Things to do in Truro

This charity-run museum has stood in the city centre since 1818. Originally founded to celebrate science and art, all kinds of thought-provoking exhibits delve into the history of the local area. Learn about ruined monuments and the old mining industry, as well as the climate impact and installations from local artists. 

When you’ve seen it all, pop into the cafe for a bite to eat and a nice hot cuppa, then onto the museum shop to take home a slice of Truro. The museum is wheelchair accessible and although there’s no parking, you can catch a Park & Ride bus.

Trelissick House and its beautiful gardens overlook the Fal estuary and make for a delightful family trip out all year round. Take a walk around the house, which dates back to the 1750s, and learn all about the families who have lived there. There’s a house tearoom too, so you can sit down for a bite to eat and admire the scenery from one of the south rooms. 

Bring your furry friend along - dogs are welcome throughout the grounds of the estate. Explore the lawns, exotic plants, and diverse woodland, then take in the sights from the orchard that overlooks the Fal. Wheelchair users can access most of the gardens, too. Before you leave, have a nose at the National Trust’s largest second-hand book shop!

Dominating the Truro skyline aren’t your typical high-rise buildings, but rather this gorgeous structure that’s been restored several times over the last 800 years. They welcome people of all faiths to come in and admire the architecture or stop by for one of the local events. This cornerstone of the city is home to ever-changing social and artistic contributions all year round, including the Gaia installation—a giant 3D sculpture of Earth, accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack.  

Entry is completely free and you don’t have to book. When you’ve taken it all in, rest in the Common Grounds Cafe, serving up locally roasted coffee and homemade snacks before you carry on with your adventure.

For fast-paced things to do, Truro’s Celtic Tossers is the perfect blend of competition and adrenaline-fuelled fun! If you’ve never done it before, axe throwing is simple yet tricky to master. You’ll hurl axes at a giant target and see who can get closest to the bullseye. Kids start off with ‘ninja’ axes that are easy to throw, then move on to hatchets. 

Don’t worry, there’s a master tosser there to guide your every step. Sessions last around an hour and be sure to book in advance!

Immerse yourself in endless gaming worlds at Player Ready. You’ll get to try all kinds of VR experiences, including multiplayer games, racing simulators, and even zombie experiences. Their games library is ever-expanding to make sure the latest titles are always available, plus there are experiences for children aged 7-13 as well as for older kids and adults. 

Group and solo players are welcome! If gaming’s not your thing but you don’t want to miss out on VR, you can experience the deep sea with The Blu, or space with Apollo.

The nature reserve at Kennall Vale used to be an old gunpowder factory, though you’d never believe it today. In amongst the thick woodland and open glades, you’ll spot giant cogs and other hints of the industrial grounds that you walk upon - it might be one of the stranger things to see in Truro! 

Follow the trails around the reserve and past the water-filled quarry, where you’ll discover old granite ruins amongst the foliage. Dogs are more than welcome to come along for the trek, but try to come mid-week as it gets extremely busy at the weekend.

Being a trendy city, Truro offers amazing retail therapy, including Lemon Street Market. Starting off on the cobbled streets, you’ll have your pick of independent and chain shops to have a nose around. Lemon Street Market is based in a large building stacked with unique shops and eateries. 

Visit sustainable fashion shops, eco-refill stations, florists, teddy bear makers, and much more. Stop off for a snack at the Fig Cafe, where there’s fresh food that has gluten-free options. Fancy something a bit different? Cafe Villa offers Filipino fare, made fresh.