Summary of Attractions in Truro
Located at the southernmost point of the British mainland, Truro is distinguished by a Gothic Revival cathedral that commenced construction shortly after the establishment of the Truro diocese in 1876. Historically a port town, Truro gained significant prominence during the heyday of Cornwall’s tin mining industry in the 1800s.
Imposing granite monuments from this period now house the Hall for Cornwall, a notable venue for the performing arts, as well as the esteemed Royal Cornwall Museum.
Truro is adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also in close proximity to the uniquely deep Carrick Roads, a flooded valley that was sculpted during the last Ice Age.
Visitors can spend their days sailing through less-traveled creeks, admiring country estates, and losing themselves in gardens where subtropical flora thrives in the temperate Cornish climate.
Let’s delve into the top attractions in Truro:
1. Truro Cathedral
Regarded as one of the most exquisite examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country, Truro Cathedral was conceived by John Loughborough Pearson, who played a vital role in reintroducing Medieval vaulting techniques during the 19th century.
Constructed using granite, limestone, and quartz-porphyry, the cathedral was finalized in 1910 and remains one of only three cathedrals in the United Kingdom to feature three spires.
Pearson infused the structure with elements of English Decorated Gothic and French Rayonnant Gothic styles, complemented by intricately designed stained glass windows.
The cathedral stands on the site of the 16th-century Church of St Mary, with the southeast corner integrating the south aisle of this earlier church.
Complimentary guided tours are available daily at 11:00 from Monday to Thursday, accompanied by a restaurant/coffee shop and a gift shop.
2. Royal Cornwall Museum
This museum serves as an essential repository for insights into Cornish life and culture, originating from the Royal Institution of Cornwall, established in 1818. Since 1919, the museum has been located in the former Truro Savings Bank (1845) and the Truro Baptist Chapel (1848), both of which are grand granite-clad Neoclassical edifices.
The collections present a deep understanding of Cornwall’s mining heritage, complemented by a remarkable array of minerals sourced from the Duchy.
A range of decorative arts, including ceramics, glass, furniture, and silver, can also be found, alongside an excellent collection of paintings, featuring a work by the German master Lucas Cranach the Elder.
Additionally, the museum showcases artefacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Byzantium, alongside a “World Cultures” collection comprised of unique items from Africa to Polynesia collected by Cornish travelers.
3. Trelissick
Situated at the confluence of the River Fal and Carrick Roads, Trelissick offers a delightful country estate under the stewardship of the National Trust.
With breathtaking maritime vistas, its gardens boast an array of exotic flora, including ginger lilies, azaleas, rhododendrons, bananas, and dahlias, along with an orchard dedicated to preserving local apple species.
A monumental Japanese cedar, planted in 1898, adorns the main lawn and is expected to endure for many more centuries.
Perched atop a slope overlooking the estuary, the Neoclassical house, constructed in 1755, differs from many historical residences due to its welcoming ambiance.
Following a tea session, guests are encouraged to play the piano, relax on the furniture, and utilize binoculars to appreciate the surrounding landscape.
In 2018, an exhibition was dedicated to former owner Ida Copeland, one of the first women MPs to take office in 1931.
4. Victoria Gardens
Situated in the heart of Truro, Victoria Gardens provides another verdant retreat.
Inaugurated to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897, the gardens were partially established on the site of the slightly older Waterfall Gardens, which remain nearby.
Looking westward, guests can admire the train viaduct initially constructed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1859 and reconstructed in 1904. Victoria Gardens descend sharply toward the River Kenwyn from a sun-drenched slope.
Winding paths and stairways lead down to the water, aligned with vibrant ornamental flowerbeds and meticulously maintained lawns, following a design that has remained unchanged for over a century.
The water for the park’s fountain, pond, and waterfall is sourced from the river via a hydraulic water ram.
Another delightful remnant from the Victorian era is the cast-iron bandstand, where concerts are held on summer Sunday afternoons.
5. Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Truro lies within the South Central portion of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This protected landscape, akin to a national park, is primed for exploration.
Visitors can navigate the winding creeks of the River Fal, bordered by tranquil farmland and woodlands.
The creeks are a haven for various avian species, including great white egrets and black-necked grebes, and delightful villages featuring Medieval churches are always within reach.
Expedition down the Roseland Peninsula to witness the eastern entrance to Carrick Roads, fortified by St Mawes Castle, which dates back to the reign of Henry VIII. The South West Coast Path, a National Trail, traverses the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking sights, including the charming harbor and beach at Portscatho.
6. Poppy Cottage Garden
A fragrant diversion along your journey through the Roseland Peninsula leads to a captivating cottage garden that encapsulates a remarkable diversity of life within a mere acre.
The garden, open from Sunday to Thursday during spring and summer, is organized into “garden rooms” and distinct themed borders.
Visitors will be enchanted by a vibrant collection of exotic plants, trees, shrubs, grasses, herbaceous plants, and bulbs, all showcasing a progression of blooming activity throughout the seasons.
A particularly delightful feature is the wildlife orchard, which hosts miniature ducks and uncommon chicken breeds.
Conclude your visit with a respite at the tearoom, offering coffee sourced from the local fair trade roasting house, Owens.
7. Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
Located five miles from Truro at Penhallow, Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm is Cornwall’s first cider mill and distillery in three centuries.
Founded in 1986 on previously derelict land, it has since evolved into a popular family destination during the summer months.
Guests can explore the press house, cellars, distillery, and museum to gain insight into the craft behind cider and apple brandy production.
