Kilquite Wood

Walk into Kilquite Wood near Widegates and you're straight into proper Cornish woodland - tall trees, dappled light, the works. It's the kind of place that feels genuinely quiet, which is rarer than you'd think in populated Cornwall. The wood itself isn't huge, so you're looking at anything from a gentle 20-minute stroll to an hour if you're the type who stops to examine every fern.

This is a walker's spot, no question. Kids will enjoy it if they're the sort who like scrambling over fallen logs and spotting wildlife, but don't expect marked trails or facilities - it's raw woodland, not a manicured country park. Families after something a bit more structured might prefer heading to Looe, which is only 5 miles away and has considerably more to do.

There's no admission charge that we can find, and it costs nothing to access - just turn up and get on with it. Best visited when it's dry underfoot. Muddy days are doable but fair warning: your trainers will suffer.

If you're staying at Lydcott Glamping just down the road, this is an excellent morning walk before settling in for the day. Similarly handy if you're based at Waterside or the Looe Caravan Club site - all within easy striking distance. It's proper woodland, not a tourist honeypot, which is exactly why it's worth the detour.