Wingz and Thingz

With massive biomes recreating different habitats (including the Mediterranean and a tropical rainforest), the Eden Project (10 minutes’ drive) runs a lively programme of events – from art and photography exhibitions to live music concerts. There are also zipwire flights over the distinctive biomes, an aerial walkway and a colourful outdoor garden. Check out the elegant tall ships at tiny but historic Charlestown Harbour, on the bay of Saint Austell (15 minutes), which dates back to the late 18th century. If you’re in luck, you might catch a period drama being filmed here; if not, you can still take in spectacular views of the Cornish coast. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (half an hour) was an overgrown Victorian garden when it was rediscovered about 30 years ago. After meticulous restoration, it now houses an outdoor tropical jungle, areas of woodland and a kitchen garden.