National Trust - Tintagel Old Post Office

The moment you step into this 15th-century yeoman's house, you're confronted by something that feels properly medieval - wonky walls, uneven floorboards, and rooms so cramped you'll bang your head if you're taller than five foot six. The National Trust has kept it exactly as it would have been when a postmaster ran his operation from here, though calling it a 'post office' is generous. It's really a glimpse into how ordinary Cornish people actually lived, which is far more interesting than it sounds.

There's not masses to do - count on forty minutes max, an hour if you're thorough. But the building itself is the draw. You'll find period furnishings, a small exhibition about the postal service, and enough atmospheric detail to fire the imagination. History enthusiasts will get the most from it; young kids might find it a touch dull unless they're already into Tudor-era stuff.

It's free entry for National Trust members, paid admission otherwise - standard Trust pricing. Being near Bodmin, you can easily combine this with a broader Cornish exploration. Rosebud Farm Touring Park sits only four miles away if you're basing yourself in the area, and makes a decent staging post for exploring both the coast and inland attractions.

Go on a quieter weekday if possible. Tintagel's castle steals most of the tourist footfall, leaving this little building beautifully undercrowded.