Trethevan Wood

The woodland path at Trethevan Wood drops you straight into proper Cornish countryside the moment you leave the car. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no gift shops, no playground announcements, just trees and the occasional bird that sounds far too pleased with itself.

What you get here is a solid walk through mixed woodland, the sort that feels genuinely wild without requiring technical hiking gear. The paths are reasonably maintained, though they get muddy after rain, so come prepared. Most people spend between one and two hours here, which is about right before your legs start complaining and the kids ask how much further. The light filters through the canopy in that golden way that makes photographers weep, so bring a camera if you're the type.

This works best for walkers and families after a proper stretch of the legs. Older kids will manage fine; younger ones might tire if they're not used to uneven terrain. There's no admission charge that we could find, and no formal opening hours posted either - it's the kind of place you just turn up to and get on with it.

Sit it between St Minver Holiday Park - which is decent enough if you want a base - or the excellent Porthilly Beach Holiday Park just down the road. Trethevan slots nicely into a day of exploring the North Cornwall coast without feeling like a tourist trap. It's honest woodland, no more, no less.