Truro is an intimate city, and the commercial heart of Cornwall. Our offices are at the bottom of Lemon Street so it’s an area we know well. Read on for our thoughts on a Truro life.
The city boundaries have extended in recent years but despite this increase in size, this is still Cornwall’s city in the country.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre will find you in the countryside or at the waterside park at Boscawen. Quite a few beaches are also within easy reach, from Loe Beach for sailing, or to Porthtowan and Perranporth for surfing.
If you’re looking to move here, this cathedral city has all the amenities you need. There is a good choice of primary and secondary schools, and some 600 independent shops, restaurants and traders keep this great little city vibrant.
The heart of Truro is busy with national, local and independent retailers and businesses so there is always something new to discover.
The Park & Ride service has eased congestion and the city has enthusiastically embraced café culture! There are more than a dozen independent coffee shops, many of which champion the Cornish coffee brand Origin.
The city celebrates the growing interest in international cuisine with a Food Festival. And outside of this event, there are a selection of places to eat that cater for every taste, budget and time of day.
What to do?
Waterstones bookshop, the Truro Arts Café, Truro library and cathedral all offer a variety of free and paid-for events. National tours visit the Hall for Cornwall and the independent Plaza cinema sits at the bottom of Lemon Street. Lemon Street Market is not a market at all, but a hub of independent and artisan traders.
Homeware favourites Illustrated Living have expanded their horizons and are the new owners of the gallery on the first floor. Atrium Gallery celebrates the contemporary art, ceramics and jewellery of artists and makers across the UK. The maiden show is Inception – and is well worth a visit if you’re in town.
Enterprise Boats sail regularly to Falmouth or to St Mawes. And from cricket to football via squash and distance running, the local sports clubs are both well attended and supported.
Where to eat?
Emily’s, Blend 71 and Cafe Fig for breakfasts, coffees and quick lunches. The Cornish Food Box Cafe and the Falmouth Seafood Café for local and seasonal food and The Thomas Daniell Pub for cocktails, dinner and lunch.
We like Sam’s in the City or The Thomas Daniell for exceptionally good grub, and Mannings or Indaba for a chic menu and strong wine list. We’re huge fans of the Kraftworks Mexican street food shack, and Hubspot for top-notch burgers.
And shop?
Alongside the more recognisable retail names are some independent and unique businesses. The Cornish Food Box has a shop and café in town and delivers groceries, food boxes and hampers across the county. For interiors try Illustrated Living or Camellia and for cards and quirky gifts we like Inhabit and Uneeqa.
If you are furnishing a new home, Cotton Mills stocks a range of fabrics and as well as a design service curtains and blinds can be made to measure.
Truro has no shortage of clothes stores and we especially love The Little Boutique, Plum and Benetton – all unique and independent.
Anything else?
From grooming ourselves to grooming our dogs, Truro has it covered – and everything else in between! Try the Great Escape, Lemon Heads barbers or Number 3 for yourself. And the hounds certainly look better for a trip to Barking & Butch!
Archie Browns and Hendra Stores stock an enticing range of health foods and ingredients, ethical skincare and supplements and remedies and try Walsingham Place for alternative therapies.
Travel and connections
Truro is a 5-hour high speed train connection to London, or a 40-minute flight to Gatwick. Newquay Airport is continually extending the domestic and international destinations it flies to and airports at Exeter and Bristol are in easy reach, as is the international ferry port at Plymouth.
What we love
Truro has a well-deserved reputation as being a lovely place to raise a family. Our great little city has retained its charm, despite the recent dramatic growth, and is a frequent listing in the various ‘best in the UK’ polls.
There is no substitute for being able to hit the beach within a half hour of finishing work and the choice of quality schools is exceptional, both at primary and secondary level. Whether you live here or work here – or both – there is lots to love about our great little city!
Find out what properties are on the market in Truro here.
And to talk to us about your mortgage options, contact us here.
