The Rumps

The Rumps juts out into the sea near New Polzeath like a defiant fist, and once you're up there, you understand why it's been fought over for centuries. This Iron Age fort sits on a headland with sheer drops on three sides - the views along the north Cornwall coast are genuinely spectacular, stretching for miles on a clear day.

You're looking at twin peaks connected by a narrow ridge, with the remains of defensive ditches still visible if you know where to look. The walk up takes about twenty minutes from the car park and it's not particularly tough, though the final approach is a bit steep. The whole experience - up, around, and back down - is maybe an hour, longer if you faff about with a camera.

This is walkers' territory first and foremost. You'll get sweeping views, good sea air, and a genuine sense of standing on something ancient. Kids will either love scrambling about or find it dull depending on their age - anything under eight might struggle with the interest levels. History enthusiasts will appreciate the archaeology; casual strollers might find it feels a touch underwhelming compared to the walk.

It's free and you can visit anytime. The nearest proper base would be St Minver Holiday Park or Porthilly Beach Holiday Park, both within easy reach of New Polzeath itself, which makes it a straightforward add-on to a broader north coast exploration. Go when the wind's not absolutely howling - these headlands can be brutal in a gale.