Portgiskey beach

A short walk from Saint Austell takes you to Portgiskey, a modest stretch of sand and shingle that's earned protection as a nature reserve. It's not dramatic - no towering cliffs or golden dunes here - but that's rather the point. The beach sits quiet most of the time, popular with dog walkers and locals who know to slip away from the busier stretches along the coast.

What makes it worth a visit is the wildlife. The reserve protects nesting sites for terns and plovers, so spring and summer are best if you've got binoculars and patience. Rock pools reward a closer look, and the walking is straightforward enough for families, though you'll want proper shoes rather than flip-flops.

Geologically it's interesting too - you can spot the china clay workings that shaped Saint Austell's landscape in the hills behind. The tide comes in fast here, so check your timings before heading down. Allow an hour or so, longer if you're into bird spotting. It's free access, which is always welcome.

If you're based at Pentewan Sands or The Meadows just down the road, Portgiskey works as a morning outing before heading inland to Lost Gardens of Heligan or Mevagissey. It won't blow your mind, but it's a proper corner of the Cornish coast that doesn't feel staged for tourists. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.