Rediscovering Truro City as a Local in Cornwall

We recently had a bit of a ‘staycation’ in our hometown of Truro, and it made me realise how nice it is to view your local area from the perspective of someone else!

Truro has always been my nearest town growing up – the place I’d go for bowling birthday parties, and shopping trips with friends, and even spent 5 years going to school there! Nowadays Alex and I live about 10 minutes away and visit regularly, although I’m still certain there’s probably corners I’m yet to have explored.

As Cornwall’s capital city, there are plenty of things to do here, and it can be fun to look at your hometown with fresh eyes as if you’re a visitor, which is what we did on our recent stay. So I thought I’d share some ways for locals (or visitors!) to explore:

Where to stay – The Alverton hotel

Sometimes you just need a night away from home to have a break and feel refreshed! Plus it’s a great way to rediscover your local area.

The Alverton is a grade II listed manor hotel on the edge of the city, with stunning gardens and beautiful historical buildings with stone archways, and even its own bell tower! It’s a 5 minute walk into the city centre, making it the perfect place to explore Truro – local or not.

Their rooms feel luxurious and cosy, with a range of classic, courtyard, and suite options to try, plus there’s an AA rosette restaurant on site to serve you a delicious dinner or breakfast.

As a Cornish local, you can take advantage of their amazing ‘Doorstep Escape’ offer which includes a night’s stay with breakfast, plus a cream tea for two, for just £99. An amazing deal I think you’ll agree for a gorgeous hotel like this!

This is what we did when we went to stay the other week; kicking off your night away with tasty scones, clotted cream and jam (jam first of course), is the perfect fuel for exploring the city.

Visit Victoria Gardens

If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to sit and watch the world go by, Victoria Gardens makes for a lovely stroll or spot for a picnic (in summer of course). It’s located nearby the old viaduct, and features pretty shrubs, water features, and an old band stand too. The walk to here also has some great independent shops and cafes.

Discover Truro Cathedral

For something more historic, why not have a walk around Truro’s city landmark – the cathedral! This gothic style cathedral was built in the 1800s, that’s used for regular services today. Walk around, or visit after dark during Truro’s late night shopping this winter.

Wander the local markets (or go late night shopping)

Speaking of shopping, if you like markets, Truro always has plenty to explore! Browse around the permanent indoor Pannier market for anything from pick n mix, to wool and fresh fish, take a wander around the artsy Lemon Street market on your way into town. There’s also the regular weekend markets on the piazza, and late night shopping every Wednesday from 24th November through ’til Christmas, which sees shops opening later and lots of street markets too.

Plus for something more Christmas specific, check out The Alverton’s Christmas craft fair on the 5th December!

Eat lunch at an independent cafe

There are loads of amazing little cafes to explore for a coffee or bite to eat in Truro, and some of my favourites are below:

• Bread & Butter (great for smoothies & pancakes!)
• Cafe Uneeka (delicious sandwiches & cake)
• The Cornish Vegan (amazing vegan food)

… and try dinner in the capital!

In terms of dinner options, we actually ate in The Alverton’s restaurant during our recent stay, as we couldn’t resist the AA rosette menu! It’s easy to add on to your room before you arrive, and just makes it a really cosy evening in.

The Alverton is known for its great cocktails, we of course had to have a couple of those. For starters, I chose the goats cheese mousse, while Alex went for the pork cheek which was super succulent and delicious, followed by the duck for main course.

Alternatively there are loads of great restaurants in Truro too just a few minutes walk away! I have a list of the best restaurants in Truro here.

Browse boutique shops

Cornwall seems to have such a great community of independent shops and boutiques that make it easy to ‘shop local’ at Christmas time. Some of my favourites in Truro include:

• Inhabit (for plants, cute gifts and lifestyle stuff)
• Enjoy clothing (for crazy festival & party attire, plus vintage threads)
• Uneeka life (for quirky furniture, lifestyle stuff and gifts)

Take a journal on your trip

One of the best ways to walk around your hometown with new eyes is to take a journal with you – but not just any journal – Hannah’s ‘Hometown Journal’ is packed full of beautiful imagery, prompts and inspiration for exploring your hometown. With lots of activities inside, I think this is the perfect companion for your next staycation.

Stroll along the river to Malpas

One of my favourite parts of Truro is the walk to Boscawen park (where I learned to ride a bike!) and then along the river to Malpas. Wander past the old boats moored up, visit the duck pond, and find yourself in a quaint village of Malpas at the end for a pint.

Have you ever truly explored Truro?

Learn more about the Alverton’s ‘Doorstep Escape’ offer on their website.

*We were invited to stay at The Alverton in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own