Why Truro?
Truro is Cornwall’s sole city, containing a historic cathedral, and sitting upstream of Falmouth on the River Fal. Established as far back as the 13th Century, Truro has a storied history and much to its name. It’s frequently entered lists of the top places to live in the UK – and for good reason – with access to some of the finest beaches in the country, some of the best amenities in Cornwall, and all the village-style charm of many smaller settlements in the region.
The success of Truro’s tin mining industry led the city to expand, resulting in many of the beautiful Georgian and Regency buildings scattered throughout the town today – a prime example of which is Lemon Street. You’ll find an elegant mixture of properties from multiple ages, whether Victorian or modern, flats, bungalows, terraces or semis.
Truro has two markets – Lemon Street Market and Truro Farmers Market – both of which are locally celebrated, and strongly contribute to the ‘villagey’ feel of the city. Additionally, the city hosts an annual food festival on the quay.
If the great outdoors is your first love, then Truro (again) has much to offer. The likes of the Loe Beach Watersports Centre offers numerous ways to enjoy the water – from paddleboarding to kayaking and sailing. There’s also the River Fal, running right up to the centre of Truro and connecting you to the sea. You can also explore the sprawling countryside around the city via the Trelissick Gardens and estate – from it’s managed floral spaces to it’s wilder stretches of countryside.
Places of Interest
There is plenty to explore in Truro. Take a look at this selection of options below – though there are many more besides:
- Truro Cathedral – Truro Cathedral is a stunning Gothic-revival structure that dominates the city skyline with its three spires. Built between 1880 and 1910, it offers guided tours, family activities, and a hub for community events and services.
- Royal Cornwall Museum – This museum is the premier museum of Cornish history and culture. It contains extensive collections in archaeology, art, and geology, including the famous Arthur’s inscribed stone. The museum also has a café and offers free entry for children, making it an ideal for family visits.
- Hall for Cornwall – As the main performing arts venue in Truro, the Hall for Cornwall hosts a variety of events ranging from West End shows to popular music performances and comedy acts.
- Lemon Street Market – Lemon Street Market is a bustling indoor market that features a variety of independent retailers. Here, you can find unique homewares, plants, clothing, and eco-friendly products. It’s a perfect spot for shopping and enjoying some excellent food and drink in the market’s cafés.
- Victoria Gardens – Victoria Gardens is a beautifully maintained public park ideal for a lazy day out or picnic. The gardens feature a bandstand, seasonal flower displays, and peaceful walking paths.
- Boscawen Park – This park offers extensive recreational facilities, including tennis courts, a cricket ground, and a children’s play area. Boscawen Park is also known for its riverside walks and beautiful floral displays, making it a popular spot in the city.
- Trelissick Garden – Located just outside Truro, Trelissick Garden is a National Trust property featuring stunning gardens, woodland walks, and panoramic views of the River Fal. The estate also includes an art gallery, café, and shop – providing a full day’s worth of activities.
- Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm – A short drive from Truro, Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm offers tours of their cider-making facilities, tastings, and a chance to see their farm animals. It’s a great place to learn about local industry and enjoy some traditional Cornish cider.
- Truro Farmers Market – Held on Lemon Quay, the Truro Farmers Market is a vibrant marketplace featuring local produce, artisanal goods, and crafts.
- Old Bakery Studios – This creative space hosts a variety of alternative arts events, including live music, theatre, and art exhibitions.
Transport Links
Being the sole city in Cornwall, Truro has excellent transport connections to the the rest of the area and beyond. Take a look below to see a few of the options available:
- Car & Road – The A39 is the main artery connecting Truro to the rest of Cornwall, offering swift access to stunning coastal towns and villages – for example, you can reach Falmouth (20 mins), Newquay (40 min), and Plymouth (50 min)
- Bus – Truro contains an efficient bus network, with citywide coverage and connections to the surrounding areas such as Falmouth, Penzance, and beyond.
- Train – Truro railway station is the main transport hub, providing excellent connections to London Paddington and other major cities.
- Boat & Ferry – While Truro itself doesn’t have a ferry port, several nearby towns offer ferry services to the Isles of Scilly.
- Nearest Airport – Newquay Cornwall Airport is the closest airport to Truro, offering both domestic and international flights.
Find out more about the options for local transport here.
Local Schools
Truro has many excellent options for education, spanning a broad spectrum of ages, abilities and specialties. Plenty of the schools are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and likewise, there are a couple of highly regarded independent schools to explore as well. Here are some of the schooling options available in Truro:
Primary
- St Mary’s CofE School (Outstanding).
- Bosvigo School (Good).
- Archbishop Benson CofE Primary School (Good).
- Truro Nursery School – nursery age only (Outstanding).
Secondary
- Penair School – Mixed gender, ages 11-16 (Good).
- Richard Lander School – Mixed gender, ages 11-16 (Good).
Further Education
- Truro School – Mixed gender, independent, ages 3-18.
- Truro High School – Girls, independent, ages 3-18.
- Truro and Penwith College – Mixed gender, ages 16+ (Outstanding).
- Pencalenick School – Special school, mixed gender, ages 3-16 (Good).
If you’d like to know more, take a look at this local government portal.
Property Market
Homes & architecture: Truro offers a diverse range of property styles, reflecting its rich history and evolving urban landscape. The city centre is characterised by elegant Georgian townhouses and Victorian terraces which come in many grand shapes and sizes across the city centre. These areas showcase some exceptional architecture and designs with stone-cobbled streets and 18th-century facades. The outskirts of Truro feature more modern properties, including detached houses and bungalows. Unique property types in the area include converted barns, period farmhouses, and occasional art deco examples from the 20’s, such as those found tucked away in the city’s suburbs.
Best streets & areas: The best properties in Truro can often be found in the historic centre, particularly around the Cathedral, on St. Clement’s Hill, as well as along Lemon Street and Princes Street, which are considered some of the most desirable addresses in the city. The nearby village of Malpas is yet another attractive location, prized especially for its river views. These areas typically feature a mix of grand period homes, spacious detached properties, and well-maintained terraces.
Property prices: Over this last year, homes in Truro sold for an average of £351K – while the most common properties sold were terraces, which went for the lower figure of £275K. Flats were even more affordable, and tended to sell for £201K, while detached properties were the most expensive, reaching £551K. House prices have significantly grown in value over the past few years, rising 3% in the last year and 10% since the last peak in 2021 (See HM Land Registry for the most up to date figures).