Truro

Cornwall's administrative heart sits where three rivers converge, creating a surprisingly intimate feel for a county capital. Truro's Georgian streets rise from the water meadows, crowned by the city's Victorian Gothic cathedral - the only complete cathedral built in England since St Paul's. The Chy Walk follows the old railway line, perfect for morning strolls before the shops open.

Just downstream, Trelissick Garden spreads across parkland above the Fal estuary. These National Trust grounds are properly spectacular in spring, with camellias and magnolias framing views across the water. The ferry from here to St Mawes saves a proper drive around the peninsula.

The Roseland Peninsula unfolds to the east. St Just in Roseland Church, tucked into a subtropical creek-side garden, ranks among Cornwall's most photographed spots - though it's genuinely lovely rather than just Instagram bait. Porthcurnick beach, a short walk from Veryan, offers decent swimming when the tide's in.

Falmouth lies 11 miles south, where Pendennis Castle has guarded the harbour entrance for 500 years. The town's maritime heritage runs deep - Mylor Yacht Harbour hosts some serious sailing kit, while the historic Falmouth Docks still handle commercial traffic alongside the leisure boats.

Driving takes 15 minutes from most local parks to Truro's centre, though the A39 can clog during summer. The mainline railway connects to London Paddington in under five hours. Basing yourself at one of the holiday parks around Carnon Downs or Veryan puts both the cathedral city and the coastal delights within easy reach - proper Cornish countryside with none of the seaside crowds.