Living in Redruth
Looking to move to Redruth? Learn all about what life here is like, from the local schools and transport options to things to do around town and, of course, find out about property prices in the area.
Your guide to moving and living in Redruth
Why Redruth is a great place to live
Redruth, located in the heart of Cornwall, is a historic mining town once famed as the centre of the Cornish copper mining industry during the nineteenth century. Today, Redruth blends reminders of its proud industrial past with the energy of a town experiencing regeneration and revitalisation. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and situated close to the rugged wilds of the north Cornwall coast, offering both a vibrant community feel and access to natural beauty.
The population of Redruth is diverse, with longstanding local families, young professionals attracted by affordable living and commutability, artists drawn by Cornwall's creative spirit, and a growing number of retirees seeking a relaxed pace of life. Redruth's blend of Georgian and Victorian architecture gives the town a distinct character, with handsome granite buildings and atmospheric side streets reflecting its heritage.
The town centre is home to independent shops, local cafés, historic pubs, and regular markets. Redruth is also part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, which further imbues the area with cultural and historical significance. Residents enjoy close proximity to both Truro and Camborne, as well as the sandy beaches of Portreath and Godrevy, making Redruth appealing to those valuing both community and lifestyle amenities.
Community & Local Life
Redruth has a strong sense of local identity, fostered by its history and close community networks. The town is home to several annual events, including the Murdoch Day celebrations, which mark local history and innovation, and various arts and craft markets that bring people together in the town centre.
Local community centres, such as the Redruth Community Centre, offer classes, drop-in sessions, and meeting spaces. Parks and playgrounds dotted around the town, as well as easy access to the Great Flat Lode and Cornish mining trails, encourage an active outdoor lifestyle. Volunteers are active in organising town clean-ups, heritage walks, and supporting youth services. Redruth’s creative spirit is visible in its support for artists' studios, local galleries, and theatre groups.
Safety & Crime Rates in Redruth
Safety and crime rates in Redruth are broadly in line with similar-sized Cornish towns, with the town being considered a generally safe place to live and visit. The town centre experiences typical issues related to anti-social behaviour on weekends, but overall crime rates are lower than in larger urban areas.
Neighbourhood policing is visible, with regular engagement from Devon & Cornwall Police and ongoing efforts to tackle local priorities. Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and business security partnerships are active in Redruth, and recent regeneration schemes have improved lighting and CCTV coverage in key areas. Many residents appreciate the close-knit feel of the town, with people looking out for each other and strong community ties enhancing the overall sense of safety.
Parking & Road Access
Parking in Redruth is generally straightforward, with several council-operated car parks located in and around the town centre, as well as on-street parking in residential areas. Permit schemes are in place for residents in some streets close to the centre, helping to ensure space for locals.
Redruth’s position on the A30 provides excellent road access, making it simple to reach other key locations in Cornwall and to head further afield. Peak-times can see some traffic congestion, especially during the summer tourist season, but outside of these times, road conditions are usually good.
- Truro – approx. 20 minutes via A390 (9 miles)
- Camborne – approx. 7 minutes via A3047 (4 miles)
- Penzance – approx. 25 minutes via A30 (16 miles)
- Falmouth – approx. 25 minutes via A393 (13 miles)
- St Austell – approx. 40 minutes via A30/A391 (29 miles)
The pedestrian-friendly town centre encourages walking and cycling, and bike storage facilities are available at several locations.
Food, Pubs & Nightlife
Redruth’s food scene is centred on traditional Cornish fare, with several cafés and bakeries serving local pasties and cream teas. The town offers a mix of historic pubs, modern bars, Indian and Chinese takeaways, and independent coffee shops. Popular spots include the historic Red Lion pub, the Railway Inn, and the Penventon Park Hotel’s restaurant and bar, known for its Cornish produce and gin selection.
The town hosts regular food markets and supports local suppliers and butchers. Evening entertainment tends to be more relaxed, with live music events at community venues, pub quizzes, and themed nights in local bars. While Redruth is not a clubbing destination, there are options for late-night drinks, and theatre performances and live events are often held at venues such as The Regal Theatre. For a bigger nightlife scene, many residents travel to Truro or Falmouth.
Is Redruth Family Friendly
School quality: Redruth offers reliable educational options, with several good-rated primary schools and a large secondary, Redruth School, serving the town and surrounding villages.
Parks and green space: The town has multiple play parks, sports fields, and easy access to trails such as the Great Flat Lode, ideal for active families and outdoor recreation.
Childcare: Nurseries and pre-school choices are available within Redruth, as well as childminders registered with Ofsted, providing flexibility for working parents.
Safety: Redruth is viewed as a safe place to raise children, benefitting from a friendly community and visible neighbourhood policing.
Family activities: Family-friendly events, swimming pool facilities, a public library, and youth clubs all play a role in community life, with the nearby coast also providing options for beach days and water sports.
Pet Friendly Living
Redruth is a pet-friendly town, surrounded by footpaths, open fields, and dog-walking trails such as the Mineral Tramways and local parks like Victoria Park. Many of the town’s cottages and homes offer gardens, and the community is generally welcoming to pet owners.
The local area has access to veterinary clinics, pet shops, and even professional dog-walking services. A number of pubs and cafés are dog-friendly, and the nearby beaches at Portreath and Godrevy welcome dogs, especially outside the high summer season. Housing in Redruth often allows for pets, with landlords usually open to negotiation.
Transport & Accessibility
Redruth is a well-connected Cornish town, thanks to its location on the main A30 trunk road and its railway station situated on the Cornish Main Line. The town is served by frequent Great Western Railway trains connecting to major destinations in the south west and beyond, making commuter journeys convenient and reliable.
The local bus network connects Redruth with nearby towns and villages, including Camborne, Truro, and Falmouth. Coaches run to regional hubs and there are dedicated school transport links. The town centre is compact and walkable, with good accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Regional airports are accessible by road, with Cornwall Airport Newquay less than 25 miles away for domestic and seasonal European flights.
- Truro – approx. 15 minutes by train
- Penzance – approx. 25 minutes by train
- Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by train
- Exeter – approx. 2 hours 20 minutes by train
- Falmouth – approx. 25 minutes by car or bus
Driving via the A30 provides quick access throughout Cornwall and to the M5 at Exeter for longer journeys.
Schools & Education in Redruth
Primary Schools:
Redruth has a good selection of primary schools serving local families. Treloweth Primary School is a popular choice, noted for its inclusive ethos and community links. Treleigh Community Primary School is another option, providing a caring environment. Both are rated 'Good' by Ofsted (Treloweth last rated in 2022, Treleigh in 2019). Pennoweth Primary School offers a broad curriculum and strong SEN support, while St. Euny C of E Academy is a faith school with a community focus.
Secondary Schools:
Redruth School is the main secondary provision in the town, attracting students from a wide surrounding area and rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018. The school is well-respected for its academic achievements and diverse extracurricular programmes. Camborne Science and International Academy is nearby, providing an alternative for families willing to commute, and is known for its STEM specialisms.
Colleges and Further Education:
Cornwall College Camborne is less than three miles away, offering a wide array of academic and vocational courses and apprenticeships. Truro and Penwith College is accessible by public transport, regularly ranked among the top further education colleges in the UK, with strong A-level and vocational pathways.
Universities:
While there is no university campus in Redruth, the highly regarded Falmouth University (with its focus on the creative industries), and the Penryn campus of the University of Exeter, are within a 20-minute drive, providing a university presence within easy reach of Redruth residents.