Tretawn Wood

The woodland around Tretawn is proper Cornish forest - dense, mossy, and the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. Ancient oaks crowd out the light, ferns unfurl everywhere, and the whole thing has that damp, alive smell you only get in the southwest. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, which means it stays refreshingly quiet even during peak season.

It's ideal for families wanting a woodland walk without the crowds, though the paths can be muddy underfoot so decent boots are essential. Older kids who like building camps and spotting wildlife will get far more out of it than younger ones just after a quick stroll. The wood sits near Trewethern, making it a natural add-on to a holiday at either St Minver Holiday Park or Porthilly Beach Holiday Park - you could easily combine a morning walk here with an afternoon on the beach just down the road.

Allow two to three hours for a decent wander depending on how far you venture in. There's no admission charge and no set hours, so you can turn up whenever suits. Late afternoon light filters through the canopy rather beautifully, though don't plan on walking it in full darkness. Honestly, it won't be the highlight of your Cornish trip, but it's worth knowing about if you need a break from tourist hotspots and fancy something genuinely local.