The Eden Project, Bodelva

There is so much to say about this iconic place. It is not a cheap day out but it is superb and will be remembered. Described as ‘Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs’, take a trip to the world’s largest greenhouses.

Back in 1995, it was a clay pit which captured the imagination of Tim Smit, who co-founded The Eden Project and restored the Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is about 10 miles away. However, trying to do both in one day would be exhausting, so best to spread out your visits.

The Eden biomes ( displaying remarkable architectural vision) are viewable on a bad weather day (though are obviously better in the glorious Cornish sunshine) as the biomes keep you under cover.

Explore the tropical heat in the rainforest biome (wear layers, it gets hot) with its rare plants, and wobbly rope bridge walkway with amazing views over the rainforest.

Then visit the more temperate climes of the Mediterranean biome to discover the heady scents and colour of the plants and enjoy the Bacchanalian sculptures.

The Invisible worlds exhibition is also indoors and permanent, while the adventurous will enjoy the thrills of Hangloose Adventure, home to England’s longest and fastest zip wire, an aerial assault course and a giant gravity swing, or a vertigo 360 swing. All are just the thing for adrenaline junkies, or a special occasion treat.

Eden was sustainable and ethical long before it became fashionable so it has an educational environmental edge to it, too, and some very tasty food in the numerous cafes dotted around the site. In winter, it houses an accessible ice rink.