Souffleur

The Souffleur is a natural rock formation on the Cornish coast near Bude where the sea forces air and water up through a narrow opening in the cliffs - hence the French name meaning 'blower'. When the swell's up and the tide's right, you get this dramatic spray shooting skyward, which is genuinely impressive if you time it properly. It's the kind of thing that takes about twenty minutes to see, maybe half an hour if you want to hang around hoping for a good display.

This is one for coastal walkers and geology enthusiasts more than anything else. Kids might find it interesting for five minutes, but unless the conditions are spot-on and the spray's going, they'll be restless. The walk itself is manageable - nothing brutal - and the surrounding cliffs are worth the trip regardless. The location puts you right in prime Bude territory, so you can easily pair it with time at Pencuke Farm Holiday Cottages or the Caravanning Club Site, both within striking distance.

Go when there's a decent swell forecast and the tide's coming in - that's when you'll actually see something worth photographing. Summer visits are pointless unless the Atlantic's being particularly lively. It's free, naturally, and works best as part of a broader coastal ramble rather than a standalone destination. The Bude clifftops have plenty to offer beyond this one spot.