Nanjizal Bay

The walk down to Nanjizal Bay takes your breath away - and not just because of the steep coastal path. This is proper wild Cornwall, the sort of place where you understand why people move to the county and never leave. The beach itself is a curved strip of golden sand hemmed in by dramatic cliffs, with sea caves tucked into the rock face that you can explore at low tide. The water's cold but swimmable in summer, and the whole setup feels remote even though you're only a couple of miles from Land's End.

The approach matters. You'll need good shoes and about forty minutes each way from the nearest car park - it's not a casual stroll, but it filters out the day-trippers. History buffs will appreciate the Bronze Age barrow mound visible on the headland, and photographers should arrive mid-afternoon when the light hits the cliffs properly. Families with younger kids might find the trek tiresome for what amounts to an hour on the beach, though teenagers usually rate it.

It's free, as with most Cornish beaches, and best visited between May and September when the weather cooperates. The caves are only accessible a couple of hours either side of low tide, so check the tide tables before you go. If you're camping at Lands End Camping & Glamping just down the road, this makes a brilliant morning excursion. Roselands Caravan Park is also close enough for a half-day trip. Just remember to bring water - there's nothing out there except you, the rocks, and the Atlantic.