It’s party time at Eden Project, a 10 week winter long celebration called A Time of Gifts. Eden Project are  making a dramatic and magical transformation, adding some sub zero seasonal fun to the sub tropical magic. The first view for visitors arriving this Winter will be one of breathtaking transformation - the outdoor landscape peppered with braziers glowing in the darkness and strings of lanterns and flaming torches highlighting the sweeping curves and pathways of the site.

The lake at the centre of Eden is a magically lit skating rink - and this being Eden it's a big one, big enough to allow more than 300 people to skate at one time. And Cornwall being Cornwall it's a covered one - to allow them to skate whatever the weather - surrounded by an enchanted forest of 1,000 trees twinkling with fairy lights. And all set against the breathtaking floodlit backdrop of those world famous biomes. Lit up inside too, enhanced by a dramatic soundscape of animal, bird and insect calls mingling with the sound of thunder in the distance as a tropical rainstorm threatens to break forth at any moment.

Where else in the world can you take the surreal stroll from the romantic winter chill of a skating rink to the sensuous sub tropical warmth of the rainforest? And back again in moments. Where else do you have to make the choice of mulled wine or pina colada - in December!  This winter scene like no other will be home to a "A Time of Gifts" - a time for fun and celebration but also a time to rediscover the spirit not just of Christmas but of mid winter festivals of all kinds. And a place to rethink what these days has become for many a money spinning fest where the real reasons for celebration seem to lie buried under the weight of commercialism.

The Eden Project is less than an hour away from your accommodation at Carbis Bay. You can of course visit on the way down or the way back, but be sure to visit it sometime. The Eden Projects reputation is well deserved as Englands most successful tourist attraction. Visit Eden Project website for more info.