Truro Mini Guide
About Truro
Truro with its magnificent cathedral is the only city in the County of Cornwall and is also an administration centre for the county. Due to its port it was originally an important trade centre, which then became involved in the mining industry. Nowadays it is better known for its regular markets, attractive cobbled streets and Georgian buildings.
How can I get There?
The nearest airport is
Newquay, you could also travel via
Exeter Airport although that’s a little further away. Truro has excellent transport links and there are National Express coaches and National Rail services that service the area. If you’re travelling by car then the simplest route is to take the M5 motorway, which then branches into either the A30 via Bodmin Moor or the A38 via
Plymouth. Both of these routes will take you into Truro.
What is There to see and do in Truro?
A popular pastime for visitors as well as the locals (Truronians) is to browse the regular markets that are held in the city. Truro Farmer’s Market is open for business every Wednesday and Saturday on Lemon Quay and there you can find a whole range of stalls offering local and fantastic quality produce. There is usually a stall selling homemade cakes, so don’t miss that if you have a sweet tooth! Nearby you can also find Lemon Street Market, which is an indoor market with a great range of shops to stroll around. Try some bread from Baker Toms - the carrot, mustard and thyme loaf is especially good. If you’re interested in art then have a browse around the Lander Gallery, which has a wide range of fine art with a Cornish flavour.
The cathedral is certainly worth a look and depending upon what time you visit, you may be able to catch one of the lunchtime recitals or if it’s in the evening, they often have concerts and plays on. You could visit the Royal Cornwall Museum, or if that’s not your thing how about a show or a concert at the Hall for Cornwall? If you simply want to get away from the bustle of the city and sit down and eat your pasty in peace, then pay a visit to the Victoria Gardens, which are open all year round.
Where is There to go and eat?
Truro has a good selection of eateries to choose from and caters to pretty much most people’s palate. Of course there are the usual fast food joints and takeaways, if you just want to eat on the go. Make sure you try a proper Cornish pasty, there are an abundance of pasty shops in Truro. Just be careful if you are walking along the street eating it, as the seagulls are renowned for trying to swoop down and steal your tasty and meaty treat.
There is a Wetherspoons on Lemon Quay, serving their usual range of no-fuss reasonably priced food and a good selection of drinks, both hot and cold. There is a small seating area outside if you want to sit down and people watch.
If you’re looking for somewhere to dine out in the evening then a great venue is The One Eyed Cat, which is a bar/brasserie. From the outside it looks like a church, that’s because the building is an old chapel. They have a varied and well-priced menu, the service is great and the food is of good quality and tasty. As well as that there are various other places you can eat out, including an Italian pizzeria, Indian and Chinese restaurants.
Can I Shop Till I Drop?
Well no, not really although there is not a bad range of places to browse. The usual high street suspects are there as well as a Marks & Spencer. For more unique buys, you will also find some bespoke shops and boutiques. There especially seems to be a number of jewellery shops in Truro, particularly ones specialising in silver.