Truro

Cornwall’s one and only city radiates a chic, urban charm that’s reflected in endless shopping opportunities and some of the best restaurants and bars in the county.

Once a Norman castle stood where the present day Crown Court is located and Truro thrived as a port for many years. The prosperity of the late 18th and early 19th continues to this day and can be seen today in the elegant town houses that line the city’s streets. Centre stage is Truro’s impressive gothic revival cathedral that towers over the town.

In its shadow a warren of back street are home to dozens of independent traders selling all you need from funky fashions and cool surf wear to locally made bread and Cornish cheeses. There's also a selection of well known retailers spread around the city centre and others on the outskirts.

Being a small city, it's easy to escape to the surrounding countryside, including following the downriver towards Falmouth, or you could just explore Victoria Park with its colourful bandstand and summer concerts.

The Royal Cornwall Museum houses objects that reveal Cornwall’s history from prehistoric times through to its industrial triumphs, with an Egyptian mummy thrown in for good measure! The museum runs events for families throughout the year. It's a hidden gem.

For those looking for their own history, the Cornwall Family History Centre is located in Lemon Street, and offers help to those with family links to the area.

Don't miss Lemon Street Market, home to some of Truro's most exciting and innovative small businesses, with an amazing mix of independent shops and cafe's. There's also an outdoor market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, selling everything from scrummy pies to antique books.

The city has a friendly traditional cinema, a great live music venue at the Old Bakery and the Hall for Cornwall brings well known touring theatre and music to the heart of the county. There's also plenty of pubs and bars if that's how you like to spend your evenings.