Newquay Tree Walk

Newquay Tree Walk through Trenance valley & gardens.

Trenance Valley, set in 26 acres of lush, sub-tropical planting, is often referred to as the jewel in Newquay’s crown. The sub-tropical gardens are home to some extremely unusual trees and shrubs. The Newquay Tree Walk guide available from Visit Newquay Tourist Information identifies some of the most notable trees and plants. Enjoy your walk around our hidden gem and make it extra special with this in depth guide. The guide goes into detail about the trees and shrubs and in many case their origin as the area is a great display of non-native species that were imported, grown from seed or cuttings acquired from explorers bringing back plants from around the globe. Many were found to grow in the warmer Cornish climate and made their homes in the Trenance valley. 

Along with the descriptions are some fascinating facts about each tree or shrub. Did you know the Swamp Cypress or Baldcypress has seeds with a ‘sail’ which helps it float until it reaches dry land and can then start to grow. Or that the Araucaria Araucana, better known as the Monkey Puzzle tree, derives its name from a visitor to Pencarrow House, Bodmin. The proud owner was showing it to a group of friends and one of who remarked, “it would puzzle a monkey to climb that” and as the story goes that name name stuck!

The formal gardens were laid out in 1906 but it wasn’t until 1932, during the Great Depression, that the boating lake was formed. Local unemployed men were paid dole money, tobacco and a pasty per day, and at the end of each week their wives were given a packet of tea. While work was in progress the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, came to Newquay and witnessed the work in progress

Much of Trenance gardens at maintained by Newquay in Bloom, which was formed in the 1980’s. It is a non-profit organisation consisting of a team of volunteers working together in partnership with local businesses, residents and other organisations to keep Newquay looking beautiful, as well as enhancing and preserving the horticultural interest of the town.

Get your copy

To download your copy of the Newquay Tree Walk CLICK HERE or click on the front cover image below. A copy is also available in the Visit Newquay Tourist Information Centre office on Marcus Hill.

The Tree Walk Guide goes into detail about most tree and shrub you encounter. Some are rare to the UK. The well maintained gardens are a pleasure to walk around and accessible for all as there is a nearby car park and the paths are flat tarmac or concrete. There is also public toilets. In normal times there is a restaurant overlooking the boating lakes and a cafe in the Trenance Heritage Cottages.