A Guide to Nightlife in Truro

October 23rd, 2023

After a long day of exploring Cornwall’s beautiful coast, the charming town of Truro transforms into a hub of excitement and entertainment, offering a diverse and adventurous nightlife scene. Whether you’re a local seeking a new spot or on holiday looking to experience the town’s after-dark charm, there’s something for everyone.

Here at The Valley, our holiday village provides the perfect destination for groups of friends and families to stay with our range of holiday cottages – ideally located to experience the heart of Truro’s nightlife escapades.

Does Truro Have a Nightlife Scene?

Truro is known for its historical significance, appealing shopping scene, stunning beaches, and feastful food markets – which you can find out more about in our previous blog, How to Spend a Weekend in Truro. But don’t let its traditional charm fool you, as Truro has a thriving night scene waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re looking for a casual evening in the pub, a night of dancing in a trendy club, or to sit back and relax to some live music, Truro has it all!

In this guide, we’ll explore the array of nighttime activities you can enjoy after the sun sets.

People dancing in a club with flashing lights

Things To Do in Truro in The Evening

During the evening, there are a variety of activities to enjoy. If you’re looking for something leisurely, you could immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of local Cornish musicians at intimate venues, watch a theatre performance, visit the Truro Cathedral at night, adventure to the nearest beach for some stargazing, or indulge in a late-night viewing at one of Truro’s art galleries – such as the ethereal ‘Gaia by Night’ tour. And, if you’re in the mood for some cinematic magic, head to The Plaza for a delightful evening film.

On the flip side, if you’re seeking something more lively, let loose and dance the night away at some of Truro’s best nightclubs or initiate an exciting pub crawl across the city. If you’re feeling brave, why not embark on a frightening evening ghost tour?

Truro is also home to some of the best foodie spots, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. You’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re seeking a delightful evening meal.

best foodie spots in truro

The Best Pubs in Truro at Night

The William IV Pub
The Old Ale House
The Rising Sun
The Tapyward Riverside

The Top Bars and Nightclubs in Truro

Bunters Bar
The Office Nightclub
Roco’s Gin & Retro Bar
Red Elephant Beer Cellar

The Best Theatres in Truro

The Plaza Cinema, Truro
Hall for Cornwall
Burrell Theatre

The Best Pubs in Truro at Night

pint and a glass of wine on a pub table in front of a wood burner

Here are our recommendations for the best pubs in Truro for a hearty evening meal, late-night drinks or some entertaining live music:

The William IV Pub

Opening times: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 11 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am – Midnight
Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm
Location: The William IV Pub, Kenwyn Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3DJ

The William IV Pub is a dog-friendly, traditionally decorated pub with a modern twist, located in the heart of the city, serving an excellent selection of locally sourced food as well as a range of fine Cornish ales, on-draught beers and a refreshing glass of wine.

It features a comforting wood burner, an award-winning beer garden, an outdoor TV, and often hosts live music events with a lively, entertaining atmosphere.

The Old Ale House

Opening times: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 11 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am – Midnight
Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm
Location: The Old Ale House, 7 Quay St, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2HD

Simply the best live music scene in Truro, this is the perfect place to listen to some of Cornwall’s talent with jam nights every Monday, acoustic sessions, and folk sessions – for a real Kernow experience.

The Old Ale House also presents comedy nights and quiz nights to enjoy whilst sipping on a pint of locally made Cornish ale, beer, cider, or speciality seasonal release. But that’s not all! If you’re a fan of spirits or soft drinks, you’re in luck, as this is the most-stocked pub in Cornwall.

The Rising Sun

Opening times: Tuesday – Thursday 3 pm – 11:30 pm
Friday – Saturday 11:30 pm – Midnight
Sunday 12 pm – 11 pm
Location: Rising Sun, The, Mitchell Hill, Truro TR1 1E

More of an intimate gastropub setting, you’ll find an award-winning menu and a great selection of beverages, along with a dog-friendly area for your four-legged friends – and a dog-free area for those who’d prefer. Food is stopped around 9:30 pm and earlier on Sundays, so it’s best to call the pub directly to check availability.

