Hick's Quarry

Water meets sky in this flooded former quarry where granite once ruled the landscape. The deep blue pool stretches out like a miniature lake, carved from decades of mining that ended long before most visitors were born. Swimming here feels a bit wild - the water's properly cold even in summer, and the rocky edges drop off sharply.

Families with teenagers tend to love it more than those with small children. The swimming is serious business, not paddling pool territory. Local lads have been jumping from the higher rocks for years, though you'd be wise to test the depth first. Wild swimmers and outdoor types get the most from a visit.

Getting there requires a decent walk from the nearest parking, which keeps the crowds down nicely. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it - there's precious little shelter if the weather turns. The quarry sits between Truro and the north coast, making it a proper detour from any of the nearby holiday parks like Trevarth or Lanyon.

Best visited on a scorching day when that granite-filtered water feels like salvation rather than shock therapy. Don't expect facilities or lifeguards - this is Cornwall at its most unpolished.