Truro – a name derived from the Cornish term ‘Tri-veru’, meaning ‘three rivers’ – is Cornwall’s only city. It acts as a hub for the county and boasts some of its best dining and leisure facilities, as well as a selection of fantastic nearby activities and landmarks, so you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Truro. Whenever you come to stay at our Truro hotel, you will be surrounded by the city’s 220 acres, which are part of Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you wish to take in some of the beautiful parks and beaches, explore the local museums and breweries or even make your way around the city’s best shopping, food and drink establishments, you will find it all in our handy guide on the best things to do in Truro.
Things to do in Truro
Places to eat
Surrounded by sea, Cornwall is renowned for its exceptional seafood restaurants. However, it is not just seafood that draws foodies into Truro, with a selection of great eateries serving up food from all over the world. Check out our pick of the best restaurants and cafés in the city.
Nightlife
Attracting holidaymakers year-round, Truro is known for its nightlife scene which offers a diverse mix of contemporary bars and clubs, as well as traditional pubs. From real ales to fine wines, cocktails to superb spirits, whatever your tipple, you will find it in Truro.
Theatre
Until recently, the place to go for great theatre in Truro was Hall for Cornwall, a large auditorium that has played host to countless West End musicals, operas and ballets. However, with the venue now closed until 2020 as it undergoes a £20m renovation, it is time for the smaller, independent theatres in the city to step up to the plate.
One of those doing so is The Burrell Theatre on Trennick Lane. With a seated capacity of 200, this intimate venue hosts a wide range of theatre productions. It tends to be hired by amateur and professional theatre groups, who turn up and wow the locals and visiting audiences.
Across the Truro river on Redannick Lane is Redannick Theatre. Its modest outside appearance is explained by the fact that it is usually only used as a rehearsal spot for the Truro Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society. However, the group occasionally puts on a show on Redannick Lane, and if they are doing so during your visit, it is well worth picking up some tickets.
Getting Around
Getting around Truro is easy. If you don’t drive, you can make use of the city’s excellent transport links. Truro Railway Station on Station Road has three platforms and is part of the Cornish Main Line. You can catch a train to other Cornwall towns or travel to other stations which connect to the rest of the UK.
Truro Bus Station on Green Street is the best place to catch a bus around the city and surrounding areas. You can save money on tickets by purchasing a daily or weekly ticket.
If you are flying to Newquay Airport, Truro is around a 30-minute drive away. If you would prefer to find a closer hotel before heading down to Truro the next day, check out our Newquay (Quintrell Downs) hotel.