Carnanton Woods

The woodland paths here wind through proper old Cornish countryside, the kind where you can actually hear yourself think. Carnanton Woods offers decent walking without the crowds you'll find at the more famous spots inland. It's a straightforward forest - nothing fancy, just mature trees, mossy ground, and enough trails to keep you occupied for an hour or two depending on which way you wander.

Walkers will get the most from this. The terrain is easy enough for families with decent boots, though it can get muddy after rain, which is often in Cornwall. If your kids are the type who need constant entertainment, they'll probably find it a bit samey after a while, but if they like scrambling over roots and looking for wildlife, they'll be fine. Adults after a quiet break from the coast will appreciate the canopy and the breathing space.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I can find, so bring water and don't plan on grabbing a coffee. The nearest town is Saint Columb, which won't offer much more than a shop or two. What matters is location - you're close enough to Parkdean Resorts Crantock Beach or Dennis Cove Campsite to make this a proper morning walk before heading to the beach. It fills a gap on a rainy day or when you want greenery instead of sand. Worth the detour if you're based locally, but don't plan your holiday around it.