Carn Marth

Getting to the top feels like proper work - the climb up Carn Marth's granite slopes will have you puffing a bit, but the views across mid-Cornwall are absolutely cracking once you reach the summit. This 242-metre peak sits just northeast of Truro, giving you a bird's eye perspective over the city's cathedral spires and the Fal estuary snaking towards the sea.

Walkers and families with older children will get the most from this one. The paths can be steep and rocky in places, so toddlers might struggle with the ascent. Allow a good hour for the round trip, though you'll want longer at the top to properly take in the panorama.

What makes Carn Marth special is how it showcases Cornwall's mining heritage alongside its natural beauty. The old quarry workings are still visible, reminders of when this hill provided granite for local buildings. On clear days, you can spot both the north and south Cornish coasts from the summit cairn.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Lanyon or Trevarth, this makes a decent morning excursion before heading to the beach. The hill is free to explore year-round, though winter visits can be muddy and windswept. Come in spring when the gorse blooms yellow across the moorland approaches - it's a lovely sight.