I suppose it's very sad really, but my main ambition in life and ultimate goal is to buy a little house in Cornwall with a fair sized garden and retire there. Until that day arrives (if ever) I shall have to make do with holidaying in the area as many times as I am able to.

I first discovered Truro many years ago whilst working as a chambermaid in a hotel in Perranporth. It was almost impossible to travel around at that time as buses were very infrequent. It was the late swingin' sixties and hitchhiking was very much the norm, although I shudder now to think what could have happened. However, since that time Truro has always been my favourite City and City indeed it is, although it originally was once just a small Cornish town. It still retains a town-like quality though and has a non-threatening character, unlike some of our larger cities eg., Manchester or Liverpool.

Truro is now the thriving capital of Cornwall, marginally beating Penzance for the title. Here you will find all the major stores - Marks and Spencer, British Home Stores etc., based in King Street in the centre, next to the Cathedral......and what a Cathedral it is.....Truro Cathedral is one of the most modern in the U.K. completed in 1910. It is a beautiful building, Gothic in style with three spires, the highest being 250ft and as Truro is located in a valley, these spires are usually the first thing a visitor will see on approaching the area. Indeed there is even a festival called the Three Spires Festival which is held between the end of May and early June. It is possible to buy a cheap snack in the Chapter House of the Cathedral after an hour or so wandering quietly around taking in the breathtaking leaded light windows and reading the history that abounds within its walls.

The City has a holiday feel to it most of the year with buskers in the square immediately outside the Cathedral vying for a place amongst the many shoppers and tourists. Immediatel
y behind is the Cathedral garden, a small tranquil area where office workers sit and eat their sandwiches in the fine weather which Cornwall usually enjoys. Alternatively, small quaint inns are dotted throughout the back streets where you can enjoy a quiet drink either sitting in the gardens or listening to the locals inside. I particularly enjoy sitting in the garden of the pub located right alongside the Cathedral gardens next to the Auction House, where you can sit and watch the world go by. Later,as you're browsing amongst the many shops, keep a look out for the monument of Richard Lander an early explorer - you'll find this in Lemon Street.

Don't expect any beaches at Truro, although of course beaches are never far away by car. Truro is however situated at the head of a tidal estuary of the River Fal and Truro River and it's possible to take a leisurely stroll along Riverside Walk. Park benches are dotted along the river for any weary travellers to rest for a while and you'll pass Victoria Gardens with its magnificent floral beds along the way. If you have small children, there is a small children's area located next to the tennis courts - all about half a mile from the City Centre. The Wycliffe Studios used to be situated here where you could see artifacts from the programme, but unfortunately they and the programme are now long gone and the building is now a pine warehouse.

If you're really adventurous you can walk further and you will come across beautiful countryside walks in the hills overlooking the City.

You will never be short of something to do in Truro. There's a tiny cinema located on the outskirts in a street filled with fine examples of Georgian architecture, or visit the museum where you will discover the history of Cornwall. There's also an art gallery located in Lemon Street and the town hall often has flea markets or musical extravaganzas.

If you're really stuck f
or somewhere to stay or require further information the Tourist information Site can be located in Boscawen Street in the City Centre.

If all this doesn't appeal to you, Truro has a large Bus Station where you can jump on a bus to almost every other part of Cornwall, or alternatively take a boat trip to Falmouth from the Town Quay located next to the bus station. Trellisick Gardens is located a short trip away at a place called Feock.......and no I'm not swearing! !

Parts of Truro appear to be trapped in a time-warp, but I say this in a positive way. There are numerous cobbled alleys, known to the locals as opes with quaint shops and eating houses by the hundreds. You will certainly find no shortage of cafes and restaurants to choose from and if you really are addicted to the Internet why not drop in to the Internet Cafe located in Fraser St which is half way between the Cathedral and the railway station.

Finally, for those of you who like me are addicted to antique and junk shops, Truro is heaven as these shops are dotted on every corner and there is always the possibility that not only will you have had a glorious holiday, but you will come home with a valuable asset as well .........and no, I don't mean the wife/husband.

I wouldn't stay in Truro personally, as I like to have a seaview from my window whilst on holiday. However if you feel you would like to stay in this City, there are literally hundreds of guesthouses, hotels and B&Bs. There is even a caravan site (Sunny Valley) located about 2 miles out of the City. Wherever you stay, Truro is definitely a City you should not miss while visiting Cornwall.