eden Help Desk on 01726 818558 or e-mail accessbookingsteam@edenproject.com.

Please let us know when booking your tickets if you will need access to the Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities. This platform can offer space for one wheelchair user and one carer which can be reserved when booking tickets.

We offer a Relaxed Viewing Area where those with physical, mental or sensory needs can watch from a slightly less crowded area away from the Arena. It is a shallow-stepped area on the right hand side as you look at the stage, on the edge of the main Arena. It is also a standing area, although guests are welcome to sit on the steps if needed (please note that if you sit down, the stage is not visible). We allow an accompanying plus-one per person. No chairs or wheelchairs are allowed in this area. Assistance dogs are permitted.

Spaces in this area are limited and are available to book ahead of the night through our Box Office by emailing boxoffice@edenproject.com quoting your order reference along with the number of spaces you require. Spaces are free of charge, but you must hold a valid ticket for the Session. If a ticket on the Relaxed Viewing Area isn’t available to book, we cannot guarantee a space. You can visit the area once the Arena opens on the night (usually 6pm) and enquire as to whether there have been any cancellations. We will always do our best to accommodate those who need the space.

Once you have secured a spot, you can come and go from this area as needed, including entering the main Arena and returning. The nearest toilet facilities are located approximately 50m from this area. We would always encourage anyone to watch from the main Arena if possible, as this is where the experience is best enjoyed. Please also see our Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities (see below), tickets for which can be booked in advance.

The Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities is on the left-hand side as you look at the stage, at the back of the Arena. It has a ramped entrance and should be accessed by going around the back of the stage structure then entering at the edge of the Arena stage right. If you need assistance getting to the platform, please ask when booking your ticket to arrange for an access volunteer, or ask a steward on the night. The path leading to the Accessible Viewing Platform from stage right is 40 metres at 1:5. Capacity is limited to one carer per booked person as space is limited to maximise the facility for those who need it. We provide a chair for the carer. Visibility is not restricted. Balloons for visitors to feel the concerts are available from the staff on the platform. Please note that the Accessible Viewing Platform is outdoors with no covered space.

When buying your tickets online, you’ll be able to select an Accessible Viewing Platform ticket (subject to availability). During the booking process, you'll be asked to complete an accessibility form, which will include the option to request a free space for a personal assistant, if required. We will not be issuing separate tickets for personal assistants; instead, we will ask for their name on the accessibility form and will then associate this name with your Accessible Viewing Platform ticket.

Please note that there is often high demand for spaces on our Accessible Viewing Platform, so please endeavour to secure your tickets as soon as possible once they are on general sale.

If Accessible Viewing Platform tickets aren’t available to book, then customers with a disability should secure standard Arena tickets for their whole party, then contact our Box Office on 01726 811972 to be put on their waiting list for a space, on the platform, should more spaces become available.

The concerts take place on a large stage in the centre of the Eden site. There are no covered or seated areas in the Arena. Audiences will be subjected to continuous sound levels and strobe lighting may also be used. Prolonged exposure to loud noises and music may permanently affect your hearing.

The front section of the Arena nearest the stage gets very busy and crowded. The further back you go, the less busy it will be. Please note that for some gigs, under 12s may not be allowed into the Arena – please check the child policy when booking.

By attending an event, ticketholders consent to filming and sound recording of themselves as members of the audience. The Promoter may use such films and recordings (including any copies) without payment.

Seating

There are no seats available in the main Arena for the concert and you will be required to stand for long periods of time. Please bear this in mind when booking your tickets. It is possible to sit down on the grass of the Arena between acts, but you will not be able to see the performance while sitting on the grass.

Our Relaxed Viewing Area located outside of the main Arena enables people to sit down during the concert – find out more in the Accessibility section above.

If you do have problems standing, there are some seats outside the restaurant areas. You will not be able to take the chairs out of these areas, nor will you be able to see the main stage from here. 

Some of the Sessions are filmed for broadcast. By attending the event you consent to being filmed/recorded/photographed as part of the audience. 

As each Session is different, age restrictions may apply so please check at the time of booking if you are planning on bringing children. Some artists and the content of some performances may not be deemed suitable by some for younger children. Guidelines
for each gig should be checked prior to purchasing tickets, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times on a ratio of one adult to two children. All children over the age of 12 months will require a ticket to be purchased for them.

In addition, by the nature of the event, there will be loud music and large crowds, so we advise against bringing young children to the Sessions, and recommend that children attending are aged 12 or over. If you do bring children, we recommend bringing ear protection for them. Please speak to a steward if you forget to bring this.

While our advice remains that Sessions are not suitable for babies or small children, those under 12 months are admitted free of charge. They must be carried in their parents’ arms or in a sling, and will not be admitted into the Arena. We do not allow prams and pushchairs on site from 6pm onwards.

No animals are allowed on site during a Session, with the exception of registered assistance dogs. Please let us know when booking your tickets if you are bringing an assistance dog so we can advise on a suitable location during the performance and where to find any facilities you need. Unfortunately, owing to emergency evacuation procedures, we cannot allow assistance dogs into the main Arena; however, they are allowed into the Relaxed Viewing Area (see details in the Accessibility section above) located on the plane tree steps next to the Arena.

We have dog bins at various locations across Eden and we ask owners to ensure their dogs use mulched areas for weeing, not grassed areas. Water is available for dogs in various locations across the Eden site.

Professional cameras (including any SLR-type cameras) and video/audio equipment are strictly prohibited. Live video/audio recordings made without permission are also prohibited.

