How to Spend a Weekend in Truro?

September 18th, 2023

Hiding away in the Cornish countryside is Truro, a bustling little city with backdrops of memorable architecture and cosy, narrow streets. If you only have time for a short break with your partner, you will want to get the most out of your time together. Truro is a fantastic destination to spend a weekend getaway full of adventure and life.

Where is Truro?

Truro is ideally situated in Western Cornwall on the tip of South-West England. It is the only city in the county, making it a special place to visit.

Where to Stay in Truro?

The luxury Cornish cottages at The Valley are ideal for a weekend stay in Truro. Our cottages are in a gorgeous gated woodland ten minutes from the city centre, offering excellent links to the surrounding areas. Ideally situated to visit beaches on Cornwall’s north and south coast, you’ll undoubtedly need this guide to help narrow down where to go!

Why Should I Have a City Break in Truro?

Truro is a tiny city close to many natural wonders, unlike many other city breaks. You can escape to the tranquillity of the local beaches and woodlands at a moment’s notice! With a rich history, the city has a magical feel, helped by its impressive architecture. With plenty to see and do, the city is also great for shopping and dining, with an abundant mix of quaintly unique spots and high-street names to explore.

Things To Do On a Weekend in Truro

Truro and the surrounding area boast an endless supply of fascinating features, exciting experiences and things to do and see, all within the beautiful Cornish landscape. Here’s how you can spend a weekend break in Truro.

1. Visit the Beaches Near Truro

The beaches in Cornwall are undeniably one of the biggest draws for visitors. With almost 300 miles of coastline, there are certainly plenty to choose from, and many are only a short drive away from Truro.

One of the best beaches near Truro is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets, Carne Beach. This secluded bay is looked after by the National Trust and is situated in the heart of the stunning Roseland Peninsula.

Carne is a great all-round beach, perfect for a seaside stroll, sunbathing, or exploring the rock pools. As well as being a great family beach, it welcomes dogs year-round, so if you’re bringing your pup along for the holiday, they can have fun at the beach, too!

Carne Beach is a little more isolated than Cornwall’s neighbouring beaches, so if you’re looking for a tranquil place to go, even in peak times, you should consider relaxing here. With ice cream vans regularly serving this sunny spot, too, you can cool down with a taste of Cornwall’s finest cream.

If you’d like to know more and adventure around Truro’s other stunning beaches, many of which are dog-friendly, our guide below can help.

2. Shopping in Truro

Truro’s streets, lined with stunning Georgian architecture, invite you to explore the area’s history, leading you to the famous Lemon Street Market, where you will find an assortment of independent shops and galleries.

More shops can be found on Lemon Quay, and unlike many cities, there is a healthy mix of nationally-known stores as well as a varied range of independent boutiques and stores selling jewellery, clothing and other delights. These qualities crown Truro as one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences in the South West!

3. Visit Truro’s Historic City Centre

Aside from the shopping, Truro’s City Centre is home to some fantastic attractions, such as the stunning Truro Cathedral, a must-see for those visiting the area. The impressive landmark has some beautiful stained-glass windows; if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the organ played.

Another point of historical interest is the Royal Cornwall Museum, which is also found in the town centre. Having been established 200 years ago, the museum is filled with thousands of interesting objects from around Cornwall and the rest of the world. The museum is also home to some of the finest art exhibits in the county, so there will be something to keep everyone entertained.

4. Book a Guided Walking Tour of the City

Taking a guided walking tour of the city is an excellent way to ensure you don’t miss the best parts. Walking tours usually cost around £7.50 per person, and you’ll be guided around by a local, so you can relax and take it all in without having to think about where you’re going next or follow Google Maps.

If there are no places left, or you’d prefer to guide yourself around the city instead, you can pick up a useful, self-guided map, ‘Little City – Big History’ from the information centre on Boscawen Street.

5. Rivers in Truro

The name ‘Truro’ is said to have originated from the Cornish word ‘Tri-veru’, which means three rivers, so it’s no surprise that rivers play a big part in the city. The three rivers in Truro are the Allen, the Kenwyn and the River Truro, which flows into the River Fal.

As well as some beautiful riverside walks, there are many opportunities to hop on a boat for a trip down the river. Here, you can enjoy the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and spot some of the local Cornish wildlife.

