Heathlands Park

The heath here is proper wild - all gorse and heather rolling down towards the coast, with paths that actually feel like you've wandered off the beaten track rather than shuffled round a visitor attraction. Heathlands Park is a nature reserve just inland from Looe, and it's the kind of place where you'll spot adders if you're lucky (and quiet), linnet if you're observant, and vast stretches of nothing much if you're just after a decent walk.

It's not dramatic. No clifftop views or booming waves. What you get instead is that rare thing - genuinely uncommercialized countryside within striking distance of the coast. The trails are easy enough for families with older kids, though the terrain's uneven enough that pushchairs would be a nightmare. Give yourself two to three hours if you're serious about it, though you can knock round the main circuit in under an hour if time's tight.

Walkers and nature types will get the most from it. Birdwatchers especially - the reserve's well-managed for ground-nesting species. Families wanting something between beach days and the more touristy stuff will find it refreshing. There's no café, no facilities to speak of, which is either exactly what you want or completely irritating depending on your outlook.

Stay at Lydcott Glamping or one of the caravan sites round Looe - all within five miles - and you've got proper access to both the coast and this kind of quieter inland exploring. It's the sort of place you won't find thronged, especially off-season.