Cobbles, cafes, contemporary bars and an impressive cathedral. Truro, the only city in Cornwall, is the centre for retail and leisure - but some of the best haunts are hard to find. Discover our Truro Map to help you along the way.

The name Truro is thought to either mean ‘three roads’, referring to the three main connecting roads in and out of the city, or ‘three rivers’ referring to the The River Allen, The River Kenwyn and The Truro River which all converge at The Town Quay.

Until the 1920s ships could come right up the river to discharge their goods onto Back Quay, where The Drummer statue is now. The statue was made by sculptor Tim Shaw and represents Cornish identity, symbolising a place where ‘the drum beats differently’. The cast containing Cornish tin and copper and the emblem upon the drum refer to Truro’s past as a stannary town. Nowadays farmers and makers sell their wares on the many stalls on Lemon Quay and there seems to be a market there almost every day of the week! Lemon Street was completed in 1831 and is a fine example of Georgian Architecture using Bath stone. The statue on this street commemorates the 19th Century expolorer Richard Lander. Find out more about the history of Truro (and indeed Cornwall) at the Royal Cornwall Museum.

Victoria Gardens is beautiful with it’s exotic plants, quirky bandstand and view of the viaduct. There are also many beautiful walks around Truro. By following the River Kenwyn you reach Coosebean Woodland (great for bikes) and The Enchanted Nature Trail with its many cute fairy houses. Alternatively, follow The Truro River to arrive at Malpas: great play area and beautiful river views with a heron or two if you’re lucky. Ask for directions to ‘Sunny Corner’.

Truro also has great transport links (by road, rail or water) to other parts of Cornwall.