If you go down to the River Fal, you are bound to spot an abundance of marine life, including dolphins, seals, porpoises and sunfish, as well as seabirds such as cormorants, gannets and guillemot, making it a haven for animal lovers!

Image credit Colin21958 under CC BY-SA 4.0

6. Gardens in Truro

The warmer climate and seaside location make Cornwall an ideal place for gardens, and some of the most luscious lands can be found near Truro.

One of the closest gardens to Truro is Trelissick, which sits at the head of the Fal Estuary. As a National Trust estate, the grounds are kept in excellent condition, and you’ll see a fantastic assortment of plants year-round, making it the perfect place for a picnic.

Garden lovers will be spoiled for choice, as Trebah Garden, Glendurgan Garden and The Lost Gardens of Heligan are only a short drive away from Truro. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise, with your city break in Truro starting to feel like an exotic island vacation!

7. Attractions Near Truro

In Truro and the surrounding towns, there are plenty of places to visit. You will find Healey’s Cyder Farm in the countryside, which is a great day out for adults and kids alike. The award-winning farm lets you explore the grounds on a tractor ride and see all of the animals that live on the farm, including Shetland Ponies, Cornish Black pigs and Pygmy goats.

Then, tour the distillery before sampling a sip of the unique cider!

There is plenty to see and do over in the neighbouring town, Falmouth, with the impressive Pendennis Castle proving a must-see for history fans. The castle, originally Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, has a rich history, so the interactive exhibitions are fascinating and fun.

8. Where to Eat in Truro?

Let’s not skip the most important part! After a long day of exploring, you deserve to indulge in Truro’s variety of delicious eateries. You can’t come to Cornwall without trying a good portion of fish and chips or a traditional Cornish pasty!

Did you know that a pasty can only be considered ‘Cornish’ if prepared in Cornwall? That means you must be in the county for the best experience of a freshly baked bite of heaven. As the trademark foods of the county, you’ll be spotting chippies and pasty shops at every turn.

For fans of burgers, head to HUBBOX or Sam’s in the City, where you can also sample some of the seafood offerings from Cornwall’s latest catches!

With the sea providing an excellent source for delicious meals, there are hundreds of incredible Foodie Spots in Truro for an evening meal.

If you’re staying with us at The Valley, then join us for dinner at Azura Restaurant & Bar, where delicious dishes are served to suit all dietary needs, with a regularly changing menu to reflect the seasonal local produce available.

For more inspiration for your Cornish adventure, check out our ultimate guide to Truro.

Feature image by Tim Green under CC BY 2.0

18 Things to Do in Cornwall in 2018

May 02nd, 2018

Somehow we’re now in the fifth month of the year, so now may be the perfect time to look back on your 2018 bucket list and think of what you still have left to do! With summer fast approaching, we’re re-sharing our top 18 things to do in Cornwall in 2018, in the hopes that it will inspire you to come and visit us here in the most beautiful coastal county! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday to Cornwall, short breaks for two, or a luxury trip away with friends, there’s something for everyone:

 

1. Minack Theatre

A stage like no other, the Minack is an open air theatre nestled into the cliff tops in Porthcurno. With breathtaking views of the surrounding bay, you’ll be in awe as you make your way down the staggered seating steps, carved into the granite cliffs. With performances running from May to September, it’s certainly a must see.

2. Surf Lesson

Cornwall is one of the top surfing destinations in the world, so if you’re heading to the county for your holiday, remember to bring a wetsuit and try and catch some waves. If you don’t know how yet, then it’s time to get a lesson. While there are surf schools all along the coast, by far the greatest surfing spot is on Fistral beach, where all of the top surfing competitions take place in the UK.

3. Walk the Coast Path

Obviously it’s too ambitious to attempt the whole 300 mile stretch at once, but there are plenty of different walks available around the county. Get a map of Cornwall and mark off which paths you’ve walked as you do them. Maybe by the end of the year, your map will be complete!

4. Bude Sea Pool

Want the natural feel of swimming in the sea without as many risks? Try the Sea Pool in Bude. The free to use pool is semi-natural, built in the 1930s underneath the cliffs to form the experience of being in the sea, without having to face the ferocity of the waves.

