Beach Watergate

The granite archway at Beach Watergate is one of those odd Cornish things you stumble upon and can't quite believe exists. Carved directly into the cliff face near Tregurrian, it's a proper piece of Victorian eccentricity - someone's folly, basically, though the exact why remains pleasantly obscure. The arch itself frames a cove view that's worth the scramble down to reach it, and at low tide you can walk right through if you fancy that sort of thing.

It's not a major draw, and that's exactly why it works. You'll spend twenty minutes here, maximum, but it's the kind of peculiar landmark that sticks with you. The walk down takes a bit of care - it's steep and loose underfoot in places - so it's more interesting for adults and older kids than toddlers. If you're staying at Trewan Hall nearby, it's easily combined with a proper beach day at one of the nearby coves rather than visited in isolation.

Timing-wise, go at low tide if you want to walk through the arch properly. The light's best in late afternoon when it hits the granite properly. Free, obviously - there's nothing to pay and nowhere to pay it. Don't expect facilities or crowds. What you get is a quirky slice of 19th-century Cornish character and a proper leg-stretch with a view.