Martins Park

The walk through Martins Park takes you along proper woodland trails that open suddenly onto marshland where you'll spot herons picking their way through shallow water. It's a nature reserve that rewards patience - you're not getting manicured gardens here, just genuine habitat where birds actually live rather than pose for photos.

The reserve sits just outside Looe, so it's an easy detour if you're staying at one of the holiday parks in the area like Lydcott Glamping. Allow a couple of hours if you're serious about spotting things, though you can drift through in 45 minutes if you're just after a leg-stretch. Bring binoculars. Honestly, without them you'll miss half the appeal, and it gets a bit samey if you're just walking for the sake of it.

This works best for people who actually care about birds and native plants rather than those wanting a manicured afternoon out. Families with patient kids will enjoy it; those after dramatic views or a proper destination might find it underwhelming. The paths are manageable enough, though they can get muddy after rain, which they often do in Cornwall.

I'd go in spring or early autumn when migration patterns bring unusual species through. Summer's busier and the light's harsh by midday. It's free to access, which is the only reason to stop if you're just passing - the experience depends entirely on what you bring to it.