Scarletoak Wood

Red squirrels and ancient oaks - that's what pulls most people into Scarletoak Wood near Looe. It's a proper woodland walk rather than a manicured nature reserve, which means you get the real thing: dappled light through the canopy, the smell of damp earth, and if you're lucky, a flash of russet fur in the branches above.

The wood itself isn't huge, so don't expect to spend half a day here. An hour's gentle wander works well, following whatever paths appeal to you. The terrain's manageable for families with older kids, though the ground can be boggy depending on recent rainfall - proper walking boots worth their salt. If the light's right, particularly in late afternoon, it's genuinely atmospheric.

What makes it worth the short trip from Looe is that it feels like actual woodland, not a visitor attraction with car parks and interpretation boards. You might see wildlife, or you might just enjoy the peace. Either way, it slots nicely into a wider exploration of the area. Staying at Tregoad Holiday Park or Waterside puts you within easy reach, and it's a natural complement to time spent in Looe itself or wandering the South Cornish coast.

Best visited when it's not raining hard - the drainage is fine, but there's nothing worse than squelchy woodland in a downpour. Spring and early autumn are probably your sweetest window. Free to access, and no time restrictions that we know of.