The Tapyward Riverside

Opening times: Tuesday – Wednesday – 12 pm – 9 pm
Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 7 pm
Location: The Tapyard Riverside, Skinners Brewery, Newham Rd, Truro, TR1 2DP

This exciting taproom is run by the Goodh Brewing Co, where you can enjoy a large selection of locally brewed Goodh modern and classic artisan beers, Skinners Beers, and guest taps by Truro’s scenic riverside – as well as great food in a relaxed, cool atmosphere.

The Top Bars and Nightclubs in Truro

People dancing in a nightclub with green lights

If you want to experience the best nightlife Truro has to offer, here are some of the best nightclubs:

Bunters Bar

Opening times: Monday – Thursday 11  am – 11:30 pm
Friday 11  am – 1 am
Saturday 10:30  am – 1 am
Sunday 12 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Bunters Bar, Little Castle Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3DL

Playing some of Cornwall’s best live bands and supporting acts, with many rock and SKA covers, Bunters Bar’s main room is the place to let go and dance away the night every Friday from 9 pm. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll find all the best televised sporting action from Sky Sports and more. What better way to enjoy a good football or rugby match?

The Office Nightclub

Opening times: Friday – Saturday 10:30 pm – Late
Location: The Office Nightclub, 16a St Mary’s St, Truro TR1 2AF

The Office Nightclub features excellent cocktails, VIP booths, and the hottest music of today, the 70s, 80s, and 90s. For a fun night, go all out with DJ sets, a spacious club dancefloor, promotional drink offers, and real club vibes.

Rocco’s Gin & Retro Bar

Opening times: Thursday 5 pm – 10:30  pm
Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 1 am
Location: Rocco’s Gin & Retro Bar, 13 New Bridge St, Truro TR1 2AA

Let loose on Rocco’s chic and stylish dancefloor to some groovy tunes whilst enjoying a refreshing gin cocktail that hits the spot.

Red Elephant Beer Cellar

Opening times: Monday – Thursday 12 pm – 7 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10:30 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Location: Red Elephant Beer Cellar, 14 High Cross, Truro TR1 2AJ

Red Elephant Beer Cellar is a laid-back and relaxed bar offering some of the best-crafted beers, ales, and ciders with a mission to stock as many local breweries as possible. It’s not just about what’s on tap, though, as they also host great events like comedy nights!

The Best Theatres in Truro

Theatre stage and red curtains

We recommend Truro’s best theatres to sit back and be entertained by talented story-telling artists:

The Plaza Cinema, Truro

Location: The Plaza Cinema, Lemon St, Truro TR1 2PN

The Plaza isn’t your typical movie theatre; it features a refurbished art-deco building for an old-fashioned, contrasting feel whilst playing the latest Hollywood blockbusters for an exciting atmosphere.

Hall for Cornwall

Location: Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro TR1 2LL

There’s nothing like the magic of real-time theatre performances. The Hall for Cornwall shows some of the best-trending theatre shows to keep you on the edge of your seat. Indulge in some musical theatre, dramatic plays, musical performances like opera, comedy shows, and many more live events.

Burrell Theatre

Location: Burrell Theatre, Trennick Lane, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TH

Truro’s Burrell Theatre is a hidden gem with an intimate feel. Visit here to watch Cornwall’s local performers and shows put on by Truro School.

Opening times of Truro’s theatres depend on showing times throughout the day, so it’s best to check online or call the box office to find out what’s on.

Fancy experiencing Truro’s nightlife for yourself? Book your perfect Truro holiday today, experience the city’s daytime adventures, and take advantage of the abundance of evening activities.

book your perfect cornwall holiday

Feature image credit: simon_44 under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED