Truro: Things to Do in Cornwall's Only City
Truro is Cornwall's only city and its shopping and cultural centre: a compact, walkable place with a soaring Gothic cathedral, elegant Georgian streets, a good museum, independent shops and a river that leads all the way to Falmouth.
Top things to do in Truro
- Truro Cathedral: built between 1880 and 1910, it was the first cathedral built on a new site in England since Salisbury in the 13th century. Its three spires dominate the skyline, and the inside is light, lofty and free to visit (donations welcome).
- The Royal Cornwall Museum covers Cornish history, minerals, art and archaeology, and makes a good wet-weather option.
- Lemon Street is one of the finest Georgian streets in the south west, lined with elegant granite townhouses.
- Shop independent. The lanes and arcades around the cathedral are full of independent shops and cafés, and there's a regular farmers' market on Lemon Quay.
- Hall for Cornwall, on the main square, is the county's biggest theatre, with touring shows, music and comedy.
Take the river to Falmouth
When the tide allows, passenger boats run down the Truro River and the Fal to Falmouth and St Mawes, passing wooded creeks and big ships laid up in the deep water. At low tide, boats leave from Malpas, just downriver. A boat one way and a train back on the branch line makes a lovely day out. Nearby, the National Trust's Trelissick estate has gardens and walks overlooking the river, and the King Harry Ferry, one of England's few chain ferries, is a shortcut to the Roseland.
Places in this guide
Where to eat and drink
The Old Ale House on Quay Street is Truro's classic real-ale pub, with up to eight changing ales, live music and free monkey nuts (the shells go on the floor). It doesn't serve food, but you're welcome to bring your own. The city centre has the widest choice of restaurants and cafés in Cornwall.
- The Old Ale House, Quay Street, Truro
- The Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek, near Mylor
Getting there and parking
- By train: Truro is on the main line, and it's where the Maritime Line branch to Falmouth starts.
- By car: use the park and ride sites on the edge of the city rather than driving in, especially on Saturdays.
Truro is a great car-free base. See our guide to visiting Cornwall without a car.
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