Bonniny Woods

Ancient oaks tower overhead while your boots crunch through decades of fallen leaves in this proper Cornish woodland. Bonniny Woods sprawls across the hills just outside Looe, offering a welcome escape from the seaside crowds into something altogether more peaceful.

Dog walkers absolutely love it here - the network of informal paths means mutts can have a proper run while you work up an appetite for lunch. Families will find it's brilliant for kids who need to burn off energy, though little ones might struggle with some of the steeper sections. The lack of formal waymarking adds to the adventure, but also means it's easy to lose your bearings if you're not paying attention.

Come in autumn when the canopy turns every shade of gold and copper you can imagine. Spring's lovely too, with bluebells carpeting the floor in late April and early May. Allow at least an hour for a decent walk, though you could easily spend a morning here if you're in no rush.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Looe? This makes a cracking morning out before heading down to the harbour for fish and chips. Tencreek Holiday Park is closest at just over a mile away, while Killigarth Manor and the other sites are all within easy driving distance. Pack a flask - there's nowhere to grab a coffee once you're in the woods.