Tastings of cider, apple wine, and brandy are available, along with a selection of fruit juices and jams.
Children can enjoy a tractor ride through the orchards, with opportunities to meet goats, cows, and pigs at the adjoining animal farm.
The visit may be rounded off with a traditional Cornish cream tea at the restaurant or a heartier option such as an apple-infused “Ciderman’s Stew.”
8. Boat Trips
From April to October, Enterprise Boats, based in Truro, offers a schedule of cruises between Truro’s harbour and Falmouth.
Sailing through the idyllic Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the Fal River, passengers will encounter historically significant maritime locations, get up close to vast ocean-going vessels, and view the enchanting historic properties lining the waterfront.
Upon reaching Falmouth, visitors will find themselves in a vibrant port town boasting the third deepest natural harbor globally.
During peak summer, sailings occur daily on two 60-foot boats constructed in the 1960s.
A stop is made at Trelissick Garden, providing an opportunity to combine your estate visit with this scenic trip.
9. King Harry Ferry
A ferry crossing on the Fal River has existed between Feock, opposite Trelissick Gardens, and Philleigh on the Roseland side for countless generations.
Currently, the King Harry Ferry is renowned for presenting stunning views along the deep waters of the Carrick Roads, often cited as one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world, albeit lasting only a few minutes.
The ferry operates every 20 minutes, circumventing a 26-mile detour around the Fal, using a diesel-electric engine to traverse a submerged chain.
The initial engine-powered vessel, a steam ferry, was introduced in 1888, followed by manual propulsion via barge prior to that.
10. Water Activities
The tranquil waters between Truro and Falmouth are exceptionally conducive to water sports.
The Loe Beach Watersports Centre, located five miles south of Truro, offers an ideal setting for families to introduce children to activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Equipment can be hired for independent excursions, or individuals may opt for friendly lessons to learn new skills or enhance existing ones.
The centre also provides dinghies, rowboats, and motorboats for exploration along the Fal River, through Carrick Roads, and into the numerous meandering creeks within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
11. Lemon Street Market
Located by Truro’s Plaza Cinema in the city center, Lemon Street Market is a charming indoor shopping facility arranged across two levels.
This airy structure features café tables in its atrium, providing a pleasant setting for visitors.
Flanking the center are a contemporary art gallery, a design boutique, a Cornish fishmonger, a florist, and a shop purveying a selection of artisanal gin, alongside a zero-waste refill store where patrons can bring their own containers for household necessities such as toothpaste, toiletries, and dried goods.
Additionally, the market includes a quaint barbershop and Cliffside Clothing, which markets vibrant dresses and separates crafted from Italian linen.
12. Skinner’s Brewery
Positioned along the Truro River, the award-winning Skinner’s Brewery produces a diverse range of cask-conditioned ales and bottled beers.
All products are named after local legends, such as the Land’s End ship-wrecker Madgy Figgy and Betty Stogs, a remorseful mother who seeks redemption after fairies intervene in her child’s life.
The brewery offers daily tours throughout the year, including two additional tours in July and August.
During the tour, guests will observe the brewing process firsthand and learn intriguing details such as the origin of Skinner’s Cornish barley.
Guides share engaging stories from the brewery’s daily operations and lead tastings of Skinner’s ales in the tap room.
13. Tregothnan
Tregothnan, a private estate owned by the Boscawen family, has roots dating back to the 14th century.
As you explore the Carrick Roads, you may catch sight of the remarkable 17th-century manor house situated above an inlet of the River Fal.
Tregothnan is notably recognized for its garden, which was the first to cultivate outdoor camellias in the UK during the early 19th century, and has recently become the first place in the UK to cultivate tea.
The estate produces unique products that are not typically associated with the UK, including manuka honey and rare kea plums for preserves.
Plant enthusiasts may find enjoyment in visiting Tregothnan’s private gardens or participating in gardening workshops.
Additionally, a charity garden opening occurs once a year at the end of April, allowing public access.
14. St Agnes Heritage Coast
In Central Cornwall, the peninsula narrows to just ten miles across, enabling access to the dramatic coastal landscapes along the northern shore.
The St Agnes Heritage Coast is merely a 15-minute drive away and seamlessly integrates rugged coastal views with Cornish tin-mining history.
Coves along the shores, such as Chapel Porth beach, nestled within a former mining valley, are surrounded by imposing cliffs.
Visiting at low tide is advisable, as the beach is vulnerable to the full force of the Atlantic ocean.
Other notable beaches in the vicinity include Blue Flag Porthtowan, Trevaunance Cove, and Trevallas-Porth beach, all of which exhibit striking natural beauty but require careful consideration of tidal patterns.
15. Hall for Cornwall
As of 2018, the Hall for Cornwall, a beloved venue for the performing arts that draws in approximately 180,000 visitors yearly, was undergoing refurbishment.
Constructed in 1846 from granite sourced from the nearby Carn Brea hill in Redruth, the Hall for Cornwall originally functioned as a municipal complex housing town administration, police stations, cells, magistrate courts, and fire brigade facilities.
Post a fire in 1914, the structure was renovated with a stage and reopened as a theatre in 1925. A historic moment in UK pop culture occurred here in 1970 when Queen performed their inaugural concert with Freddie Mercury as the lead vocalist.
Hall for Cornwall is the most prominent live arts venue in Cornwall, featuring a variety of dance, comedy, music, and theatrical performances, while also acting as a registered charity, significantly fostering interest and participation in the arts within Truro and the surrounding area.
