Truro, Cornwall’s only city, boasts granite cobbled streets, Georgian mansions, and a gothic-style Victorian cathedral. But amongst this understated grandeur the feel is of a traditional country market town, particularly on Saturdays when Truro’s Lemon Quay comes alive with the weekly Farmers’ Market, featuring a mouth-watering array including home-baked bread, the freshest local fish, hand made preserves, locally reared organic meats, flavorsome Cornish duck, smoked fish, and local cheeses. A perfect place for any food lover to stop off and meet some of Cornwall’s award-winning food producers face-to-face.
If that hasn’t filled your shopping basket, or you can’t make it to Truro on a Saturday, simply turn the corner into Lemon Street, where will find Lemon Street Market tucked behind the terrace of elegant townhouses. This stylish arcade is filled with independent boutique shops including Baker Tom, stocking sourdough, rustic bread, and pastries all baked in small batches.
Be quick, they sell out fast! To complete your food shopping, just around another corner is the Cornish Food Box Company, an emporium of 100% Cornish produce that will even deliver directly to your door.
Truro Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline. The foundation stone for the impressive three-spired structure was laid in 1880 and includes the south aisle of St Mary’s Parish Church that previously stood on the site. The cathedral is open to visitors and the inspiring architecture is well worth contemplating. Exiting the rear of the cathedral there is a lovely little walk along the river.
Following this seaward will lead you to Furniss Island, the original site of the famous biscuit makers who have since moved, but you will find their famous Fairings in most Cornish food stores. A site is now a place where, on a fine day, you could stop to picnic on your purchases.
Crossing to Town Quay, how about including a boat trip in your adventure? Enterprise Boats operate a ferry service to:
Wolverine – don’t miss Smugglers’ Tea Room on the water’s edge, part of the Tregothnan Estate, now famous as the first commercial tea growers in England
Trelissick – stunning National Trust gardens with art gallery and café
St. Mawes – enjoy homemade food at Café Roseland or go the whole hog and visit the luxurious Hotel Tresanton in this seaside town
Falmouth – take your pick from a wide range of bars, cafes, and restaurants, or grab a pasty at Rowe’s the Bakers.
If you’re more of a landlubber, Truro’s back streets are lined with delicatessens, galleries, and boutiques, and are well worth exploring. If retail therapy doesn’t take your fancy, then the Royal Cornwall Museum on River Street may be of interest. It contains an array of objects including old masters, a world-famous mineral collection, an unwrapped mummy, and pictures of Cornwall’s mining history – and entry is free.
