Bethel Park

The woodland paths through Bethel Park feel properly remote despite being just outside Charlestown - you get that genuine sense of stepping away from things even when the coast is minutes down the road. It's a straightforward nature reserve with walking trails threading through mature trees and occasional glimpses of open ground where you might spot wildlife if you're patient. The paths are decent underfoot but can get muddy after rain, so decent boots are worth it.

Walkers and birdwatchers will get the most from this. It's not a dramatic landscape - no dramatic vistas or ruined castles - but if you want to stretch your legs without the postcard crowd, it delivers. You're looking at anything from thirty minutes for a quick loop to a couple of hours if you fancy a proper wander. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after the first twenty minutes, unless they're the type to spend hours spotting birds and insects.

The beauty of Bethel Park for a park holiday is that it's walkable from several of the nearby sites - Pentewan Sands and Heligan Caravan and Camping Park are both within reasonable distance if you fancy a morning walk before heading elsewhere. It works well as a complement to the more dramatic coastal walks around Charlestown rather than a destination in itself. Free access, no facilities to speak of, so come prepared with water and a packed lunch if you're making a proper day of it.