The Story of Trebah

A landmark exhibition tracing our garden’s rich history

Discover Trebah’s most comprehensive exhibition to date, chronicling the extraordinary evolution of our valley garden.

Opening on 10 May 2025, this landmark exhibition delves into Trebah’s journey from its earliest recorded history in the Middle Ages to its transformation into a world-famous sub-tropical paradise from the 1800s onward.

Bringing together newly uncovered historical records, never-before-seen photographs, and fresh research, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the many families who have shaped Trebah over the centuries. Visitors will follow the estate’s evolution from its beginnings as a wooded valley, through its Victorian-era cultivation, and into the extensive restoration that has made it the celebrated attraction it is today.

Exhibition Highlights:

• Rare archival documents revealing Trebah’s earliest ownership and the lives of those who called it home.
• Historic photographs capturing nearly 200 years of horticultural transformation.
• The legacy of 11 families who have influenced Trebah’s landscape over the past 190 years.
• Trebah’s pivotal role in World War II, serving as an embarkation point for US troops ahead of the 1944 D-Day landings.
• The garden’s modern revival, from the Hibbert family’s restoration to its current stewardship under the Trebah Garden Trust.

The garden is a place of exceptional beauty and historical significance, and our exhibition offers a deeper appreciation of its past, honouring the remarkable individuals who shaped its legacy.

Housed in the gallery space in the Visitor Centre, the exhibition will be open daily from 10 May to 29 September 2025.

Entry is free, with a complimentary children’s trail available to enhance the experience for younger visitors.