If you’re looking for the best things to do in Truro, Cornwall’s only cathedral city, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been visiting Cornwall for over 30 years and will share the top spots to visit in Truro and the surrounding areas.
Truro is Cornwall’s county town and the only city in the region. Unlike London, it has a provincial feel with a population of just 21,000 people. Despite its small size, there’s plenty to explore, from shopping and dining to museums, stately homes, gardens, and nature trails.
The city is centrally located, making it easy to reach other top attractions, seaside resorts, and beaches in Cornwall using public transport. Let’s dive in and discover the best Truro tourist attractions.
In Truro, you’ll find a good mix of activities, including brewery and cider tours, historic buildings, tranquil gardens, and outdoor adventures. Here are the top picks:
1. Walking Tours: One of the best ways for first-time visitors to get to know Truro is by taking a walking tour. Visit Truro offers three 90-minute tours: the History of Truro on Mondays, the Big History Little City on Wednesdays, and the Characters of Truro on Fridays. Tours start from the Visitor Information Center on Boscawen Street, and tickets cost £7.50.
2. Truro Cathedral: Visit the beautiful gothic revival Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Built between 1890 and 1910, it’s the only cathedral in Truro. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. There’s a gift shop and a restaurant on-site.
3. Cornish Pasty Making: Learn to make a traditional Cornish pasty at a cooking school in the picturesque village of Philleigh, less than 10 miles from Truro. The session lasts 2.5 hours, and you’ll also get to enjoy a cream tea with freshly baked scones.
4. Skinner’s Brewery: The Old Ale House, home of Skinner’s Brewery taproom, is a great spot for beer lovers. They offer a wide selection of craft beers and host regular tasting events, workshops, and tutorials. Open daily with varying hours.
5. Healey’s Cyder Farm: For cider enthusiasts, a visit to Healey’s Cyder Farm is a must. You can taste over 60 different ciders, juices, wines, and more. Day tickets cost £16.00 for adults and £8.00 for children, with a 20% discount for online bookings.
6. The Royal Cornwall Museum: This museum houses exhibitions from the Bronze Age to the present day, including a collection of minerals related to Cornwall’s mining history and an Egyptian mummy. Tickets cost £7.50, and it’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
7. Victoria Gardens: A hidden gem dating back to 1893, Victoria Gardens boasts beautiful trees, exotic plants, and weekly summer music performances. It’s open daily from 8:00 am to dusk and is free to enter.
8. Player Ready VR: For a unique experience, visit Player Ready for virtual reality gaming. Prices start at £5.00 for ten minutes or £20.00 per hour. It’s open Monday to Friday from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
9. Loe Beach: Just under 6 miles from Truro, this shingle/pebble beach is great for kayaking and paddle boarding. Equipment hire starts at £15.00 per hour, and lessons begin at £35.00 for two hours.
10. Boscowan Park: This riverside park features parkland, a playground, tennis courts, and a football pitch. It’s open 24/7, and tennis courts can be booked for £7.00 per hour.
If you’re exploring the area, consider taking a paddle boarding class in St. Austell Bay or a seafaring kayak trip around Fowey. Falmouth is another nearby town worth visiting for its maritime attractions and lively atmosphere.
Perranporth is a great surfing beach less than 10 miles from Truro, with golden sands and plenty of surf shops. The Eden Project, an impressive tropical garden within biodomes, is 18 miles away and costs £32.50 for adults and £11.00 for children. It’s open daily from 9:15 am to 6:00 pm.
To make the most of your visit:
– Start with a walking tour of Truro.
– Visit the Cathedral, Royal Cornwall Museum, and Victoria Gardens.
– Enjoy meals at local eateries like Bread and Butter Truro and the Rising Sun Pub.
– Spend days exploring local beaches, trying water sports, or taking a pasty-making course.
– Visit nearby towns like Falmouth and Penzance, and don’t miss the Eden Project.
Staying in Truro offers you various neighborhood options:
– City Center: Ideal for first-timers, with everything within walking distance.
– Trellander: A quieter area still close to attractions.
– Suburbs: Within a ten-minute walk to the city center, offering a cozy stay.
For dining:
– Penrose Kitchen: Perfect for a romantic meal with local produce.
– The Cornish Vegan: Offers a variety of international vegan dishes.
– The Rising Sun: A homely pub with fresh seafood.
Truro is known for its gothic cathedral, shopping, eateries, and central location ideal for exploring Cornwall. Summer is the best time to visit to enjoy beaches and nature. There are indoor activities for rainy days, and the Lemon Street Market is a great shopping spot.
In summary, Truro offers a relaxed ambiance compared to larger cities, making it a great base for a Cornwall trip.
