Edgecumbe Triangle

The Edgecumbe Triangle sits on the outskirts of St Austell, a stretch of land that's far more interesting than its bland name suggests. This nature reserve protects a genuinely wild corner of Cornwall - moorland scrub, heathland, and patches of woodland that feel properly untamed despite being minutes from a town. Walk here and you'll spot gorse in flower, heather when it blooms, and if you're lucky, adders and slow worms threading through the rough grass.

It's the sort of place that appeals to patient naturalists and serious walkers rather than casual strollers. Bring binoculars. The birdwatching can be decent, especially during migration periods. Kids will find it a bit sparse unless they're already into spotting insects and plants - there's no café, no facilities, just you and the landscape. Expect a couple of hours if you're doing it properly, maybe less if you're just after a quick spin round.

Honestly, it works best as a companion to Tregarton Park, just 5 miles away. Stay at the holiday park, and you've got somewhere to work off energy that doesn't require driving across the county. The reserve itself is free to access and open whenever, though the ground can get boggy in winter so proper boots are wise. St Austell itself is worth a poke around - the town's got real character once you venture past the main drag.