Is Your Dog More Sociable Than You? Eden Project’s Big Lunch Says Yes

Dogs lead the way as Eden gears up for UK’s biggest community celebration

With just over a week to go until The Big Lunch weekend, the Eden Project has thrown a unique, dog-friendly celebration in the lead-up to the national event, inviting four-legged friends and their humans to join in the fun.

Paws, play and plenty of treats

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Biomes, excited dogs were treated to a spread of special goodies, including a dog-friendly cake created by Eden’s head chef Mike Greer. Toys and space to play were also laid on to highlight the benefits of spending time socialising – for pets and people alike – ahead of The Big Lunch on 7th and 8th June.

The event coincided with the release of new YouGov research commissioned by The Big Lunch, revealing that nearly two-thirds of people (62%) believe dogs are more sociable than humans. In fact, 43% said they’d most like to have dogs’ natural ability to socialise.

The findings also showed that dogs are now the ultimate conversation starter in Britain, with 42% saying meeting someone with a dog helps them strike up a chat – ranking higher than the classic topics of weather (33%) and public transport (28%).

Eden’s warm welcome for wagging tails

The Eden Project, home of The Big Lunch, is inviting guests and their dogs to enjoy the site across the Big Lunch weekend. All adults visiting Eden on 7th and 8th June will receive a voucher for a free hot drink, while dogs can pick up free treats from catering outlets across the site.

On Sunday 8th June, visitors will also have the chance to get a special portrait photograph of their dog as a keepsake of their day out.

For the first time, dogs and their owners will be able to sit inside the Biome Kitchen – Eden’s main catering outlet – to enjoy refreshments together. Dogs will also be welcome in the Core building, across all three floors, including access to view Infinity Blue and the iconic Seed sculpture.

The Coffee House in the Visitor Centre will also be open to dogs and their humans, offering another relaxed spot to enjoy refreshments.

Over 20 acres of dog-friendly gardens

Beyond the indoor spaces, the Eden Project offers more than 20 acres of outdoor gardens filled with over 3,000 plant varieties. From cultivated borders to wild landscapes, it’s a setting designed for calm, connection and fresh air.

There are sunny spots, shaded corners like the Myth and Folklore Garden and Japanese Garden, and scenic picnic locations such as the Orchard, complete with views of the Biomes. Dog-friendly ice cream from Roskillys is available in carrot, banana and apple, or butternut squash and blueberry flavours. Drinking stations for dogs are dotted across the site.

Eden’s retail outlets are also stocked with a wide range of dog-friendly items, including Cornish-baked treats from Green & Wild’s, sustainable toys from Beco, and a selection of leads and accessories.

Explore even more on the Outer Estate

For those wanting a longer walk, the Eden Project’s 72-hectare Outer Estate is free to explore. It features wildflower meadows with sea views, woodlands, orchards, an ancient peatbog, artworks in the landscape and even monkey puzzle trees.

Don’t be shy, channel your inner dog

Lindsey Brummitt, Programme Director at the Eden Project, said:
“It’s been fantastic to bring together a group of dogs who are as enthused about getting to know new people as we are at The Big Lunch! So, while you might feel barking mad approaching your neighbours and inviting them to share a bite to eat together, we know that better connected communities are happier and more resilient to the challenges life throws at us. So don’t be shy, channel your inner dog and spend a bit of time socialising either at home with your neighbours, or here at the Eden Project, at The Big Lunch on 7–8 June!”

The Big Lunch is part of the Eden Project and has been bringing neighbours together across the UK since 2009. It is supported by the Pears Foundation, Co-op and Greene King. Her Majesty The Queen has been patron since 2013.

To find out more or download free resources to help plan your own Big Lunch, visit www.TheBigLunch.com.