Perran Sands Chapel

A small stone chapel sits on the edge of Perran Sands, half-buried by dunes and utterly silent. St Piran's Oratory, to give it its proper name, is one of Cornwall's oldest buildings - sixth century, they reckon - and walking up to it feels like you've stumbled onto something genuinely ancient rather than visited an attraction.

The chapel itself is tiny. You won't spend long inside - ten minutes, maybe - but that's rather the point. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no faffing about. Just weathered stone walls, a simple interior, and the sound of wind coming off the Atlantic. On a grey day it's properly atmospheric; on a sunny one, the contrast between the golden sand and dark stone is striking.

It's worth the detour if you're already in Perranporth, which sits just north. The walk across the dunes takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Families with young children might find it a bit abstract - there's no interactive element whatsoever - but older kids interested in history will get something real from it. History types, obviously, will love it.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Crantock Beach Holiday Park, you're only a short drive away, making this an easy add-on to a beach day. Don't go expecting dramatic ruins or crowds. Go for quiet, for age, for the genuine article. It delivers all three.