Morwellham Quay

The copper mines here made proper fortunes back in the day, and Morwellham Quay is where you see the evidence - a restored Victorian river port on the Tamar that feels genuinely lived-in rather than museum-sterile. You wander down to the water past period buildings, watch the boats, poke about in the old mining museum, and get a real sense of how this place once thundered with industry. It's a working heritage site, not just a lookout spot.

Families tend to spend a couple of hours here maximum, which is about right. Kids will get something from it - there's water to look at, boats to spot, and enough space to let them roam without worry - but it's not a full-day destination unless you're properly into industrial history. The walk down to the quay itself is lovely, and you can grab food or a drink while you're at it.

Tavistock is just five minutes away if you need supplies or a bigger town. For a holiday based at one of the local parks - Woodovis is closest at three miles, or there's Sunnyside Eco Glamping if you want something smaller - this makes an easy half-day visit that slots nicely between other things. Come on a weekday morning if you can, when it's quieter. The riverside setting is the real draw here rather than the attractions themselves, though that's no bad thing.