Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake in Newquay, Cornwall, offer a delightful escape from the bustling beaches and a perfect destination for a family day out. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the serene beauty of the boating lake, the vibrant Trenance Gardens, and all the wonderful amenities that make this spot a hidden gem.
Whether you’re interested in hiring pedalos, enjoying a meal at the lakeside cafe, or simply relishing the natural beauty, Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake have something for everyone.
Exploring Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake in Newquay: A Family-Friendly Day Out
When visiting Newquay, you probably think of beaches galore! With 11 beaches in Newquay (Watergate, Whipsiderry, Porth, Lusty Glaze, Tolcarne, Great Western, Towan, Harbour, Little Fistral, Fistral, Crantock), you might not realise that Newquay has its very own boating lake and gardens which offer an escape from the busy crowds of the beaches in the summer, as well as many affordable activities for adults and kids!
Below I will share all the facilities and activities you can partake in at Newquay Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake whether you are looking for a free stroll amongst the plants and wildlife, or if you fancy spending some money on lunch at one of the many cafes or enjoying an activity such as rowing, a steam train ride or even tennis!
Boating Adventures and More at Trenance Boating Lake
It’s completely possible to experience a day of leisure at Trenance Boating Lake and Gardens starting with the boating lake which offers a variety of things to do for all ages. This picturesque lake provides the ideal setting for a variety of water-based and waterside activities. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Pedalos and Rowing Boats: One of the main attractions of Trenance Boating Lake is the opportunity to hire pedalos and rowing boats. It’s an excellent way to get close to the ducks, swans and wildlife in the water while enjoying a fun, family-friendly activity. It’s great exercise too! Just note, the boat hire facilities are only available seasonally.
Swan pedalos at Newquay Boating Lake: New for 2025
Update! I’ve just walked past the lake and had to update this blog post. In 2025, they now have swan pedalos! So much fun!
Check them out:
Scenic Walking Paths: Accessible paths encircle the lake, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to enjoy a leisurely stroll. These paths provide views of the lake and surrounding gardens, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. You can get close to the lake on grass verges to feed the ducks and admire the cute ducklings in the spring!
Lakeside Cafe: If you’re feeling peckish yourself at the Boating Lake, you can refuel and recharge at the Lakeside Cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal while soaking in the serene atmosphere. During the summer, an ice cream hut offers a sweet treat to cool down, including lots of vegan options.
Kids Entertainment at Lakeside Cafe: Families with young kids will appreciate the children’s ride-on attraction outside the cafe. It’s an excellent way to keep the little ones entertained. The lakeside cafe also sells bird food, allowing children to interact with ducks, swans, cormorants, moorhens and other feathered friends you’ll spot around the lake.
Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for the rich wildlife that frequents the lake. You can spot muscovy ducks, swans, cormorants, moorhens, and even occasional visits from egrets and herons from the nearby River Gannel. Don’t forget to grab some bird food from the cafe to make your wildlife encounters even more memorable!
Trenance Gardens: A Floral Paradise and Blooming Rose Garden
On the same side of the gardens as the boating lake, you’ll find the start of the beautiful floral gardens with stunning rose garden displays and arches. Then, just across the road over a zebra crossing, lies Trenance Gardens, a botanical wonderland that complements the lake’s natural beauty. Here’s what you’ll find in these beautifully maintained gardens:
Stunning Rose Garden: In spring and summer, the rose garden comes alive with an explosion of vibrant colours. The arches covered in blooming roses make for a romantic and enchanting scene and are a photographer’s paradise. If you want one of the most Instagrammable locations in Newquay then this has to be it once the roses are in full bloom!
Floral Displays: Trenance Gardens boast stunning floral displays that remain well-maintained throughout the year. The sight of vibrant blooms and lush greenery is a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk during spring and summer.
For All Seasons: In the autumn the changing colours of reds, oranges and purples look beautiful with the park’s lantern-style lighting. In winter there’s a rare scattering of snow and almost a romantic feel to the park with the lit lanterns, and moonlight and the cottages often have a huge Christmas tree.
Tropical Oasis: The gardens also feature tropical plants that transport you to far-off lands. These exotic plants add a unique touch to the garden’s overall charm.
