During the reign of Henry II, England’s Chief of Justice set up shop in what would become a bustling market town and regional capital. Truro, the most southerly city in the UK lies in the narrow section of Cornwall to the south west of the county and boasts stunning beaches and Gothic revival architecture.
Despite Cornwall’s capital city losing Richard de Luci’s 12-century castle to history, Truro remains a tourist hotspot and its modest population of 20,000 makes it one of the smallest cities in the UK, second only to St David’s in Pembrokeshire.
Known for its ancient, cobbled streets and a wealth of exquisite Gothic and Georgian buildings, Truro is also home to a magnificent Victorian Cathedral at its centre. Surrounding this landmark is a treasure trove of shops, cafes, and restaurants. As the most southerly city in the UK, the average temperature in Truro in August is 19C, making it a somewhat more reliable spot to book a staycation for anyone brave enough to put their faith in British summer weather.
For walkers there are an array of scenic routes to plant your hiking sticks on. Whether you fancy an easy trail around the cathedral or a longer romp in the countryside to breathtaking views of the River Kenwyn.
Truro’s cathedral is its main attraction, as it was the first to be built in England since St. Paul’s in London, taking 30 years to complete. Today its spires can be seen reaching for the sky above the city’s skyline. For the more adventurous, there are also a slew of surfing schools if you fancy your chances on the waves. If not, stretches of sandy beaches provide the perfect spot for a pastie. For history buffs, there is also the Royal Cornwall museum, which delves into the region’s rich mining history.
However, if the geography of Truro is enticing you, here are some other superlatives to add to your hit list. Also in Cornwall, is St Just, the most westerly town in the UK. With a miniscule population of just over 4,000, the Penwith town is one of the most ancient mining districts in Cornwall. Nearby is also Ballowall Barrow, a cliff-top chambered tomb. It is said to have served several phases of use from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture, you may want to time your trip for July, when the Lafrowda festival takes place. The colourful seven-day community and arts celebration is dedicated to the parish church, established in 1336.
If you want to catch the first sunrise of the day in England, put your pin on Lowestoft. The most easterly town in England, however despite having the romantic claim to being the first place to catch each day’s golden rays, it is also a large terminal sewage station.
Deck chairs are often dotted along the promenade, with tourists throughout the night during the summer solstice to watch the sunrise. Visitors are urged to park their car on Wilde Street before walking towards the sea. The sun currently rises in the Suffolk spot between 7.57 and 8.00 am. It is also the previous record holder for Britain’s tallest wind turbine, nicknamed “Gulliver” which stands 413 ft tall.