Destination: Truro

Located in the centre of Cornwall, Truro is the Duchy’s cultural hub, and is also the UK’s most southerly city. As cities go, it’s certainly not the biggest, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in culture, shopping and a buzzing foodie scene. With staple high street shops as well as a mixture of boutique stores, if you enjoy a spot of retail therapy then Truro is the place for you. 

Taking centre stage is Truro Cathedral; an impressive display of gothic architecture that towers above Truro’s other buildings. Designed by John Loughborough Pearson, its cavernous ceiling creates amazing acoustics, and should you have the privilege of attending a Truro Cathedral Choir concert, you’re sure to be enthralled and captivated by not only the music, but the beautiful setting too.

Truro’s cultural prowess extends to a plethora of galleries nestled amongst its cobbled streets. These include: The Lane Gallery, Guild of Ten, The Atrium Gallery, Lemon Street Gallery and Trelissick Gallery. Each unique in their own right, The Atrium Gallery is housed above Lemon Street Market, a complex of independent boutiques with the Fig Café upstairs so you can couple your taste of culture with a taste of something delicious too. The historic Royal Cornwall Museum is located just off the main high street towards the train station, and has been curated by a team of dedicated professionals to showcase its unique collections, providing a welcoming and dynamic space that inspires people to explore, learn about and enjoy Cornish heritage. Next door you’ll find the Arts Café, which serves fresh colourful salads, homemade soup, jacket potatoes, quiches, sandwiches and toasted paninis, using local produce wherever possible.

If you want to immerse yourself in the more rustic side of Truro’s cuisine then make sure to visit Truro Farmer’s Market, bringing local produce to the heart of Lemon Quay every Saturday and Wednesday, throughout the year. Featuring everything from freshly baked bread to smoked fish and rows of perfect blue duck eggs, it’s sure to inspire you. If you’re after a crafts market then fit in a visit to Pannier Market, which is open throughout the year and features craft stalls, a meat counter and bakery.

Perched at the head of the Fal estuary, the 300-acre estate of Trelissick Gardens combines well-kept gardens, ocean views and mystical woodland in one beautiful package. Right on the water’s edge, you can catch the ferry from Truro, Falmouth or the Roseland peninsula to land at this waterside estate. The

40-acre garden holds a selection of colourful blooms such as its camellias, rhododendrons and a collection of photinia and azaleas. Then as you walk through the gardens and cross the sweeping green parkland towards the Fal estuary, the staggering views and lush terrain serve up some of the best country walking on the south coast. There’s also a specialist plant shop, restaurant and café on site, so you can fill hungry bellies and indulge in some green gifts for your garden at home.

Truro is renowned as Cornwall’s cultural hub, combining art, food and shopping in one irresistible package, which we highly recommend experiencing during your stay.