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

How to Spend a Romantic Valentine’s Day in Cornwall

February 12th, 2018

What better way to celebrate your love than to embark on a romantic getaway with luxurious short breaks in Cornwall. Getting a change of scenery and escaping the busy routine of your everyday life can be a great relationship booster and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and even more in love! And speaking of scenery changes, the stunning scenic views in Cornwall are unparalleled, and are sure to enhance your passionate weekend away. Make the most of your time together, and indulge in some of the local treats, with some of the best chefs right on your doorstep. There is an abundance of exciting and romantic activities to enjoy while away, so here are some of our favourites:

 

Afternoon Tea

Scones are a Cornish staple. No trip to the county would be complete without this tasty bite, smothered in strawberry jam and then a generous dollop of Cornish clotted cream added (the Cornish way!).  Indulging in a traditonal cream tea for two is a delightful way to spend the day, and will give you and your partner a chance to relax and have a chat about the things you normally don’t get a chance to.

 

Ice Skating at the Eden Project

Make the most of the last few days of the Eden Project’s ice rink before it says goodbye until next winter. The rink will be removed on the 18th February, giving you enough time to enjoy it for a Valentine’s Day bonding activity. Ice skating is the perfect Valentine’s Day choice as not only is there a hint of romance about the sport, but also most people cannot make it around the rink without having to cling on to their partner, making it an ideal choice for fans of holding hands!!

 

Be in Nature

There’s something about nature that is intrinsically romantic. Whether it is the beautiful blooms or the clear blue skies that make you feel love, getting out and about in nature is a great way to spend your Valentine’s Day. While there are many coastal paths and walking routes showing you the best of Cornwall, there are also some great gardens, such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trelissick Garden, which are fantastic to explore. Plus, most gardens will have a tearoom, so you can enjoy a light lunch together while taking in the delightful views.

 

Spend the Evening in a Cosy Pub

There are plenty of pubs throughout Cornwall, but while things may be heating up for Valentine’s Day, the wintery February weather is still sending chills, so choosing somewhere cosy is key. With a log burner, and comfy leather armchairs to curl up in, The Rising Sun in Truro provides a toasty spot to sit back and snuggle up with a pint.

 

Beach Stroll

With striking coastline surrounding most of the county, there certainly isn’t a shortage of beaches for you to choose from., With stretches of soft golden sand and secret coves to explore, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a romantic stroll. Head to the clifftops to watch the sun set (or rise, if you’re into early mornings), and take in those incredible panoramic views. For a bit of quiet, look for the hidden coves and secret beaches for a more intimate experience.

 

Tintagel Castle

There are plenty of castles and intriguing properties throughout Cornwall, but Tintagel Castle is by far one of the most stunning. Said to be the birth place of King Arthur, there is certainly love and magic in the air at this historic site. Sat on the dramatic Northern coastline, you are sure to be inspired by its beauty.

 

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? Are there any other places in Cornwall which are great to go to for a romantic day? Let us know in the comments!