Lundy Bay

The beach at Lundy Bay sits just north of Pentireglaze, and it's the sort of place that rewards a bit of effort to reach. You're looking at a small sandy cove hemmed in by rocky outcrops - nothing vast, but the rocks themselves are the real draw. Massive columnar basalt formations rise up like someone's stacked enormous pencils on end, and at the right time of day the light catches them beautifully.

Parking is tight - there's a small car park above the beach, though it fills quickly on decent weather weekends. The walk down takes about ten minutes, and it's steep enough that you'll feel it on the way back up. Worth it though, especially if you're into geology or just want a bit of drama with your seaside visit.

Families with young kids will get an hour or so out of it - the beach is small enough that they won't wander far, and the rock pools are decent when the tide's out. Walkers and photographers will linger longer; the formations photograph well and there's good scope for exploring the cove itself.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - St Minver Holiday Park is closest at under two miles - it makes a straightforward morning or afternoon jaunt. Combine it with a walk toward Padstow or a splash about at Porthilly Beach Holiday Park if you want something more substantial. The beach itself is free, though there's no lifeguard cover, so keep an eye on conditions and the tide.