Gribbin Daymark, Gribbin Head

The red and white striped tower standing on Gribbin Head is impossible to miss - it's been guiding ships into Par Bay since 1832 and still does the job today. This isn't some quaint museum piece; it's an actual working daymark, perched 246 feet above the sea on a headland that juts dramatically into the English Channel.

It's a proper coastal walk to get there from Polkerris. The path winds through woodland before opening out onto the clifftop - the tower comes into view gradually, which is half the appeal. Once you're up close, the views sweep across the bay in both directions, and on clear days you can see for miles. The surrounding grassland is loose enough that you can wander around freely; there's no fence keeping you out.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination in itself - you're looking at twenty minutes at the top if you're just here for photos - but it slots perfectly into a longer coastal ramble. Families with young children might find the walk a bit much depending on their ages, though teenagers will be fine.

Stay at Par Sands or East Crinnis Holiday Park, both within striking distance, and you can work this into a day exploring the South Cornwall coastline. It costs nothing and there are no opening hours to worry about - just turn up. Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge other walkers and catch the light properly on the tower.