If you love a bit of retail therapy, Truro is the perfect place to indulge. As Cornwall’s only city, it’s the county’s shopping hub; small enough to explore on foot, but packed with independent boutiques, artisan makers, and all your favourite high street names. Whether you’re after locally made gifts, stylish homeware, or just a good browse and a coffee, Truro has it all.
Explore the Heart of Truro
The city’s main shopping streets, Lemon Quay, Pydar Street, and King Street, are where most visitors start. You’ll find a mix of well-known brands and local gems here, with charming side streets hiding independent treasures. The layout makes Truro ideal for a relaxed day out: plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants all within a short stroll of each other.
Image Credit: Pydar Street, Truro by David Dixon
High Street Favourites
For those who enjoy a familiar shopping experience, Truro has a great mix of popular names. You’ll find Marks & Spencer, Waterstones, Primark, White Stuff, FatFace, and Crew Clothing, alongside The White Company, Hotel Chocolat, TK Maxx and Lush. The Lemon Street Market area also houses stylish home and lifestyle brands, perfect for gifts or a treat for yourself.
Image Credit: Mutney under CC BY 4.0
Independent Boutiques and Local Makers
What makes Truro truly special is its wealth of independent shops. From quirky fashion boutiques to artisan crafts, these are the spots that give the city its charm:
- Uneeka – A local favourite spread across multiple shops, Uneeka offers beautiful handmade furniture, home accessories, gifts, and fair-trade fashion.
- Illustrated Living – A stylish boutique packed with curated homeware, design-led gifts, and locally made prints.
- Trevails – A long-established family-run department store selling clothing and footwear from premium brands.
- Busby and Fox – An independent women’s clothing and lifestyle brand that sells beautiful garments and home décor.
- Bishop Phillpott – A curated collection of beautiful pre-loved designer fashion pieces, ready for their next chapter!
- Truro Farmers Market – Held on Lemon Quay every Wednesday and Saturday, this is the place for local produce, artisan food, and handmade crafts.
Markets and Hidden Gems
Don’t miss the Pannier Market, tucked away off Lemon Quay. It’s a maze of stalls and small stores selling everything from jewellery and clothing to collectables and vintage finds. It’s also home to local cafés and delis, making it a great spot to pause mid-shop.
A short walk away, Lemon Street Market is a hidden gem with a creative, local feel. Inside you’ll find unique homeware, eclectic boutiques and artisan food shops, plus a cafe serving locally sourced treats.
Image Credit: Mutney
Best Cafés for a Mid-Shopping Break in Truro
Between shops, take time to enjoy Truro’s vibrant food scene. The city’s cafés and delis are perfect for a refuel.
- Bread & Butter – A local favourite right in the heart of Truro (River Street). They serve brunch and lunch with a deli-style twist: think fluffy American pancakes, frittata, fresh seasonal salads, sourdough sandwiches, and home-baked cakes.
- Arts Café (Truro Arts Company) – Nestled between the Royal Cornwall Museum and the Art Studios, this café is great for a calm, creative respite. Their menu includes homemade soups, quiches, jacket potatoes, and sandwiches, all made with local produce.
- 108 Coffee House – For top-notch coffee and a laid-back but stylish setting, 108 Coffee on Kenwyn Street is ideal. They serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, with locally roasted beans, cakes, and simple but delicious food made from Cornish ingredients.
- Lily’s of Truro – This is a really cool spot if you want to mix cafe and something a little more adventurous. In the morning, they serve classic breakfast dishes and soufflé pancakes. Then for lunch, there are wraps and jacket potatoes, plus a full menu of Thai treats including curry, noodles and dumplings!
- Flourish Café – A great choice for a brunch that leans toward the wholesome and modern, offering plenty of allergy-friendly options. Their menu includes brunch favourites and tasty cakes. It’s a friendly, relaxed space that works well for both a quick stop or a longer break.
- Lemon Tree Bistro – A bistro on Lemon Street offering fantastic lunch options like flatbreads, steak frites, burgers and salads.
Image Credit: Tony Atkin / Multi-storey Car Park, Truro / CC BY-SA 2.0
Where to Park in Truro for Shopping
Parking in Truro is generally straightforward, with several well-located car parks just a short walk from the main shopping streets. Whether you’re planning a quick browse or a full day of retail therapy, there are options to suit every visit, from central short-stay spots to convenient park and ride services on the city’s outskirts.
High Cross Car Park (NCP)
Located on St Clement Street (TR1 1DQ), High Cross is one of the most central and convenient options for shoppers. Just steps from Truro Cathedral and the main retail streets, it’s ideal for those planning a few hours or a full day in the city. The multi-storey has around 445 spaces and operates 24 hours a day, with pay-and-display or app payment options.
Lemon Quay Car Park
Found on Fairmantle Street (TR1 2EG), Lemon Quay Car Park is another excellent choice, especially if you’re heading to Lemon Quay Market or browsing the shops nearby, as the car park has access into the Marks & Spencer store. It’s a long-stay, multi-storey option perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and lunch in the city centre.
Old Bridge Street Car Park
For shorter visits, Old Bridge Street (TR1 2AH) offers a smaller, short-stay car park just off the main streets. It’s a great pick for quick errands, light shopping trips, or a coffee stop in town. Spaces are limited, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Truro Park & Ride – Langarth and Tregurra
If you’re visiting from outside the city or want to avoid the busier car parks, Truro’s Park & Ride service is a great alternative. There are two sites: Langarth (to the west, TR4 9AN) and Tregurra (to the east, TR1 1RH). Simply park and take the frequent bus service into the centre, it’s easy, affordable, and avoids the hassle of finding a space.
Make a Day of It
Truro is compact, walkable, and full of charm. You can easily spend a day browsing, lunching, and exploring, and still have time to pop into Truro Cathedral, stroll along Victoria Gardens, or catch a show at the Hall for Cornwall before heading home.
Whether you’re a serious shopper or just love a good browse, Truro’s mix of independent spirit and city energy makes it one of the best shopping spots in Cornwall.
If you’re thinking of exploring the shops in Truro, then The Valley holiday cottages in Truro, Cornwall, offer the perfect base for your shopping spree in Truro and adventures around Cornwall! There are also plenty of other great places in Cornwall to go shopping for unique items:
Feature Image Credit: Pydar Street, Truro by Ian S