The following items cannot be brought into the Eden Sessions:

• offensive weapons
• illegal substances
• folding chairs,
• umbrellas
• alcohol
• glass
• professional cameras and video/audio equipment.

Please note that drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in glasses and cans are not permitted at Eden Sessions. Plastic bottles of drink that are opened (i.e. no longer sealed) will be emptied. Reusable water bottles are permitted (which you are able to fill at our free water stations around the site), although we do not allow stainless steel water bottles into the Arena.

We do not allow prams and pushchairs on site during Eden Sessions from 6pm onwards.

See the layout of the Arena, including catering outlets, bars and toilets on the Arena Map.

The Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes will be open until 9pm, with last entry at 8.30pm.

We have an ATM that’s free to use in the Visitor Centre next to the pre-paid ticket desk. Please note that Eden now operates as a cashless site.

You can buy a variety of food and drink throughout the site, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. All bars and outlets have dropped counters to help with accessibility. See their location on the Arena Map.

Bars

We have a number of bars at the Sessions serving alcoholic and soft drinks. Drinks are served in reusable plastic cups to combat the environmental damage that single-use plastic is doing, for which you’ll be asked to pay an initial charge of £1.

We are no longer using tokens as payment at our bars. However, for 2022 only, any tokens from previous years’ Sessions can be presented as payment at our bars.

Please note, we are a cashless site, so you will need to bring an appropriate form of payment. Cards will be accepted at all bars.

We operate a Challenge 25 policy, so please do not be offended if we ask you for proof of age when you buy alcohol. We accept driving licences and passports as forms of ID.

Anyone who attempts to bring alcohol into the site will have it confiscated. Please note that drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in glasses and cans are not permitted at the Eden Sessions. Plastic bottles of drink that are opened (i.e. no longer sealed) will be emptied. Non-stainless steel reusable water bottles are permitted (which you are able to fill at our free water stations around site).

Sessions Plus Bars

Sessions Plus Ultimate and Sessions Plus Experience ticket packages include access to the Sessions Plus Viewing Platform: an exclusive raised area with very limited capacity (standing only), offering a dedicated private bar and separate toilet facilities.

Sessions Plus Arena Bar ticket packages include access to the Sessions Arena Bar: an exclusive area with private bar close to the stage, allowing you to leave and return to the main arena as you wish. Arena Bar ticketholders can enjoy complimentary drinks within the ticket package. This includes cider, beer, wines and spirits. These drinks are strictly for the ticketholder and a maximum of two drinks will be served per ticketholder, per visit to the bar. The staff reserve the right to stop serving ticketholders if it is believed an abuse of these terms and conditions is taking place. Shots, straight spirits and cocktails are strictly not included in this ticket type. Complimentary drinks are available from the Arena Bar only. The ticketholders will not be served at any other of the bars on a complimentary basis.

You can leave suitcases and bags in our lockers situated in the Banana Coach Park and at the park-and-ride drop off. All you need is a £1 coin, which you’ll get back.

If you lose any property, please give the details to a steward who will then pass them on to the lost property department. Everything collected at the end of the night will be sent to our lost property office – you can contact them on 01726 818750.

Mobile phone reception is good throughout the site on most networks, though there are some blind spots and reception can be disrupted when the site is busy. If you encounter difficulty getting mobile reception and need to make a call, please contact a steward who will be able to assist.

Treat yourself to a Sessions t-shirt as a memento of your night! We’ll have our Eden Sessions t-shirts for sale throughout the evening in the Street (just outside of the Visitor Centre). They will also be available in our shop in the Link building until 8.30pm.

In our shops you’ll find everything from rainforest-inspired kitchenware to educational games to delicious Cornish fare. Whether recycled, made of natural materials, Fair Trade, organic, locally produced or educational, our products have all been chosen because we believe in them.

We’ve got a whopping 245 toilets, of which we’re very proud. Not only do they flush with harvested rainwater from our site, they have won several National Loo of the Year Awards. All toilets are easily accessible and each location includes a dedicated accessible cubicle. We have an accessible portable toilet on the Accessible Viewing Platform for People with Disabilities itself, which is lit. We also have accessible loos with the other portable toilet close to both bars. Our Changing Places accessible toilet in the Visitor Centre includes a height adjustable changing bench, hoist system, shower and space for one person with a disability, and up to two carers. Please note, for the Eden Sessions temporary toilet facilities may be in use throughout the evening.

All valuable items should be kept with you at all times. Do not leave them unattended.

In an emergency, please contact the nearest member of security or a steward for help. When you get to Eden, please familiarise yourself with the site and our facilities.

Eden has a dedicated team of first aiders and paramedics. If you are in need of any medical assistance, please contact a member of Eden staff and they will be happy to help.

Although Eden is not as big as some festivals, you can still lose your bearings among 6,000 people if you become separated from your group. We recommend arranging to meet at a notable point on site such as the Giant Bee sculpture, or the Link Bridge (the outdoor walkway leading out from the building in between the Biomes), should you get lost.

The safety of our visitors and staff is our priority. All visitors will be required to go through a security point. Eden reserves the right to search anyone entering Eden premises, and all bags will be searched on entry. Please allow sufficient time to pass through the security points. Please also consider whether you need to bring a bag with you.

If you would like to purchase tickets or have any further questions which are not answered in this guide please contact the Box Office on 01726 811972 or email boxoffice@edenproject.com. 

You can also see our full Access Guide for general accessibility information at the Eden Project.

Find out about future announcements for the Sessions:

• Regularly check this website
• Sign up for our email updates
• Join us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram

Our Inside Track priority ticket scheme usually opens in the autumn of the forthcoming year.