Many of those who visit Truro today are intrigued to learn that Lemon Quay where Mannings is located used to be a bustling port! Our historic building was originally closer to the river, until Lemon Quay was covered over in the 1920s and became a lively piazza in the heart of the city.
However, you can still sail into Truro and nearby Malpas, and our guests at the hotel love to make use of the Enterprise Boats service as a wonderful and convenient way of seeing more of Cornwall. Travelling the waterways in a classic wooden ferry, which take you down the Carrick Roads to Falmouth, is a fantastic travel experience, passing along pretty wooded creeks, past famous gardens, grand houses and bustling marinas.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the trips you can take from your comfortable city base here in Truro…
The ferry arriving at picturesque St Mawes
Malpas to Trelissick
This Enterprise Boats service runs up to seven days a week from April to October and, though you’ll have to walk to Malpas from the hotel (a 40-minute walk) or take a taxi, it’s a magical way to reach Trelissick National Trust Gardens.
The journey takes around 20 minutes passing stunning scenery on the way, before you disembark at the jetty at Trelissick from where you can make your way up into the gardens and explore the extensive walking trails around the large estate. Take a picnic, or have lunch in the café, before heading back to the water for your return journey.
Malpas to Falmouth
The boat to Trelissick continues on to Falmouth, a bustling and vibrant university and maritime town with many attractions to discover. There’s some fabulous independent stores to browse and a lively café culture. For the full nautical experience, visit the National Maritime Museum on Discovery Quay, where there’s a colourful, plastic-free local market most Fridays.
The journey takes just over an hour and the boat docks at the Prince of Wales Quay – a central location for exploring the town. Do check your return sailing though, as sometimes the last sailing of the day goes only as far as Trelissick – not on to Malpas.
Malpas to St Mawes, Via Falmouth
If you really want to spend a memorable day on the water, jump on the first boat from Malpas to Falmouth, then disembark and catch the St Mawes Ferry. Running all year from Falmouth (note, there are two possible departure points – Prince of Wales Pier or Custom House Quay) the journey of 20 minutes will transport you to a picturesque Cornish harbour with great restaurants, galleries and shops to browse. There’s a lovely walk to St Mawes Castle, where you can enjoy far-reaching views from the top of the keep.
The return journey is the same in reverse, so keep an eye on the last sailing from Falmouth calling at Malpas!
Falmouth to Truro Cruise
Enterprise Boats offer early evening river cruises right into Truro (the return cruise starts and ends in Falmouth) on particular days in the summer when the tide here in Truro is high enough. Single tickets can be purchased for either direction subject to availability, meaning you can either travel to Falmouth independently during the day (the branch line train service is very convenient and runs twice an hour) and cruise back, or take an evening cruise from Truro into Falmouth before jumping on the train back.
Find out more about Truro River Cruises and the dates for this year here.
Although we have a large gated car park, many of our guests choose to leave the car at home when staying here at Mannings, embracing sustainable transport options to and from our well-connected city. We love the idea of using the local ferries to enjoy a memorable ‘slow travel’ experience while holidaying in Cornwall!
Enjoy a day out on the water in Cornwall!
