Where to Stay & Things To Do in and around Truro, Cornwall

Truro is Cornwall’s capital city, and my hometown!

I feel like because it’s not a seaside town, Truro often gets overlooked when people are thinking of visiting Cornwall, but this Cornish town (technically city, but we all call it a town!) has so much to offer. I know I’m probably a bit biased, as I grew up here and currently live on the outskirts, but after spending more times in and around town recently I’ve definitely fallen more in love with it.

Why stay in Truro?

The best thing about Truro is how central it is, which means it’s a great base for getting to all of the best spots in Cornwall and easy access to both sides of the coast to get to the beautiful Cornish ocean. All the main transport links go from here; loads of bus routes for around the county operate from the bus station here, and plenty of trains (including a direct 4hr train to London) from Truro station.

The town has a great mix of chain and independent shops and restaurants and plenty of things to do (as you’ll see below) – many of which you don’t need a car/bus/train to get to at all. But, if you do want to leave, the nearest beaches are only 20 minutes away.

Where to stay in & around Truro

The Valley in Carnon Downs

This 5* Gold luxury holiday village is located just a 10 minute drive (or easy bus trip) from the centre of Truro, perfect if you’re looking for a tranquil countryside base but quick access to a town with some buzz as well.

The site has 46 luxury stone-built self catered cottages, two swimming pools, a bar/seasonal restaurant, games room, and tennis & squash courts, and again this central location is fantastic for getting to various other popular areas of the county and both coasts. They’re family friendly and have dog friendly cottages too!

I have a full review of The Valley here, or you can take a look at their website: https://www.thevalleycornwall.co.uk/

The Alverton Hotel

The Alverton is a Grade II listed four-star silver manor hotel at the edge of Truro city, just a 5 minute walk to the centre. The rooms feel luxurious and elegant, and it also boasts a two AA rosette-awarded restaurant with delicious food and cocktails as well.

The hotel often runs events such as Summer BBQ sessions on their terrace with live music, and with plenty of bars things to do within walking distance, this is a great choice for couples wanting a special yet central stay.

Read my full review of The Alverton here or you can visit their website: https://thealverton.co.uk/

Things to do in Truro

A few suggestions for things to do within walking distance of Truro without needing transport:

• Wander around the independent shops & markets
  There are regular weekend markets on the piazza with local makers, plus lots of cute shops to discover
• Visit Boscawen Park or Victoria Gardens
  Boscawen has a great kids play area, and a large duck pond opposite. Or for a peaceful wander, try Victoria Gardens. 
• Hop between independent coffee shops
  I have a full list of my favourite cafes and coffee shops in Truro here.
• Feel the adrenaline in a Eureka Escape room
  This is a great rainy day activity! If you’ve never done an escape room before I can highly recommend it as it’s so much fun (for all ages, because you can make it as hard or as easy as you like by requesting clues – or not!).
• Walk along the river to Malpas
  You can walk from Boscawen Park to a little hamlet called Malpas which is home to one of my favourite pubs – the Heron Inn!
• Watch a movie at the cinema
• Truro Plaza has several screens showing the latest movie releases.
  

• Take a cookery class at Truro School Cookery
  From knife skills to bread making, check out the cookery school website for more inspiration. 
• Go bowling at Truro Bowl
  8 lanes and right in town, I do love an occasional bowling session with friends here!
• Explore Truro cathedral
  This gothic cathedral is the heart of Truro, so you can’t miss it!

Things to do near Truro

Some recommendations for things to do within a 10 minute drive or bus journey of Truro centre:

• Visit Trelissick Gardens
  This National Trust property has a beautiful house & gardens to wander around, or park up and take the dogs for a walk in the surrounding estate!
• Walk around Idless Woods
  Idless Woods is a great 5km trail (with shortcuts) that’s dog friendly and a great way to get outdoors just a 5 minute drive from Truro centre.
• Cycle the Bissoe Trail
  You can easily hire bikes and explore this well known Cornish cycle trail for the day.
• Kayak off Loe Beach
  Loe beach is a small river beach and the closest to Truro centre. Here you can find a cafe and watersports centre to hire kayaks from!
• Explore Truro River & Tresillian
  There are lots of riverside walks to be discovered around Truro river (eg. around Kea, Malpas, St Clements etc.) all the way up to Tresillian.

*I have previously worked with both of the accommodation options, and several of the ‘things to do’ companies in this post, on creating sponsored content in exchange for complimentary stays/experiences, but I am not obligated to write this post.