Famous for its stunning architecture and ancient, cobbled streets, Truro is one of the smallest cities in England, with a population of around 20,000. It may be small, however, but there's still plenty to see and do, so read on for some of the best things to do in Truro, Cornwall, from major landmarks to some of the best restaurants in town.
Try some Cornish pasties
No trip to Truro would be complete without at least a taste of some of the dish the area is best known for. The Cornish pasty is a pastry filled with mince, potato, swede and onion, and, as you'd expect, you'll find no shortage of them in Truro's restaurants, bakers, and supermarkets. Some of the best in the city are available from Warren's Bakery, in Victoria Square, or, if you'd rather try a meat-free option, The Cornish Vegan has you covered.
Visit the cathedral
The 19th century cathedral is what gives Truro its city status, and is generally the first stop on the Truro tourist trail. Relatively modern in comparison to some of the other cathedrals you may have visited in the UK, the 20-year building project which started in 1880 wasn't completed until 1910, and a restoration project begun in 2002. In addition to the regular services, the cathedral is also open to visitors, and has a restaurant and gift shop on site.
Uncover Cornwall's heritage with a day at the museum
The Royal Cornwall Museum was founded in 1818, and documents Cornwall's mining heritage with its extensive mineral collection, plus various exhibitions covering the area's history and culture. It's not all about Cornwall, though: you'll also find permanent exhibits featuring artefacts from the Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires, plus books snd periodicals on the south west of England.
Sample the cider at Healeys
Cornwall is as famous for its cider as it is for its pirates and its pasties, andHealeys Cornish Cyder Farm, which was founded in 1986, is the largest independent cider maker in Cornwall. The farm comes into its own in autumn, when the apples ripen, and there's apple bobbing competitions to take part in, but guided tours are available all year round, with vintage tractor rides and cream teas amongst the attractions on offer. Don't like cider? Don't
Take the train to Falmouth
The Maritime Line connects Truro with the town of Falmouth, on Cornwall's south coast, and is one of the more scenic ways to see the area around the city. The total journey time is just 25 minutes, and there are three stops along the way, offering ample opportunity to jump off and explore.
Taste English tea grown at Tregothnan
The Tregothnan Estate, just outside Truro, is reckoned to be one of the most beautiful private gardens in the UK, and the place where the first ever tea grown in England was planted in 1999. A tour of the gardens culminates with a delicious cream tea, featuring products grown on site, and there are also beekeeping courses and gardener's workshops available, should you wish to stay a little longer.
Shop for local produce at the farmer's market
The distinctive green and white stalls of Truro Farmer's Market are a familiar sight to those who live in the city, and the perfect place to sample some local produce at its finest. Operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this is definitely one to put in the calendar for your next trip to Truro.
Take a llama for a walk
Llamas may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think of Truro, but a visit to Llama Lland, just 3 miles outside the city, will soon have you thinking differently. Take your favourite llama for a walk during a 3-hour guided experience which allows you to find out everything you ever wanted to know about your newfound friends: it's definitely one of Cornwall's more unique attractions, but there's a reason why it's a firm family favourite in the area.
Free things to do in Truro
The small city of Truro can accommodate any budget: here are some things you can do for free, both in and round the area.
- Take a trip to the beach
Although Truro itself is inland, it's just a short drive (or bus ride, if you prefer) to some of Cornwall's most stunning beaches. The coastal town of St Agnes is close to Truro, and is surrounded by six separate beaches, so, whatever you're looking for from your coastal adventure, you're sure to find it here. The village itself is also worth a wander around, with plenty of charming cottages and quaint pubs to explore and admire.
- Enjoy the scenery of Victoria Gardens
Truro's Victoria Gardens were created in 1893 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and they've been enchanting visitors to the city ever since with their waterfall gardens, Victorian bandstand and general air of "getting away from it all", right in the heart of the city.
- Walk along the banks of the River Fal
Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Beauty extends to Truro, and offers some stunning walks through the wildlife-rich countryside.
- Visit the Poppy Cottage Garden
The themed areas of Poppy Cottage Garden will have you feeling a little bit like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, filled with floral delights.
- Walk the St. Agnes Heritage Coast
Coastal scenery, hidden coves and beautiful beaches all make up the St. Agnes Heritage Coast, which is the perfect spot for a blustery walk just 15 minutes drive from Truro.
Restaurants in Truro
Once you're finished exploring, chances are you're going to want to sample at least one of Cornwall's most famous foods: pasties, cream teas and, of course, that amazing Cornish ice cream. You'll find all that and more in Truro, so here are some of our top recommendations for restaurants, cafes and cake shops.
- Eat ice cream direct from the farm
More than just a store, Callestick Farm is a working farm offering daily tours, as well as serving up their own delicious ice cream and cream teas. You can also pick your own sunflowers when they're in season, and generally enjoy all the fun of the farm, without straying too far from the city.
- Find some of the best fresh fish in Cornwall
As you'd expect from a region famous for its coastline, seafood restaurants dominate the Cornish culinary scene, and Truro is no exception. Hooked! Restaurant and Bar offers fresh fish direct from the Cornish waters, with its seasonally-influenced menu.
- Sample a taste of Africa in the heart of Cornwall
Chorley's African Grill serves up South African fusion cuisine, along with a selection of dinnertime staples like burgers and ribs. They claim to cater to all tastes and requirements, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
- Have lunch next to lily ponds
Located on the outskirts of the city, Penrose Kitchen is loved by locals, who enjoy the setting as much as the food. Surrounded by the lily ponds of a former water garden, you can dine outside and enjoy the Cornish sunshine at this modern bistro restaurant.
- Enjoy dinner with a view
The Heron Inn offers stunning views of the Truro and Tresillian rivers where they join the river Fal. If you can tear your eyes away from the scenery, the mouth-watering menu uses locally-sourced ingredients, with each dish cooked to order.
FAQs
How far is Truro to the beach?
Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth is one of the closest beaches to Truro, and is just over 8 miles away, as the crow flies. The city is close enough to the coast, however, to mean that there are dozens of beaches available, all just a short drive or bus ride away. Perranporth Beach, Porthtowan Beach, and Gyllyngvase Beach are all close by, offering your choice of water sports (particularly surfing, which Cornwall is most famous for), or just the opportunity to relax and watch the waves.
What is Truro famous for?
Truro may be Cornwall's only city, but it looks and feels more like a large town, with its cobbled streets and stunning architecture. People from Truro are called Truronians, and some of the city's most famous former inhabitants include Queen drummer Roger Taylor and Olympic rower, Helen Glover. Truro is also famous for the three rivers - the Kenwyn, the Allen and the Truro, which give the city its name.
Is Truro worth visiting?
While most visitors to Cornwall concentrate on the coastal area, and their beautiful beaches, it would be a shame to miss out on Truro, the district's only city. Just a short distance from the coast, and with a population of only 20,000, it's a compact city, which can be easily explored on foot, and in less than a day, making it a good option for those times when your Cornish holiday is interrupted by inclement weather. Truro is also one of the best places to shop in Cornwall, offering a wide selection of high street brands, independent boutiques, and traditional markets.
