Late Night Shopping with the family in Truro!

Off we headed after school into Truro. I was aiming to be in the city for 4pm to take advantage of the car park fee of £1.50 in most of the car parks, however, I opted for the sheltered NCP and their large child friendly red parking bays.  This meant, we were able to assemble the push chair, change and have a quick drink and a snack.  I think I was more excited than the girls about late night shopping in Truro!  I couldn’t wait to show them the sparkly lights in Truro and how festive it feels.

First stop was the Truro library to change our library books and then onto High Cross.  The children raced to the ‘snow’ covered tree and we grabbed the opportunity for a photograph.

Then we went into the Cathedral and admired the nativity scene and incredible Christmas tree which had been adorned with a plethora of decorations.  We looked in the gift shop for an angel on top of our Christmas tree at home, however opted for a star. The girls were allowed to choose a decoration each. This was not as easy as I had imagined it to be.  My two year old wished to pick up all breakable objects and it was it challenging to stay focused, whilst my eldest one was just as curious!  Thankfully my toddler chose a safe pink sparkle bauble that was for sale under the table – perfect for her height and non breakable.  My eldest chose a large twinkly snow flake, which looks quite striking on  our Christmas tree.

We decided to go to ‘Sam’s in the City‘ in New Bridge Street for food and opted to sit down to eat, which meant my toddler could sit in a high chair.   (Its not so easy to eat street food with a toddler).  The children had fish and chips and small strawberry milkshakes….  Whilst I enjoyed a crisp white wine spritzer with calamari and chips.  The service was excellent, toilets immaculate and the staff friendly.  The children enjoyed colouring in their Sam’s in City pictures whilst waiting for supper to arrive.  My five year old did ask, ‘why is the mannequin wearing pants!’ (You know the one…..) I explained they were very short shorts!

We then headed off to see Father Christmas at Truro Library in his extraordinary grotto. The girls were extremely keen to see him and his elf helpers!  They were able to ‘write’ to him before going to see him and enjoyed the festive music and the present from his sack.

Walking to Boscawen Street, under the strings of stars in Cathedral Lane and beautifully lit trees at High Cross, with the hustle and bustle of the people in Truro – made it feel like a magical night.  On Boscawen Street , we admired the stalls and found the Raymonds swing chair carousal ride.  The girls adored this and wanted to go again, however bed time was beckoning. Finally we headed home after a special evening in ‘Our great little city’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Late Night Shopping in Truro #ChristmasTruro

It was a beautiful clear night in Truro as I left work to go and meet my friend at the top of Pydar Street. We were so excited to spend some time together and have a browse in Truro during late night shopping.

(When we were younger, we would often go shopping, choose a glamourous top and then out on the town and party late into the night, now we both have families and it’s challenging to even get out the door by ourselves! ) We reminisced and browsed, enjoying the cold evening air in Truro.

The Truro Christmas Prime Stock and Product Show had been on in Lemon Quay throughout the day and events were drawing to a close. This is such a unique annual event for the city, to see the county’s finest cattle on display in the shopping capitol of Cornwall – its quirky but it works!

As the Christmas lights glittered, town was full of people enjoying themselves and browsing in the shops. We headed into New Look to find Christmas strappy heels, no luck – after four attempts of trying on shoes, I failed to purchase a pair – too fussy and we moved on.

We had a quick glimpse in Preloved Boutique‘s new premises at 17 Pydar Street – it looked well laid out, clean, with dresses on sale, suited to all Christmas parties!

Lush at the top of Pydar Street was full of customers trying and experimenting with their unusual and sweet smelling beauty products. Bath bombs, bath playdough, hair creams and wobble jelly soaps – essential Christmas stocking fillers.

Truro Cathedral enticed us to go in to have some quiet time, light a candle and say a prayer. The Cathedral has a large striking Christmas tree, with simple decorations and the fresh smell of fir.

Truro Choral Society

Christmas Carols

We discovered Truro Choral Society singing, five young men with incredible voices from bass to soprano, singing all in harmony. Sitting in the Cathedral was special and we appreciated the gentleman’s voices before moving on.

We then walked towards Boscaswen Street under the twinkling blanket of lights of Kings Street. We headed past some of the large retailers, who were bustling with activity! Flash sales here and there. Our objective was to see some of the street entertainment and view what was for sale in the street markets. The fire eaters and Mother Santa, as well as the Camborne Youth Band were around and filled the streets with festive cheer.

Our noses (and empty bellies) then led us towards New Bridge and St Marys Street to find somewhere less crowded to enjoy some food and mulled wine. We weren’t disappointed! The Old Grammar School offered a choice of three delicious street food dishes seafood paella, pulled pork and vegetable risotto.

After dinner, we stepped back onto Boscawen Street to see if there was more space to look at the street markets and found a fabulous nut store. Macadamia, almonds, honey coated cashews to savoury fiery flavours.

Singing outside The White Company

As our evening drew to a close, we relished the atmosphere and enjoyed being in Truro. The Christmas lights sparkled and the three angels on Trafalgar Roundabout bid us a fond farewell.