Truro is Cornwall’s county town, and only city, so a buzzy choice if you’re looking for a Cornish holiday that blends beach life and the cultural appeals of a city break. The Regency architecture, ease of arrival, and the very good selection of restaurants, could make it quite a romantic pick too. While families might appreciate its spot on the River Fal, proximity to the Cornish Riviera, and the impressive array of museums and galleries - which really come into their own if you get a touch of the ‘British weathers’. Many of the best places to stay in Truro are designed to suit both families and couples, with the larger options providing special spaces for kids and families, and the smaller picks are small enough so that guests don’t get in each other’s way.

Whatever reason you have for seeking our the best places to stay in Truro, it’s well worth visiting Truro’s beautiful Gothic cathedral which is in the historic heart of Truro - as well as being what makes this officially Cornwall’s city. The cathedral is also a wonderful place to start your visit to the city, whether you’re arriving in time to take a tour, or just to admire it in the sunset. Truro is also home to the Royal Cornwall Museum, which has exhibitions focussing on Cornwall’s seafaring and mining heritage, as well as its extensive artistic heritage.

At the moment it may sound as if the best places to stay in Truro are best suited to city breakers, and those looking to soak up some Cornish culture and cuisine, but Truro can be an outdoorsy destination too. The position on the river made it a traditionally safe port, but these days it also makes for a beautiful sail or cruise, and you can hire kayaks, boats and other watersports gear and visit Loe Beach and the Carrick Rocks; the wildflower meadows and woodlands just outside of the city are now covered by the blanket of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is well preserved for walkers, cyclists and picnickers; and Truro is on some of the Uk’s most spectacular train lines. Families may also be interested to hear that Truro has a Llama Farm…

The Best Places to Stay in Truro

For Historic Charm

• The Alverton is a beautifully restored Grade II listed manor house that sits flush against one of Truro’s historic churches. Now that it’s a hotel, it offers 50 very comfortable rooms and suites, with a good variation of size and shape, and decor that carefully blends the pleasures of the historic building with contemporary comforts - in a Farrow & Ball colour scheme. Expect unique details and well chosen antiques, and enjoy the AA two-rosette awarded restaurant, which specialises in the finest foraged, fished and farmed local produce. And it’s large enough to be both family-friendly and romantic.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Truro’s closest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about half an hour away by car or taxi, or about two hours away by bus. Exeter Airport is on the opposite coastline, but is still second closest, about an hour and a half away by road, or two and a half hours by train, If you’re travelling via London the trains leave from Paddington, and take about four and a half hours direct.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Truro is warmest, and busiest, during the summer, because, like the whole of Cornwall, it’s a fantastic destination for summer-holidaying families. Truro’s local museums and attractions do their best to appeal to local visitors as well as those travelling further, so there are usually special activities on during every school holiday, not just the summer. Truro also hosts a regular antiques and collectibles market, and several food and drink festivals. Winter is the quietest time of year, and ideal for holing up with loved ones, or enjoying some peace and quiet while the weather may rage outside. Spring is colourful with flowers, and noisy with birdsong, and everything starts to re-open at an excited, but relaxed pace. Outside of the school holidays you can get much more affordable rates, but if you do visit out of season make sure you check to see what is and isn’t open. And whenever you visit it’s a good idea to pack your wet weather gear.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall?
• or expand your search to include some of Truro’s’s neighbours, like Falmouth? which is on the coastline, or Redruth?
• Or you could refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for? And consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families? Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms? the most romantic hotels in Cornwall? Or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.