Good shopping, great markets, a splendid cathedral and exciting visitor attractions are all found in Truro, Cornwall's only city, writes Jennie Cooper

Good shopping, great markets, a splendid cathedral and exciting visitor attractions are all found in Truro, Cornwall’s only city, writes Jennie Cooper

The spires of Truro Cathedral stretching into the sky are a welcoming sight and this beautiful landmark is visible whether you approach the city by car or by train. Strolling around Truro’s historic cobbled opes and alleyways there is a relaxed air. Boutique shops, restaurants, caf�s, galleries and markets line the streets, giving visitors every opportunity to sample Cornish fare.Truro is surrounded by beautiful countryside and it is not difficult to find a pretty spot by the river or under the shade of a tree to sit and watch the world go by. There are three rivers in Truro: the Kenwyn and the Allen join together to become Truro River, which then leads on to the River Fal.

To discover some of the best parts of the city this summer, why not pay a visit to some of the places listed below and get some great tips from people who live and work there?

Truro Cathedral

The Cathedral is a big draw and, located in the centre of the city in among the shops and caf�s, it is hard to miss. Open every day, there are regular services, to which visitors are welcome, as well as a great restaurant and a shop and information centre where you can learn more about its history and the restoration projects that are taking place. For further information visit: www.trurocathedral.org.uk

Markets

There are two indoor markets in Truro: the Pannier Market is large and sells unusual market produce, while the Lemon Street Market holds individual shops selling locally caught fish, bread, herbs and spices. There are often food, craft or continental markets set up on Truro’s piazza on Lemon Quay. Also in the piazza is Truro Farmers’ Market, which runs every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am-4pm.

Royal Cornwall Museum

With an amazing array of objects and artefacts, the Museum’s highlights include its famous unwrapped mummy, classical Greek and Roman objects, a world-famous collection of minerals and a decorative arts collection. There are various events including exhibitions, walks, talks and painting classes. For details call www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

The Hall for Cornwall

The Hall for Cornwall is Truro’s popular theatre, with a wide range of performances and shows from local and national actors, musicians, dancers, comedians and performers.For further information visit: www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

Truro’s Wild Side

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s HQ is based in Allet, near Truro. Cornwall Life asked the Wildlife Trust’s Nick Marriott, West Cornwall Nature Reserves Officer, what his favourite part of Truro is and what wildlife we can see in July. “I love going down to the mudflats of the estuary to watch birds. In July, you could see herons, various gulls, shags, little egrets and mallard ducks. Further up river you may spot a kingfisher.”Nick advises us to keep our eyes and ears open for “fast-flying insect eaters” this month, such as swifts, swallows and house martins. “In the parks and gardens you may come across the small tortoiseshell, red admiral and peacock butterflies. On the rivers there should be damselflies and dragonflies and bats. Look out for the harmless grass snakes basking in the sun too.” For further information visit: www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

River Trips

Being right on the water, there are plenty of opportunities for river trips from Truro. The King Harry Ferry runs services around the gorgeous Roseland Peninsula, linking Falmouth, Truro, St Mawes, St Anthony headland, Flushing and Trelissick Garden. If you would rather go by boat than the drive-on ferry, Enterprise Boats also runs a service operating along the Fal, linking Falmouth, Truro, Malpas and St Mawes. For prices, times, routes and further information visit: www.kingharryscornwall.co.uk

Skinner’s Brewery

Celebrating its 13th anniversary this summer, Skinner’s Brewery has a good choice of cask-conditioned ales. The working brewery runs tours for individuals and groups from 12pm and 2.30pm Monday to Friday until October. Evening tours for groups only run all year round from Monday to Saturday. Check out the Visitors’ Centre and sample some of the ales and the brewery’s own Cornish lager. For further information visit: www.skinnersbrewery.com

Trewithen Gardens

This private estate at Grampound, near Truro, with its 18th-century house, is famous for its collection of magnolias and camellias. It has woodland walks, a nursery and tea shop and the gardens are open until 30 September. Cornwall Life spoke to Head Gardener Gary Long about what will be in bloom in the garden in July. “This month is all about roses. Other flowers visitors can see are buddleja, potentilla, crocosmia and hebes. For further information visit: www.trewithengardens.co.uk

Events in Truro this Summer

What’s On at Truro Cathedral

5 JulyTruro Cathedral Calendar ExhibitionBeautiful photographic images from the Cathedral’s new fundraising calendar.10am-5pm. 01872 276782, www.trurocathedral .org.uk10 July Music for a summer’s eveningAlastair Taylor plays piano and organ music from classical to popular. 7.30pm. �10. Contact Claire Vincent: 07792 40851917 July NosferatuA showing of the classic 1922 horror film with live improvised organ accompaniment. Guests can also enjoy a pre-concert supper in the Cathedral Restaurant from 6pm. Contact Hall for Cornwall to book: 01872 245011

What’s On at the Royal Cornwall Museum

17 July – 4 September Truro Uncovered An exhibition exploring the rich heritage of Truro, based on research by local people using archives held by the Cornwall Records Office, Cornish Studies Library and the Royal Institution of Cornwall.For details visit www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

22 JulyArchaeology at the RoyalCornwall MuseumA talk by Jane Marley, Curator of Archaeology and World Culture.For details visit www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk27 JulyFlying Past – The Archaeology of Cornwall from the AirA talk by Steve Hartgroves, Principal Archaeologist HES. For details visit www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

What’s On at the Hall for Cornwall

1 JulyLesley GarrettBritain’s popular soprano presents songs and arias and will be accompanied by pianist Andrew West and joined by a special guest singer.7.30pm. �3211 JulyDancebeat 2010Energy-charged dance routines inspired by pop and club sounds, classic jazz, West End musicals and more.5pm. �1417 JulyBoogie NightCelebrate mid-summer at the Hall for Cornwall and get dancing to non-stop hits all evening from great acts.

19 JulyJames MorrisonBack in his home county of Cornwall, James is performing this charity gig in aid of the Tanya’s Courage Trust, which helps young people with cancer. �3526-31 JulyStepping OutStarring Brian Capron and Anita Harris, this show is a story about an ex-professional dancer and her class of tap-dancers who are asked to perform at a charity gala.7.30pm (with a matinee at 3pmon 29 and 31 July)

What’s on at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust

4 JulyGuided walk at Kennal Vale Nature Reserve, PonsanoothA stroll through the beautiful woodland reserve to learn about the gunpowder works’ history and the wildlife.10am. �2 donation. Call: 01872 273939 ext. 278 to book 23 JulyBlues in the BarnCharity event held in aid of the Trust and other charities. Join in this fun night of music and dancing with good food and cider from the farm and free camping.6pm till late. Woodland Valley Farm, Ladock. Call: 01726 884127