A day out in Truro should be a pleasant antidote to Cornwall's sandy beaches and quaint harbour villages. Those who are not in a hurry should park beside Boscawen Park on the quiet Malpas Road and walk into the city along the Truro River ‐ a most pleasant way to start your visit. The walk brings you out at Lemon Quay where boat trips can take you down the scenic river to Falmouth, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world.
From Lemon Quay it is easy to find Truro's pint-sized city centre ‐ just follow in the direction of the tall cathedral spire! Your walk will take you along Lemon Street with its lovely architectural facades of golden Bath stone, said to be the finest Georgian street in England. Along the way, make a diversion into the historic covered pannier market or take time to browse in the lovely specialist shops.
One big surprise in Truro is that in such a historic city and stannary town, the Gothic Revival Cathedral was completed as recently as 1910. It is however on the site of St Mary's Church which was consecrated 600 years earlier and now forms part of the Lady Chapel within.
The central area around St Mary's Street and New Bridge Street is the main area to find petite-sized national chain stores, jewellers, bookstores and specialist stores all crammed into the most unlikely buildings which make up the compact pedestrianised city centre.
The Royal Cornwall Museum is in the heart of the city and is like no other museum you will ever visit. It offers a wonderful insight into Truro's social and cultural history with its rise and fall directly associated with the fickle mining industry. Close by is the Hall for Cornwall ‐ checkout the all-encompassing program of events.
When you have finished shopping, head for Charlotte's Tea House and Antiques Centre on Boscawen Street. The olde worlde building, known as the Coinage Hall, is well worth visiting. It was once the place where Cornish tin was assayed and it now houses rooms of antique furniture and knick-knacks for sale. A climb to the top of the stairs will reward you with the tearoom, a real step back in time. It is manned by waitresses in Victorian costume and tea is served in china cups to accompany the real homemade cakes and clotted cream scones.
The Tourist Information Centre, also on Boscawen Street is worth a visit to pick up information about the many attractions in the area. One thing about Cornwall is that it is so compact that nothing is far from Truro. The Information Centre is also the place to book a guided walking tour of this historic city. The highly informative tours include many historic landmarks as the local guide recounts fascinating facts mixed with local folklore and historic tales of Truro long ago.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.