National Trust - Carnewas at Bedruthan

The cliffs at Bedruthan are properly dramatic - sheer drops of red and golden stone that plunge down to a wide sandy beach scattered with massive rock stacks. This National Trust property sits just inland from Trenance, giving you direct access to one of Cornwall's most striking stretches of coastline without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots.

There's a car park right at the cliff edge, which is convenient, though the real payoff comes from walking the clifftop path. The vista stretches for miles in both directions, and on a clear day you can see why walkers make it their business to come here. The beach itself is accessible at low tide if you fancy the scramble down, but the clifftop walk is what most people do - takes about an hour for a proper loop, nothing too strenuous.

It's free to visit, which helps. Families with younger kids will spend an hour here quite happily watching the sea and clambering on the grass, though restless teenagers might need convincing it's worth stopping. Serious walkers and photographers will want longer - the light changes the whole character of those rocks throughout the day.

If you're based at Sun Haven or Watergate Bay Touring Park nearby, it's an easy morning or afternoon addition to your trip. Combine it with a walk into Padstow or Newquay, and you've got a proper day sorted. The NT doesn't charge for entry, and there's nowhere to eat on site, so bring supplies if you're planning to linger.