Upton Wood

Walk into Upton Wood near Launceston and you're immediately swallowed by proper old-growth woodland - the kind of place where the canopy does most of the talking. Towering oaks and beeches create a cool, green tunnel that feels genuinely removed from the farmland surrounding it, which makes it all the more striking.

This is straightforward woodland rambling rather than anything fancy. Trails wind through the forest floor, past ferns and moss-covered logs, with decent shade even on warm days. It's the sort of wood where you half-expect to bump into Arthurian knights, though more likely you'll just encounter fellow walkers and the occasional dog.

Family groups with primary-school-aged children will get a solid afternoon here - there's enough to explore without needing a destination at the end. Older kids might find it a touch repetitive after an hour or so. Serious walkers will appreciate it as a stop en route rather than a standalone outing, particularly if you're combining it with the broader woodland and moorland of North Cornwall.

The real win is proximity to the glamping options nearby. Trewithen Farm Glamping sits just 3.4 miles away, and Ekopod a touch further at 4.0 miles - both cracking bases if you want woodland walks without the tent setup. Pop into Launceston itself for supplies and a decent pub afterwards.

Go early if you can. Mid-morning keeps crowds minimal and the wood feels properly yours.