Wisteria-Adorned Bridges: Stroll through the gardens at the right time of year and you’ll encounter picturesque bridges adorned with wisteria vines, creating enchanting photo opportunities and a sense of tranquillity.
Trenance Cottages and Tea Room: A charming heritage building, Trenance Cottages, houses a delightful tea room. Here, you can enjoy a cup of tea or a light snack in a serene and historical setting. During the summer, an ice cream hut is a tempting spot for dessert lovers; we’ve tried many times to purchase their vegan ice cream, but it’s always sold out, so it must be good! Keep an eye out for occasional art exhibitions hosted in this quaint building and other events throughout the year. There’s a gift shop too.
The Brook: Trenance Gardens feature a refreshing brook that winds its way through the gardens, creating a soothing ambience. You can access the brook at designated points, making it easy for kids and dogs to paddle during the summer months. It’s a cool and safe way to enjoy the garden’s water element.
Picturesque Bridges: The garden boasts charming bridges that not only serve their purpose but also add to its beauty, especially the wisteria bridge near Trenance Cottages. Our kids love playing Pooh Sticks from these bridges. Drop a stick into the brook, race to the other side, and see whose stick emerges first – a simple and timeless game!
Woodland Paths to Town: Behind Trenance Gardens on the cottage side are several steps that go up through the towering trees and provide access towards Newquay town for those who wish to stroll further or walk through the gardens on their walk to town. These steps can get quite muddy so be careful if it’s been raining or in the winter months. You may be lucky to spot a robin or a squirrel!
Trenance Leisure Park: Activities and Amenities for Everyone
Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake offer much more than just natural beauty. Across the road, via the traffic light crossing, and under the railway viaduct, you’ll discover even more attractions in Trenance Leisure Park:
Children’s Play Areas: Two well-equipped children’s play areas are perfect for kids to burn off some energy. They can swing, slide, and have endless fun in these safe environments. There’s wooden areas for older children and a smaller enclosed space with sand pits for younger children. Our kids have great fun there despite some locals complaining the park is old and tired-looking, but I hear rumours they will be revamping and updating the equipment soon! Just across the road from the wooden play area is a harder concrete landscaped park with larger stone-climbing rock.
Miniature Steam Train Rides: Seasonally, you can hop aboard a small ride-on steam train at Little Western Railway for a nostalgic experience that both kids and adults will enjoy. We’ve been on many times when friends and family have visited!
Tennis Courts: Tennis enthusiasts can engage in a friendly match at the on-site tennis courts at Heron Tennis Centre. Here they have outdoor adult courts on two surfaces, a paddle court, indoor tennis courts suitable for all weather and seasons, as well as mini tennis courts for kids. Hiring a mini tennis court for half an hour with kids is a fun activity. You can book at reception and hire child-friendly balls and kids-sized rackets.
Additional Cafes: In addition to the Lakeside Cafe by the Boating Lake and the cafe at Trenance Cottages, there are two more cafes within the leisure park area, ensuring that you have plenty of refreshment options to choose from. You’ll find a cafe called Set Cafe in the Heron Tennis Centre where we love to grab a smoothie and occasional vegan cake when they have one available. They serve hot food throughout the day. Next to Little Western Railway, you’ll find a seasonally open cafe called Platform 3 Cafe which serves hot drinks, ice creams, cakes, pasties, sausage rolls and more with many picnic benches outside for customers.
Newquay Boating Lake and Gardens: Historical Insights
To understand the true essence of Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake, it’s essential to delve into their history. These beloved attractions have been part of Newquay’s heritage for generations, providing locals and visitors with a place to connect with nature and unwind. The gardens, with their well-preserved features and floral displays, pay homage to the town’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
The construction of Newquay Boating Lake, also known as Trenance Boating Lake, was undertaken by local men in 1932. They built the lake as a part of a work project during that time, receiving compensation in the form of a shilling per week, tobacco, and a pasty. The wives were incentivised to send them with an offering of a pack of tea each week! It’s worth noting that such work projects were common during the 1930s as a means of providing employment and support to local communities during challenging economic times.
Even More Activities at Newquay Leisure Park
And, if that’s not enough, just up the road from the kids’ play parks you’ll find Concrete Waves a free-to-access outdoor skatepark, one of the best in the UK!
