Polcoombe

Polcoombe is a proper working nature reserve just outside Looe, the kind of place where you actually feel like you're doing something useful while having a walk. It's not a manicured country house garden or a theme park - this is the real deal, managed for wildlife, which means you'll find genuine habitat work happening rather than just pretty paths.

The reserve itself focuses on protecting and restoring natural habitats. You're looking at woodland, grassland, and wetland areas depending on the season. Spring and early summer are best if you want to clock decent bird numbers and wildflowers. The walks are fairly gentle, nothing that'll destroy your legs, and it's the sort of place where you might genuinely see something interesting - barn owls have been spotted here, which beats another queue for a tea room.

It works particularly well if you've got keen naturalists in the family or you just want a break from the beach crowds near Looe without driving far. Your nearest holiday bases are Killigarth Manor and Tencreek, both within striking distance if you're looking to combine this with park stays elsewhere in the area. Looe itself has enough fish and chips shops to justify the trip.

Check their website before you go - admission details aren't entirely clear, and visiting hours can be variable. Allow a couple of hours for a proper look around, but you can duck in for 45 minutes if time's tight. Bring binoculars if you've got them.