Overlooking the mouth of the River Fal on the Cornwall coast, Truro is a charming market town with a rich tin-mining history. It’s clustered with beautiful Georgian architecture and a soaring Gothic cathedral and is home to a Victorian tea house dishing up Cornish produce.

Things to do

Discover the region’s rich mining and engineering heritage at the Royal Cornwall Museum, which is housed within the mid-19th-century Truro Savings Bank building. It displays an impressive collection of artefacts, minerals and artworks relating to life in England’s south-west, together with rare books and manuscripts in the adjacent Courtney Library.

Visit the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where soaring Gothic Revival spires dominate the cityscape. Admire the Victorian-era stained-glass windows and vaulted interior, then wander through the remains of the 16th-century church of St Mary the Virgin.

Stroll through the picturesque streets of Truro, which are lined with fine examples of Georgian, Regency and Victorian architecture. Follow Lemon Street up to the Lander Memorial, where the brothers who discovered the source of the Nile are honoured, before shopping in the large indoor market at Lemon Quay.

Step back in time at Charlotte’s Tea House where Cornish loose-leaf teas, cakes and lunches are served within an authentic Victorian setting. It’s situated on the first floor of Coinage Hall, which dates back to the early-14th century and the glory days of Cornish tin mining.

Getting around

Cornwall Airport Newquay is around 30 minutes’ drive from Truro, which is just under five hours’ drive from London. Buses connect with towns and cities across Cornwall, while Truro is compact enough to explore on foot.