How to spend a perfect day in Truro, Cornwall

The UK’s most Southernly city, and the acknowledged capital of Cornwall, Truro is a bustling hub right in the centre of the county. Although often overlooked by tourists, it’s actually a really great base for holiday makers who want easy access to every corner of Cornwall. Whether you decide to stay in the city or not, you should definitely pay my hometown a visit, and below you’ll find my ideas on how to spend a perfect day in Truro.

Breakfast

Ready for a busy day in Truro? Of course you are! But first, coffee… For a great brekkie, head to Ost Eatery. Nab the table by the door for ultimate people watching privileges while you tuck into a vegan bacon flatbread and a perfectly made cappuccino. The service in here is relaxed and friendly, and the decor is stunning.

Truro Cathedral

We love to wander round a church and Truro Cathedral is no exception. The construction took 30 years, and was completed in 1910. This makes it quite new compared to other cathedrals in England, but don’t let that put you off. The Gothic Revival architecture includes vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and detailed stone sculptures all around the exterior walls. Entry is free but donations are welcome. Alternatively keep an eye on their socials as the cathedral hosts lots of different events, from classical music concerts, to art exhibitions, and even silent discos!

Royal Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

If the weather is rainy or you just want to learn a little bit more about local history, then head to the Royal Cornwall Museum. Showcasing a range of collections on Cornish culture, history and the natural world, they also have an ever changing roster of exhibitions from local artists. There is truly something in here for everyone, and its ground floor is dog friendly too! Tickets are £10 for adults, free for under 18s.

Lunch

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch in Truro. However my absolute favourite spot is Sabzi Deli – this is not your average salad spot. Everything is so fresh and so flavourful, you’ll never leave here hungry or disappointed. Although everything is vegetarian, they are happy to make a vegan friendly box up for you too. I recommend getting the additional dhal, and a flatbread. Trust me, it’s worth it.

If the idea of a salad box (no matter how good) puts you off, then my other favourite option in town is Bao Bites. The ‘build your own bao’ concept is great and means you can easily make your meal vegan, or forgo the bao althogether and go for a rice box instead. My go-to order is a pulled mushroom bao with all the veggies and hoisin sauce. Gorgeous.

Shopping

Truro is a little cornucopia of shops – everything from independent traders to high street favourites. Whether you’re in the market for some new holiday outfits or would like to decorate your home Cornish style, there is something here for everyone. Don’t miss out on Lemon Market and the little shops and cafes in the covered walkways off Pydar Street. If you’re here on a Saturday why not also check out Truro Market in Lemon Quay, where you can buy fresh farm produce and delicious snacks (the brilliant Magic Whisk bakery and Delea Fermented Foods are my favourite stalls.)

Celtic Tossers/Player Ready VR

Two great options if the weather is bad or shopping really isn’t your thing: why not try axe throwing at the brilliantly named Celtic Tossers. This is a really fun activity for groups and for a date, providing you don’t end up injuring your partner! All jokes aside the guys here make the experience very safe and there really is no better feeling than hitting a bulls eye. Book your session here.

Alternatively a more family friendly option is Player Ready VR; choose from racing simulators, zombie experiences and escape rooms. We did an escape room here recently which was harder than we initially thought it would be, and we can’t wait to go back to try another! Book any of the above here.

Victoria Gardens

If you need a break from all the hustle and bustle of town then head to Victoria Gardens. It’s a peaceful little oasis a short walk from the high street. The gardens have been here since 1897 and they do have a timeless quality to them. Don’t miss the coffee and cake hut Pollen in the Park, and the weekly band concerts in the summer months.

Dinner

A burger is always a good idea and few places do it better than HubBox. These guys started out flipping burgers out of a shipping container on Lemon Quay and were so popular they soon moved to a more permanent location in town. Now they have several establishments but my favourite is still the original Truro one. It’s housed inside a disused chapel so as expected the interior is stunning. Get a table upstairs if you can for a great view of the stain glass windows and the bar area below. They’ve got many vegan options to choose from and the loaded fries are to die for.

Another great option for a sit down meal is Kathmandu Palace. Serving traditional Nepalese cuisine, this is a great spot for a curry. There are so many vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. Staff are friendly, attentive and happy to make recommendations based on your spice tolerance. Portions are generous, and we always have leftovers to take home.

Drinks

There’s no better way to finish off a nice day out than with a drink at the local watering hole. Truro has many such establishments, varying from traditional pubs to fancy cocktail bars. If a pint and a chat with the locals is your order of business then head to The Old Ale House – the beer barrel seats and woodchip covered floors give the place a sense of authenticity and it’s got a great selection of local beers. They’re also known for their live music nights so keep an eye on their website to see what’s on.

If you prefer your pubs a little prettier, then the recently refurbished Wig and Pen is a gorgeous spot for a drink or 3. They also serve food which comes highly recommended, although we haven’t tried it yet.

Nestled in between the boutique shops of Nalders Court is the ever popular Mockingbird Lounge. It’s a great place for a catch up over cocktails and if you get hungry they do serve tapas dishes in the evening too.

If you are looking a night out that’s a little different then you should book a table at On the Boards. Whether you’re taking on interactive darts, shuffleboard, beer pong, or pool, there’s a game for everyone here. It’s really great for groups and those that like their beverages with a side of competition!

This is by no means everything that Truro has to offer; if you go a little further out of town there are plenty more excellent pubs, walks and activities. Keep an eye on the blog as I’ll be adding more posts about the local area soon!