Carn Brea

Standing 738 feet above Redruth, this granite tor demands attention from across Cornwall's mining heartland. Two monuments crown the summit - a 90-foot stone tower built in 1836 to honour local MP Francis Basset, and the remains of a 14th-century castle that once commanded these moorlands. The climb takes about 20 minutes from the car park, winding through gorse and heather on well-trodden paths.

Views from the top stretch from the Atlantic to the English Channel on clear days, with the distinctive engine houses of Cornwall's mining heritage dotting the landscape below. History enthusiasts will appreciate the ancient hill fort remains and Bronze Age burial chambers scattered across the summit plateau.

Families with older children will manage the ascent fine, though toddlers might struggle with the rocky sections near the top. Dog walkers love it here - just mind the sheep that graze the lower slopes. Allow a couple of hours if you want to explore properly and soak up the panorama.

Perfectly positioned for a Cornwall camping holiday, with Lanyon Holiday Park just over a mile away and several other parks within easy driving distance. The tor works brilliantly as a morning expedition before heading to the coast, giving you proper perspective on this ancient landscape before diving into Cornwall's beaches and harbours.