Seal Island

You can't actually land on Seal Island itself - it's a protected nature reserve off the Cornish coast near Trendrine - but that's rather the point. What makes it worth knowing about is the wildlife spectacle visible from the mainland cliffs and boats that venture near enough to spot the seals lounging about. Grey seals hauling themselves onto the rocks are the main draw, particularly in autumn and winter when they're breeding. The island sits in the mouth of the Helford River, and on a clear day the sight of them basking is genuinely striking.

Boat trips from nearby villages offer the best views without disturbing the colony. If you're staying at Haven Riviere Sands Holiday Park - a decent enough base about six miles away - you're well positioned to explore this stretch of coast properly. The clifftop walks around here are strong: good paths, proper Cornish views, and you'll likely spot seabirds circling the island even if the seals aren't obliging. Allow an hour for a decent clifftop walk, or book yourself onto a boat trip if you want closer encounters.

It's not a sit-down attraction - there's no cafe, no visitor centre - but it's free to admire from the shore. Family groups enjoy the boat trips; photographers and wildlife spotters get genuinely absorbed. Visit October through January when the seals are most visible and vocal. Outside breeding season it can feel a bit empty, honestly. Worth working into a wider Helford River walk rather than treating it as a standalone stop.