Trenance Gardens, the Boating Lake and the park are just a short walk from bustling Newquay (the quickest route is via Edgcumbe Avenue), but offer a sense of peace and tranquility that you wouldn’t get in the town centre.
Take your kids to the park before lunch (there are separate sections for older children and toddlers) and let them ride on the mini railway that almost takes you up to Newquay Zoo, alongside plenty of other park equipment.
If you’re a sports fan, there are plenty of tennis courts to hire at the Heron Tennis Centre or you can book a lesson – ask in the white building next to the tennis courts for more information. Follow the mini railway track anticlockwise uphill and you’ll end up at Waterworld, which boasts two swimming pools and a gym for fitness fanatics! On the left there is Newquay Zoo, giving you the opportunity to see over 130 species of animal!
Walk to the next garden via the pedestrian crossing and you’ll see the refurbished skate park (very popular amongst Newquay’s teens) as well as lots of wildlife and the viaduct above your head. Cross the road after this, and you’ll enter Trenance Gardens, a beautiful area filled with bridges off of which you can drop pooh-sticks and smell the flowers – there are also lots of benches on which you sit and rest your legs before the next half of your journey.
Towards the end of the gardens, you’ll come to Trenance Cottages, which have recently been restored through local determination and generous funding. Take a look around the cottages and stop off for a delicious cream tea and elderflower cordial. If you’re feeling more energetic than peckish, you will often spot people out for a run or bike ride on this fairly flat terrain. Why not give it a go?
After this, go over another pedestrian crossing and you’ll find yourself in the gardens of Newquay’s Boating Lake, where orchards, flowers and quaint bridges surround you. Follow the river down to the Boating Lake, where you’ll see swans and plenty of other birds swimming. You can hire rowing and pedalo boats from the right-hand side of the lake, next to the Lakeside Café – but mind for the fountain as you may get wet! There are lots of other things to explore – why not check out Newquay Riding Stables for a lesson or venture towards the Gannel?
If you’re hungry, both locals and tourists consider The Lakeside Café to be one of the best places to eat in Newquay. Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal or simply a scrummy coffee and cake at this relaxing, recently refurbished café. It’s very popular, (both because of the view and the menu – often hosting themed nights) and great value, so it’s advisable to get there early or book in advance on 01637 872703.
Whatever you do, the Trenance area is a must see part of Newquay so be sure to add it to your list of things to do when in Newquay!
