Liskeard Old Road Conservation Park

A steep wooded valley just inland from Looe, Liskeard Old Road Conservation Park is one of those places that proper nature lovers find rather special. The reserve clings to the slopes above a stream, with a mix of sessile oak and hazel woodland that feels genuinely wild - not manicured or managed to within an inch of its life. Walking the paths here, you're likely to spot birds you won't see in your back garden, and the stream itself is clean enough to support brown trout and the odd otter, though you'd need real luck to spot one.

It's a place for walkers and woodland enthusiasts rather than families wanting a quick outing. The terrain is uneven, roots catch your feet, and there's nowhere to sit and have an ice cream. Allow a good couple of hours if you want to do it justice. Best visited autumn through spring when the canopy is thinner and you can actually see something other than a wall of green.

The reserve is free to access, and it sits nicely within striking distance of the better-known attractions around Looe. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Lydcott Glamping, Waterside, or the Looe Caravan and Motorhome Club site are all within six miles - this makes an excellent day out. Combine it with a walk into Looe itself for fish and chips, and you've got a proper afternoon sorted. Not Instagram-famous, but genuinely worth the detour if you like your countryside on the quieter side.