Holywell Cave

Dark limestone passages wind through the cliffs just inland from Holywell Bay, creating one of Cornwall's more accessible underground adventures. The cave system here isn't enormous - you can explore the main chambers in about 30 minutes - but it's properly atmospheric with decent headroom and some lovely rock formations.

Families with older children will find it manageable, though the entrance can be muddy after rain and you'll definitely want a torch. The cave stays cool year-round, making it a decent rainy day option when the beach isn't appealing. Local geology enthusiasts reckon the limestone here dates back millions of years, carved out by ancient water flows.

What makes Holywell Cave particularly handy is its location. You're literally a stone's throw from some of Cornwall's best holiday parks - Holywell Bay Holiday Park and Trevornick are both within a mile, while Crantock Beach and Perran Sands parks are easily reached too. Perfect for an hour's diversion before heading back to the beach or pool. The walk from most of these parks takes 15-20 minutes through pleasant countryside, though the final approach can be a bit rough underfoot.