Kennall Vale Nature Reserve

The walk down to Kennall Vale is the real draw here - a proper woodland descent that feels like you're slipping back in time. This former tin and copper mining valley, just outside Truro, has been reclaimed by nature, and what remains are the ghostly ruins of old engine houses and processing works dotted through thick woodland. You'll spot granite pillars, collapsed structures, and the remnants of the tin-streaming channels that carved up the valley for centuries.

It's a cracking spot for anyone interested in industrial archaeology, though honestly it's just as good if you couldn't care less about the history. The walk itself is lovely - steep in places, muddy after rain, and genuinely atmospheric. The ruins feel genuinely lost rather than prettified, which makes a refreshing change from some heritage sites. Allow a couple of hours if you want to poke about properly, maybe longer if you're a keen photographer.

Families with older kids will get on well here, but it's not a playground and there's genuine exposure on some sections, so younger ones need supervision. The nearby glamping spots at Penhallow Barn and around Carnon Downs make reasonable bases if you're planning a few days exploring this corner of Cornwall. Most of the valley walk is free, though you'll want proper footwear - trainers will leave your feet sodden. Early morning visits mean fewer people and better light for spotting the ruins through the trees.