Forever Young

Surfers, music festivals, end of term hotspots; has Cornwall totally given over to the brash and brazen? Well, not quite. Cornwall’s endless diversity means there is something for everyone to enjoy, so if you’re after a more sedate break then discover a refined side to the county at your leisure.

Wednesday Evening: You’re retired, you’ve got time and you’ve got your best friends, so let the train whisk you all down to the grand old city of Truro where you’ll stay in one of the splendid Georgian guest houses located near the centre of the city.

Thursday Morning: Discover the switchback of narrow streets in the city. All the big name retailers are there plus attractive little boutiques selling everything from original clothes and handmade jewellery to bespoke houseware and indulgent confectionary. Pay a visit to the magnificent gothic style cathedral, the only one in Cornwall. Its dramatic spires soar 250 feet above the city and the interior houses the some of the finest examples of Victorian stained glass in the UK.

Thursday Afternoon: Close by stop for lunch at Café Elia where you’ll find a healthy menu that features dishes for those with special dietary needs. A short distance away is the free admission Royal Cornwall Museum where you can learn all about Cornwall’s past from prehistoric archaeology to the county’s industrial triumphs

Thursday Evening: Ease the day down by taking in a show at the Hall for Cornwall, originally a courthouse and fire station, it’s now the county’s premier theatre venue staging performances ranging from dance, classic plays, touring musicals and the occasional rock band.

Friday Morning: The train leaves for the town of Falmouth 29 times a day, but for an even more sedate journey take a ferry trip on the river. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the third largest natural harbour in the world as you gently cruise down to the bustling port.

Friday Lunchtime: Definitely visit the National Maritime Museum located near the harbour where you’ll find a huge collection of all thing seafaring and can even take a peek underwater at the living sea of the Fal estuary.

Friday Afternoon: Discover the work of artists inspired by the light and landscape of Cornwall at the free entry Falmouth Art Gallery, which houses an important permanent collection of works and showcases upcoming talent. Then enjoy that landscape for real back down at the harbour with a tasty portion of fish and chips from national award winning Harbour Lights Café by Custom House Quay.

Saturday Morning: Back in Truro take a stroll round the farmers' market on Lemon Quay, sample some of Cornwall’s fantastic local food and pick up some Cornish honey and local cheese to take back home.

Saturday Afternoon: Take the train to the Eden Project (there’s a bus link from St Austell Station) Whatever the weather you’ll be warm and dry in the tropical and Mediterranean biomes of this iconic Cornish attraction and whether you’re an avid garden lover or not, you’ll find the plant collections simply phenomenal.

Saturday Evening: Pop into Charlotte’s Tea House in the 17th century Coinage Hall for as lip-smacking Cornish cream tea and end the day at Victoria Gardens near the city’s towering viaduct. The gardens feature a traditional bandstand, a beautiful fountain and live music and concerts are given during summer.