Queen Mary Gardens

Just outside Truro, Queen Mary Gardens is a proper slice of riverside calm that most visitors to Cornwall completely miss. It's a nature reserve rather than a formal garden - think woodland paths, water meadows, and the sort of place where you're more likely to spot a kingfisher than a manicured flower bed.

The reserve wraps around the River Fal, and the walking is straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though the paths can get muddy after rain. You're looking at a gentle hour or so to wander the main trails without rushing. Birdwatchers will get the most from it - bring binoculars and a good field guide, because the river attracts all sorts. Spring and early summer are best if you want to see nesting birds and wildflowers in their prime.

It's free to visit, which is always welcome. There's no obvious visitor centre or facilities, so come prepared with water and snacks if you're making a half-day of it.

Stay Wild - EnSuite Camping & Glamping just five miles away is an excellent base if you're after proper accommodation, and it's got the highest ratings of the local parks. Trethem Mill is closer at four miles if you prefer traditional touring pitches. From either, you can easily slot in a morning here before heading elsewhere in the Fal Valley. It won't dominate your holiday, but for a quiet hour or two away from the crowds, it's exactly what it should be.