St Mawes Ferry

The crossing from Falmouth to St Mawes takes about twenty minutes, and it's the sort of journey that properly reminds you why you came to Cornwall. The ferry cuts across the Carrick Roads - a drowned river valley that looks different depending on the light and the season. On a clear day you can see right down the estuary. It's not a white-knuckle ride or anything; it's gentle, contemplative even, with the kind of views that make you leave your phone in your pocket.

Walkers and families get the most from this. The ferry itself is the attraction - there's no grand terminus or visitor centre waiting at the other end, just the lovely village of St Mawes with its castle, a few pubs, and a working fishing port. The village itself is worth an hour or two, but the crossing is the memorable bit. Go on a weekday morning if you can; summer weekends bring enough foot traffic to take the shine off it. The journey costs a few quid each way (returns are cheaper), and it runs year-round, though frequency drops in winter.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Trethem Mill or Carnon Downs are both within striking distance of Truro - this makes a cracking half-day excursion. Pair it with a walk along the coast path on the St Mawes side, or head back via Falmouth's seafront. It's the sort of thing that doesn't sound like much until you're on the water and realise why people move to this corner of England.