Truro Travel Guide

Discover the top places to visit in Truro, famous for its cultural and natural attractions. Plan your trip with our guide to the best hiking/biking routes, activities and tours, local food and drink scene, souvenirs and gifts, culture and customs of Truro, and travel logistics.


Introduction to Truro

Truro is a beautiful cathedral city located in the county of Cornwall, in the West Country region of England, United Kingdom. Truro is well-known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque streets, Gothic stone buildings, and independent shops, along with the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline, rolling countryside, and tranquil riverside trails. Whether you’re interested in learning about its past, enjoying outdoor adventures, or indulging in its local cuisine, Truro has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Truro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Truro Cathedral: A magnificent 19th-century Gothic Revival cathedral, famous for its soaring spires and stunning stained glass windows.
  • Royal Cornwall Museum: One of the finest museums in the region, featuring exhibitions on Cornwall’s history, culture, and natural sciences.
  • Trelissick: A National Trust property and one of Cornwall’s grandest country estates, set among extensive gardens and with fantastic views over the Fal River.

Natural Attractions of Truro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • South West Coast Path: A spectacular 630-mile walking trail, winding along the coast from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, passing through Truro and showcasing some of the most breathtaking views in the area.
  • The Roseland Peninsula: A picturesque area to the south-east of Truro, dotted with charming fishing villages and hidden coves.
  • The Fal River: A stunning river at the heart of Cornwall, offering the best way to explore the area’s beautiful countryside and coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Truro

  • Bissoe Trail: A popular off-road cycle route, offering an easy and scenic ride from Truro to Falmouth.
  • The Great Flat Lode Trail: A historic mineral tramway that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coast.
  • The Mineral Tramways Heritage Trail: A 35-mile trail that explores the mining heritage of the area, offering the chance to explore historic engine houses, chimney stacks, and even old mine shafts.

Best Things to Do in Truro: Activities and Tours

  • Truro Farmers’ Market: A bustling farmers’ market, held in Lemon Quay, the heart of Truro’s city center every Saturday.
  • Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta: A spectacular maritime festival, held annually in Falmouth Harbour, featuring sailing boats of all sizes.
  • The Eden Project: A world-famous horticultural site and environmental education center, located near St Austell, Cornwall.

Week-Long Itinerary for Truro

Day Activity
1 Explore Truro City: Truro Cathedral, Royal Cornwall Museum
2 Explore Roseland Peninsula: St Mawes Castle, St Just in Roseland Church
3 Visit maritime Falmouth: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth Art Gallery
4 Enjoy the Great Flat Lode Trail: Carn Brea Castle, Wheal Peevor Mine
5 Tour historic tin mines: Poldark Mine, Geevor Tin Mine
6 Try outdoor adventure in Fal River: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, ferry ride
7 Visit Eden Project: explore biomes, attend workshops and events

Food and Drink Scene of Truro

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cornish pasty: A traditional savory pastry, filled with beef, potatoes, and rutabaga.
  • Cream tea: A classic British indulgence that includes scones, clotted cream, jam and tea.
  • Cornish cider: One of Cornwall’s signature drinks, made from locally grown apples in many different flavors.

Local Beverages

  • Skinner’s Brewery: A popular local brewery in Truro, producing a range of traditional ales and craft beers.
  • Cornish Orchards: A family-run business producing a range of award-winning ciders and juices from apples grown in the region.

Where to Stay in Truro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Alverton: A historic Grade II listed hotel, located in a 19th-century mansion house with 51 unique bedrooms.
  • Mannings Hotel and Apartments: A stylish boutique hotel, with 35 contemporary rooms and a lively bar and restaurant.
  • The Old Vicarage: A beautifully restored guesthouse, set in peaceful gardens, with six individually decorated bedrooms and a warm welcome from the hosts.

What to Buy in Truro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cornish Tin: The traditional metal of Cornwall, used for centuries to make jewelry and other decorative items.
  • Clotted cream fudge: A sweet treat that combines the best of Cornwall’s famous dairy and confectionery products.
  • Cornish sea salt: Harvested from the pure and mineral-rich waters around the coast of Cornwall, this sea salt is often used by top chefs around the world.

Local Culture and Customs of Truro

Cornwall has a rich and fascinating history, influenced by its unique location on the coast of Britain and strong Celtic heritage. The Cornish language, recognized as a minority language under the UK’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, is still spoken in some areas and is celebrated by local festivals and groups. Cornish mining, fishing, and farming are important industries, and many local traditions center around these activities. Visitors to Cornwall can expect to encounter a warm welcome, a strong sense of community, and plenty of opportunities to learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Truro

The best time of year to visit Truro is typically during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is at its warmest and sunniest. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. Spring and autumn can also be lovely times to visit, with fewer tourists and vibrant scenery as wildflowers and autumnal leaves create beautiful landscapes all around the county. Winters in Cornwall may be mild, but they are often very rainy, so it might not be the best time for outdoor adventures or beach activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Truro

Do:

  • Try a pasty and cream tea - these local delicacies should be on every visitor’s list.
  • Take a scenic cruise on the Fal River to see the sights from a different perspective.
  • Respect the natural environment and follow the countryside code when exploring outdoor areas.

Don’t:

  • Assume that everyone in Cornwall speaks with a West Country accent.
  • Forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella – even in the summer, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the possibility of rain.
  • Litter or damage any of the local natural or historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Truro

Truro is a safe and welcoming place to visit for the most part. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take the usual precautions when out and about, especially at night. It’s always a good idea to lock valuables away safely when not in use.

Health in Truro

Truro has several medical practices and emergency services available for any visitors who may become unwell or suffer an injury during their stay. Visitors should also take precautions against the sun and heat, stay hydrated and use a high-factor sunscreen, especially during the summer months.

Getting to Truro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Truro

The nearest airports to Truro are Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) and Exeter International Airport (EXT), which offer a range of domestic and international flights connecting Truro with the rest of the UK and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Truro

Truro Bus Station is the main intercity bus hub, with regular services to cities including London, Bristol, and Plymouth. Local buses also operate within the city.

Other Options

Truro is easily accessible by car, with the A390 road passing through the city, linking it with other major cities in Devon and Cornwall. National Rail services also run regularly to Truro’s central train station, with routes to London Paddington, Bristol, and other destinations.

How to Get Around in Truro

Truro is a fairly small city and can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. There are also several taxi and private hire companies in the area, offering transport services to visitors. Local buses run to the surrounding areas and towns, and a ferry service operates on the Fal River, providing a unique way to see the region’s stunning scenery from the water.

Where to Go Next from Truro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • St. Ives: A seaside town known for its galleries, art, and beautiful coastline.
  • Newquay: A popular surfing destination with a lively nightlife and a range of tourist attractions.
  • The Lost Gardens of Heligan: A stunning botanical garden located near Mevagissey, Cornwall, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Conclusion

Truro is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the best that Cornwall has to offer. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and friendly locals, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or just a relaxing break, Truro has something for everyone.

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