Truro Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Truro Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Truro packs a lot into a small area. The Gothic Revival Cathedral dominates the skyline - built between 1880-1910, it's the first cathedral constructed in England since Salisbury in 1220. Entry is free (donations welcome) and the stained glass is spectacular (TR1 2QQ, open 7:30am-5pm).

The Royal Cornwall Museum (4/5 TripAdvisor) houses an Egyptian mummy and the largest collection of minerals in the West Country. Adult tickets £7.50 (TR1 2SJ, Tues-Sat 10am-4:30pm).

Lemon Street Market offers independent shops and cafes in a Victorian building. I love browsing the art galleries here - the Lemon Street Gallery features changing exhibitions from Cornish artists (TR1 2QD, Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm).

Don't miss the Pannier Market for local produce and crafts. It's been running since the 1800s and the food stalls are excellent for picnic supplies (TR1 2LL, Mon-Sat 9am-4pm).

The 18th-century Assembly Rooms now house Hall For Cornwall, the county's main theatre. They host everything from West End shows to local productions (TR1 2LL, box office open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm).

Pet Friendly

Many Truro cottages welcome dogs and the area is brilliant for four-legged holidays. Boscawen Park has wide open spaces for ball games and a riverside walk (TR1 1SZ). We recommend the morning when it's quieter.

The Duchess of Cornwall Inn allows dogs in the bar area and garden, with water bowls provided. Their Sunday roasts are legendary (TR1 1RH).

Healey's Cyder Farm (15 minutes drive) welcomes dogs throughout the orchards and in designated areas of the visitor centre. The tractor rides through the apple orchards are dog-friendly too (TR4 9LW).

For beach runs, head to Perranporth (20 minutes drive) which allows dogs year-round with seasonal restrictions in summer. The 3 miles of sand give plenty of space even during restricted times.

Truro Veterinary Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care if needed (TR4 9LD). Worth noting their number: 01872 273694.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Truro

1. Truro Farmers Market - This isn't just any market. Held on Lemon Quay every Wednesday and Saturday (9am-4pm), it brings together 25+ local producers. The cheese stall alone is worth the visit - try the Cornish Yarg wrapped in nettle leaves. One visitor told me: "We bought pasties from the Warren's Bakery stall that were better than any we'd had elsewhere in Cornwall." The hot food vendors make it perfect for lunch too (TR1 2LW).

2. Trelissick Garden - Just outside Truro, this National Trust estate offers 300 acres of woodland and parkland. The views down the Fal estuary are stunning. The garden has year-round interest but spring brings magnificent camellias and rhododendrons. The house opens seasonally with changing exhibitions. A recent visitor commented: "We spent hours here and still didn't see it all. The walk down to the water is steep but worth it." After walking, your cottage hot tub will feel even better! (TR3 6QL, 10am-5pm)

3. Skinners Brewery - Cornwall's famous independent brewery offers tours showing how they make their award-winning beers. The 45-minute tour includes generous tastings of their range. Their Betty Stogs copper ale won Champion Best Bitter of Britain. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "The guide was hilarious - full of brewing facts but told with proper Cornish humour." Book ahead as tours often sell out (TR1 2DP, tours Tues, Thurs, Sat at 11am and 2pm, £15pp).

Is Truro good for shopping?

Yes! Truro is Cornwall's main shopping destination. The pedestrianised city centre combines independent shops with high street names. Pydar Street and Victoria Square have the chains, while the cobbled streets like Cathedral Lane offer boutiques and specialist stores. The covered markets are excellent for gifts and local food.

How far is Truro from the beach?

The nearest beach is Pendower, about 9 miles (20 minutes) drive. Other options within 30 minutes include Perranporth (north coast, great for surfing), Gyllyngvase in Falmouth (Blue Flag beach with facilities) and St Agnes (dramatic cliffs and mining heritage).

Do I need a car in Truro?

While Truro itself is walkable, a car is useful for exploring Cornwall. However, the city has good public transport links. Regular buses connect to Falmouth, St Ives and Newquay. Truro railway station has direct services to London, Plymouth and Penzance. Enterprise and Hertz offer car hire in the city if needed.

What's the best time to visit Truro?

May to September offers the best weather. July and August are busiest but have the most events. I prefer June when everything's open but quieter. December is magical with Christmas markets and cathedral services. The City of Lights parade in November sees giant lanterns paraded through the streets.

Are there good restaurants in Truro?

Absolutely. Mannings on Lemon Street serves excellent modern British food. Hooked! specializes in seafood from Cornish day boats. For casual dining, try Sam's In The City for burgers and American classics. The Cornish Food Box café uses ingredients from their shop next door. Truro also has the best Indian restaurant in Cornwall - Kathmandu Palace.

Can I get groceries delivered to my cottage?

Yes, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Waitrose all deliver to Truro postcodes. For local produce, The Cornish Food Box Company offers delivery of Cornish meat, veg, dairy and drinks. Many cottages provide welcome hampers with basics to get you started.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Cornwall's Truro Guide
2. Enjoy Truro - Official City Guide
3. Trelissick Garden Information
4. Skinners Brewery Tours
5. Truro Cathedral Visitor Information