Mullion Gardens

The path down to Mullion Gardens takes you through proper coastal scrubland - gorse, heather, the kind of wild tangle you expect when you're this far south-west. It's a nature reserve, so don't come expecting manicured lawns and formal flowerbeds. What you get instead is a genuine slice of Cornish coastline where the landscape hasn't been prettified for tourism.

The gardens themselves sit in a sheltered valley that drops down to a secluded cove. Hardy plants cling to the rocky ground - the sort of thing that survives salt spray and Atlantic winds. The real draw here is the walk itself and what opens up at the bottom: that sudden shift from scrub to shingle beach, the sense of having stumbled somewhere proper wild. It's not a destination if you're after garden centre vibes, but it's excellent for anyone wanting to understand how coastal plants actually live in these conditions.

Walkers will get the most from this. The descent isn't punishing, but it's steep enough that you'll feel you've gone somewhere. Kids either love the scramble down or find it tedious depending on their age - probably best with those old enough to appreciate the geology and rockpools. Allow a couple of hours at least if you're exploring properly.

It's a free admission spot, which is refreshing. If you're staying at Henry's Camp Site nearby, this is exactly the kind of walk that justifies a week in the area - close enough for an afternoon, wild enough to feel like a proper adventure.