There’s a swimming pool with flumes at Newquay Leisure World, a trampoline park and soft play, as well as Trenance Crazy Golf outdoor mini golf course.
Some of these are open seasonally only, but the skatepark is free to access all year. There’s even another cafe in the car park opposite the skatepark and toilets too.
Planning Your Visit to Newquay Boating Lake and Trenance Gardens
Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake and Trenance Leisure Park across the road offer a fantastic day out for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.
The best part? It’s free to explore, except for your dining preferences at the cafes or any paid activities you wish to take part in. Free roadside parking by the boating lake makes it convenient for visitors. There’s also a pay-and-display car park near the children’s play park.
Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake in Newquay are more than just attractions; they are a gateway to nature, history, and affordable family-friendly fun. Whether pedalling on the lake, sipping tea in the gardens or watching ducks by the water, this hidden gem in Newquay promises a great experience for all ages.
Read on for answers to some common questions.
Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake FAQs
What are the opening hours of Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake in Newquay?
- The gardens and play parks are always accessible for enjoying all day, however, the cafes, tennis centre, miniature steam railway and boat hire have various opening hours and some are only open seasonally.
Is there an admission fee for Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake?
- Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake do not have an admission fee, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination. However, if you wish to hire a boat or buy refreshments at the cafe then you will need to budget accordingly.
Are dogs allowed in Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake?
- Yes, dogs are allowed in the gardens and around the boating lake. However, it’s essential to keep them on a leash and clean up after them. It’s a popular spot for dog walkers with accessible paths and scenic surroundings.
What water activities are available at the boating lake?
- Visitors can enjoy pedalos and rowing boats for a relaxing time on the lake. These activities are a popular choice for families and couples. Boat hire is open in the main spring and summer seasons only.
Is there a cafe or restaurant at Trenance Boating Lake?
- Yes, there is a lakeside cafe called Lakeside Cafe! They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It has both indoor and outdoor seating in the summer. Seating is inside in the winter months. They also offer some takeaway drinks, such as coffee. In the summer the ice-cream hatch is open.
Are there any special events or festivals held at Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake?
- Yes, Trenance Cottages regularly host special events including children’s events such as craft workshops and meet Santa. They also host larger events with music, food and stalls such as summer fayres. You can usually find the latest events on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/trenancecottages/events
Is there a playground for children at Trenance Gardens?
- Yes, there are two well-equipped children’s play areas near Trenance Gardens, providing a fun and safe environment for kids to play.
What wildlife can you spot at the boating lake and gardens?
- Wildlife enthusiasts can observe various birds, including various breeds of ducks, swans, cormorants, moorhens, and occasionally egrets and herons who pop over from the nearby River Gannel. The lakeside cafe also sells bird food for feeding the ducks and other birds.
Is Trenance Gardens wheelchair accessible?
- Trenance Gardens generally offer accessible paths, making it wheelchair-friendly for most wheelchairs to explore the gardens and boating lake.
Are there picnic areas available at Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake?
- While there may not be designated picnic areas, you can find open spaces and wooden benches where you can enjoy a picnic. You should only use the table seating by the cafes if you have purchased their food.
Can you swim in Trenance Boating Lake?
- Swimming is not allowed in Trenance Boating Lake. The lake is primarily for boating and recreational activities. On the other side of the gardens, there is a part of the brook with a step down that can be accessed for paddling, although it is a small, narrow and shallow area and not suitable for swimming.
Is Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake suitable for a family day out?
- Absolutely! Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake offer a family-friendly environment with a range of activities and amenities suitable for all ages. Just read my full review above and check out all the photos to see for yourself what they offer!
What is the best time to visit Trenance Gardens for the rose garden display?
- The best time to admire the rose garden in full bloom is during spring and summer when the roses are at their most vibrant.
Is there a gift shop or souvenir shop on the premises?
- Trenance Cottages has a small gift shop and often has art exhibitions with more items for sale.
More things to do in Newquay:
Visiting National Trust’s Trerice Manor in Newquay, Cornwall, with kids
Things to do in Newquay in the rain
Best places to SUP in and around Newquay Cornwall
South West Coast Path from Perranporth to Newquay 17.7km walk! Stunning beaches!
Gannel River walk from Newquay boating lake to Crantock beach
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