5. Take Part in a Feast Night at The Hidden Hut

By day a quaint sea-side lunch spot, by night (on selected evenings), a rustic open-air feast extraganza. Buy a ticket and bring your own plate to receive a serving of the best local produce cooked outdoors on their wood-fire, charcoal grill or massive paella pans. Previous offerings have included wood-fired seafood paella, lobster & chips, slow-roasted lamb, and pulled pork with sticky ribs.

6. Experience the Waterfalls at St Nectans Glen

St. Nectan’s Glen is home to three truly spectacular waterfalls. The most famous of these is the magical St. Nectan’s Kieve, where the river has worn it’s way through the slate, creating a fascinating hole which has transformed the river into a magnificent 50 foot waterfall! Walkways through the stunning woodland take you to a further two waterfalls, one of which is a hidden gem, only recently discovered and opened to the public!

7. St. Michael’s Mount

It is one of the most famous landmarks in Cornwall for a reason. From the island you can experience the picturesque panoramic views of the bay, and to Land’s End. While you’re there, explore the spectacular castle and the luscious gardens, as well as the stunning harbour.

8. Bodmin Jail

Discover the history of this 18th Century jail with thrilling tours and activities. If you’re brave, there are after dark activities, like taking part in the night time ghost walks. If that’s not enough spookiness for you, every Thursday a scary movie is screened in the jail, followed by a tour through the historic building accompanied by a Medium.

9. Tate St. Ives

A gallery space featuring work by modern British artists with links to St. Ives. As part of the Tate art institution, the collection here is impressive and exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to see.

 

10. Barbara Hepworth

Another spot in St. Ives for those interested in art, the Barbara Hepworth museum, set within the sculptor and artists home and gardens, is a stunning sight that absolutely must feature on your Cornwall bucket list. This is perfect for garden lovers too, as you will quickly see where Hepworth gained her inspiration as you stroll through the gardens accompanying her studio.

11. Camel Valley Vineyard

Is there a better way to spend an afternoon in the sun than at an award-winning vineyard that serves up top-quality wines? With guided tours and wine tasting sessions, you’ll learn all about the grape growing and winery processes, with the added bonus of a refreshing glass of red, white or bubbly!

12. Rick Stein Cookery Course

Pick up some top tips and hone your kitchen skills with the very best. With daytime courses running for a wide variety of cuisines, from shellfish to Indian Curry and from Italian to Far Eastern dishes, there’s certainly something for everyone to enjoy! Alternatively, if you just fancy a treat on your holiday, then grab a delicious portion of fish and chips from Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips in Padstow.

13. Eat a Proper Cornish Pasty

Yes, you can get a pasty from pretty much any bakery around the country. But will it be as good as a traditional Cornish bake, fresh out of the oven? No!

14. Visit the Eden Project

Home to the largest indoor rainforest, this will be an educational day out like never before. For an even more intensive experience, or for something new for repeat visitors; head up high and soar over the biomes on the 60mph SkyWire!

15. Visit Land’s End

With stunning views and an incredible coastline, Land’s End is the perfect spot to roam the cliff tops. Take your camera to keep some memories of the picturesque scenery on display. Looking into the sea surrounding you, it’s even possible to catch a glimpse of exciting marine life, such as seals, dolphins and even basking sharks!

16. Catch Your Own Supper

Being a coastal county, with almost every area surrounded by water, it is no surprise that fishing and sea food make up a major part of the Cornish life. Why not join in on a fishing trip at any of Cornwall’s harbours and reel in a bite for dinner?

17. Visit a National Trust Property

The National Trust currently manages and maintains over 40% of the Cornish coastline, but they also tend to a large number of the finest properties in Cornwall. There are so many to choose from, including the stunning Cotehele House and Lanhydrock House.

18. Explore the Cornish Mining Heritage

Cornwall is renowned for its mining heritage, with many sites to visit, explore and learn about throughout the county. From Poldark Mine, featuring a museum and tour to the Levant Mine, near Land’s End, which houses the oldest beam engine in Cornwall; now in full working order having been restored in recent years.

 

Which of these things would you like to try? Let us know which feature on your 2018 bucket list, or if there any attractions in Cornwall that you are planning to visit that we haven’t included!