Truro

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Truro is the administrative capital of Cornwall. Its population is just over 20,000, which makes it seem like the settlement should be classed as a town. In fact, it was officially given city status by Queen Victoria, in the 1870s. This makes it the only city in the county, and the furthest south of any city on the island of Great Britain.

Truro has been through many different guises over the years. At one stage it was an important port. Later, it became part of the mining industry, and then grew into a busy market town. It has also acted as a social centre for the rich and famous, and was once known as the London of Cornwall.

As soon as you enter the city, your eye will be drawn straight to its major landmark, Truro Cathedral. It's unusual to see such a large building in a settlement this size, and actually, this is a relatively recent development. It was only completed in 1910, making it the first new Anglican cathedral to be built in 600 years. Strangely, the design actually uses the remains of an older church called St. Mary's, which is worked into the structure of the building. The architects didn't want to get rid of it, so they simply built the cathedral around it! Another interesting architectural feature is best viewed by looking down the entire length of the building. If you've got a keen eye, you'll notice that it's not straight! The cathedral bends around 2 metres away from where it should be. This was done to avoid having to purchase more land, which would have been very expensive.

Truro Cathedral
Photo Tim Green aka atoach

It's not often you can say that a cathedral is one of the newest buildings in a city, but in Truro's case it might just be true. The town centre is full of attractive buildings, which are often described as "the best Georgian architecture west of Bath".

Walsingham Place, Truro
Photo Tim Green aka atoach

Despite being Cornwall's only city, Truro actually isn't the biggest settlement in the county. Even so, it still acts as a major retail centre, with a great selection of shops and restaurants. There's a good mix of familiar chain outlets and local independent stores. The best places to shop though, are in the many marketplaces, which range from permanent indoor shopping centres, to scheduled outdoor gatherings, which are often themed towards food, crafts, or art.

The city centre is also home to The Plaza, an independent cinema, and the Hall for Cornwall theatre, which is the largest in the county. Not far from here is the Royal Cornwall Museum, which is the first and best of the county's museums on Cornish history, art, and archaeology.

While you're wandering round Truro, make sure to stop by the piazza at Lemon Quay. This open space is used for a wide variety of events throughout the year, such as the Truro City Carnival, or the Winter Festival. In previous years, there has even been an artificial ski slope constructed here!

Truro port is still a busy place, both with cargo ships, and pleasure boats, which offer cruises down the River Fal, to Falmouth and St. Mawes.

Truro Tourist Information Centre, Municipal Building, Boscawen Street, Truro, TR1 2NE. Tel: 01872 274 555

Truro Cathedral is open daily from 7:30am to 6pm (limited hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays). Visitors are not permitted to wander around during service times. Entry is FREE. Donations welcomed. Truro TR1 2AF. Tel: 01872 276782.

The Royal Cornwall Museum is open Monday to Saturday (except bank holidays) from 10am to 4:45pm. Closed on occasions for maintenance. Entry is FREE. River Street, Truro TR1 2SJ. Tel: 01872 272205

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