Castle Wood

Thick canopy overhead blocks out most of the sky as you wind along the muddy paths through this proper Cornish woodland. Castle Wood sits just outside Treveor, offering the kind of deep forest walk that feels miles from anywhere despite being a short drive from several holiday parks.

Families with energetic kids will find plenty to explore here - fallen logs become pirate ships, and the twisted tree roots create natural obstacle courses. The paths aren't marked particularly well, which adds to the adventure if you're feeling confident, but might frustrate those wanting a straightforward stroll.

Bring wellies. Even in summer, the woodland floor stays damp and muddy in places. You could easily spend an hour here if the children are engaged, though dog walkers often do a quicker circuit in thirty minutes.

The lack of facilities means this is very much a back-to-basics woodland experience. No visitor centre, no cafe, just trees and birdsong. Perfect if you're staying at one of the nearby sites like Pentewan Sands Holiday Park and fancy a complete change from beach days. Less appealing if you're after something more structured or educational. The forest feels genuinely wild in places, which is increasingly rare in Cornwall's more developed areas.