Ladock Wood

Ancient oak and beech trees tower overhead as you pick your way along the meandering paths that wind through this lovely patch of Cornish woodland. Ladock Wood sits quietly in the countryside between Truro and Newquay, offering proper respite from the coastal crowds that pack the nearby beaches during peak season.

Walking here feels like stepping back in time - the canopy filters the light into dappled green patterns, and you'll spot wildflowers carpeting the forest floor in spring. It's the sort of place that rewards a slow ramble rather than a power walk. Families with young children will find it manageable, though pushchairs might struggle with the uneven terrain.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - I spotted several species during my visit that you simply won't see in more manicured parks. The silence is remarkable too, broken only by rustling leaves and the occasional woodpecker.

From holiday parks like White Acres or Hendra, it's an easy drive inland when you fancy a change from sand and surf. Allow an hour or two for a proper explore, though keen walkers could easily stretch it longer by following the various trails that branch off through the trees. Worth the detour if you're staying anywhere around Newquay and want to see Cornwall's gentler side.