This underrated city has been slammed as the ‘worst’ in the UK – here’s why it’s actually great

The UK’s largest cities – the likes of London, Glasgow, Manchester, etcetera – tend to hog the spotlight when it comes to places to visit. But good things often come in small packages, and there are many great cities across the country that are far more compact and less crowded than their larger counterparts, with an equally stellar line up of cultural and culinary offerings. 

With that in mind, the Telegraph has ranked Britain’s 20 smallest cities from worst to best, based on how much they offer visitors.  

In last place was the capital of Cornwall, Truro. The Telegraph gave Cornwall’s only city a score of four out of 10. It said that the place ‘is not a looker’ and is more of a ‘pit stop’ for exploring the rest of the region’s beauty than a destination in itself.  

We’d argue that Truro is absolutely worth a visit. In fact, it’s one of Time Out’s top places to visit in Cornwall. Its centrepiece is the stunning gothic revival cathedral, which was built between 1880 and 1910, and is one of just three cathedrals in all of Britain to have three spires. 

Once you’ve had a good wander around the cathedral, make a beeline for to Lemon Street Market to browse a bunch of independent boutiques or grab a coffee at the cute Fig Cafe. If you’re a fan of digging around in second-hand shops, it’s worth paying a visit to Enjoy Clothing, one of Truro’s most beloved vintage stores. For a spectacular meal out , book a table at the Michelin-recommended Petty Fours, which opened in 2025 and sits in the cathedral’s shadow. 

If you’re after more history and culture, there’s the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery (formerly Royal Cornwall Museum). The 200-year-old museum reopened after a major refurb last year with a brand new art gallery housing more than 500 pieces dating from the 1300s to the modern day. That’s in addition to its huge collection of minerals from Cornwall’s mining industry and its vast collection of artefacts from ancient civilisations. And at the Hall For Cornwall, you can catch touring shows, contemporary dance performances and music and comedy gigs.