National Trust - St Anthony Head

The headland juts out into the sea with a proper sense of drama - cliffs that drop away sharply, giving you views across to Falmouth and beyond. St Anthony Head is a working lighthouse, still flashing away, and you can walk right out to it on well-maintained paths that take about 20 minutes from the car park. The views alone justify the trip from Truro, but there's actual history here too: the fortifications date back to the 1850s, built when people worried the French might invade. The whole thing feels less touristy than you'd expect for a National Trust spot.

It works brilliantly for walkers and history buffs, though families with young kids will manage the main paths fine - it's not demanding terrain. The coastal path runs through here, so you can easily string it together with a longer walk if you're inclined. Allow two hours if you want to potter about and actually look at the information boards. Visit on a clear day, mind you - I've been here in drizzle and the grey sea just merges with grey sky.

Free to explore, though parking will likely have a small charge. It's only a short drive from Trethem Mill Touring Park if you're based there, making it an easy morning or afternoon excursion. The headland gets busy in summer weekends, so go early or save it for a quieter weekday if possible.