St Nicholas Chapel

The tiny St Nicholas Chapel sits right on the seafront at St Ives, perched on a rocky outcrop where you'd barely expect to find anything at all. Built in the 15th century as a beacon for fishermen - though it's more likely been a simple place of worship for centuries - it's one of Cornwall's smallest and most atmospheric chapels. You can't actually go inside most of the time, but that's almost beside the point. The real draw is standing outside on the rocks, looking back at the town tumbling down to the harbour, or watching the Atlantic do its thing just metres away.

It's a solid spot if you're walking the coast path from St Ives, and the scramble over the rocks to reach it takes no more than five minutes from the main beach. Families with older kids will enjoy it; younger ones might find the rocks a bit of a challenge. The light hits properly here in late afternoon, which is when photographers get excited. Allow twenty minutes unless you're the type to sit and contemplate for longer.

If you're staying at Polmanter Touring Park or any of the other sites clustered near St Ives, this is a natural add-on to a beach day rather than a destination in itself. It's free, accessible year-round, and genuinely worth the detour if you like your Cornwall honest and unhyped. Don't expect facilities or information boards - just rocks, history, and a decent view.