Trereife Park - Newlyn

(389 total words in this text)
(2044 Reads)  

A Grand Day Out

Historic Trereife Park in Newlyn has opened its doors to the public. Set in fabulous landscaped gardens with attractions to suit all ages, I took along a friend and his two children aged seven and nine to experience it first hand.

Entering the park, you find yourself in a reptile centre complete with giant lizards, pythons and spiders.

We were approached by Mark, Trereife's animal welfare officer, who was very enthusiastic in his efforts to get us - adults and children alike - involved. If anything, he was a little too keen to impart his considerable knowledge of the animal world. I'd say he'd be better of pitching his repartee down a register or two from the academic to the more child-friendly. Sometimes less is more, and I think visitors would prefer a chance to enjoy the experience rather than have a zoology lecture.

All the animals at the park are unable to survive in the wild because they were raised in captivity and have been rescued from unsuitable situations. Trereife offers them sanctuary for life, and allows visitors to see some magnificent birds and animals at close range.

Unlike so many country mansions where paid guides show people around sterile mausoleums, not only is Trereife still a home, your guide is actually the man who lives there - none other than Tim Le Grice, current resident owner from a long line of Le Grices.

His natural warmth and charisma make you feel immediately welcome, like an honoured guest, as he introduces himself in the splendid hallway, and runs through the house's history and lineage.

Each room has its own story and style, and there is something to appeal to both young and old. The children all seemed to enjoy sitting at the enormous dining table, laid out with fine bone china and original period prints on the walls.

The master bedroom in Queen Anne style was perhaps the most sumptuous of all the rooms, with its lavish drapes and ornately carved furniture.

Also on offer were cream teas, home made pasties and a chance to appreciate the landscaped gardens while the children could discover clues in a treasure hunt quiz. All in all, our visit to Trereife was an enjoyable, family afternoon that kept the adults and the children in our party equally entertained.