Visitors to the Eden Project can shoot for the stars this summer as a new attraction will take them on a spectacular Journey Into Space.

An ambitious new season of activities has been revealed, featuring a breath-taking virtual tour of the eight planets where everyone can marvel at the wonders of the universe.

Visitors on the Solar System Safari will be sent into orbit as they feel the heat of the sun, the eeriness of Mercury and the fieriness of Venus.

There will also be a beautiful fly-by of Earth before landing in a lush garden of paradise to show how our planet is uniquely placed to support life.

This is the first time Eden has staged Journey Into Space. Highlights include the chance to train as an astronaut and have an encounter with an alien.

At the Astronaut Academy visitors can try out a space walk challenge in a giant inflatable and radio control an Eden space exploration vehicle.

As visitors arrive for their space mission they will be greeted by a special video recording from British astronaut Tim Peake of the European Space Agency.

Tim will send the wannabe astronauts on their journey with the wish that they have as much fun as he did on the International Space Station.

There will also be a rare chance to see a prototype of the ExoMars rover being developed by Airbus in the UK and an exhibition of images from the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.

In the Mediterranean Biome there will be daily talks from space experts including from the European Space Agency, National Space Centre and the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Eden’s production manager Chris Pritchard said: “This is going to be our biggest-ever summer of activities at Eden and everyone will have a chance to go on an exciting space odyssey to see the beauty and magnificence of all our planets.

“There’ll be fun astronaut challenges to try, stimulating talks and exhibitions on space and even a chance to meet an alien – Journey Into Space is going to send you into orbit.”

During Journey Into Space Eden will be open until 8pm from Mondays to Thursdays.