St. Breock Downs Monolith

Britain's tallest standing stone reaches skyward from the windswept moorland, a proper giant at over 16 feet high. This Bronze Age monolith has stood sentinel on St. Breock Downs for around 4,000 years, and you can walk right up to touch the weathered granite surface. The views across the Cornish countryside from here are cracking - on clear days you can see the coast glinting in the distance.

History buffs will love pondering what ancient ceremonies might have taken place around this imposing stone. Kids might be less impressed unless they're into scrambling over the rocky outcrops nearby. The walk from the car park takes about 20 minutes across rough moorland, so wear decent boots.

Free to visit any time, though the exposed location means it's best avoided in foul weather. Allow an hour for the round trip unless you fancy a longer ramble across the downs. From Wadebridge it's a short drive, making it an easy addition to a Cornwall holiday. The Laurels Holiday Park and Trewan Hall are both within easy reach, so you could combine a visit with exploring Padstow's harbour or the Camel Trail cycle route.