The Tamar Valley Donkey Park

You'll spend your time here surrounded by donkeys - proper hands-on stuff, not watching them from behind a fence. It's a small operation near Callington, and the whole point is letting visitors get close to the animals, feed them, and generally fuss over creatures that are genuinely pleased to see you.

The park works best for families with young children, say under ten. Beyond that age and they'll likely find an hour enough to get the measure of it. The donkeys are friendly and fairly patient, though whether yours will be as enthusiastic is another matter. Older kids might get bored quickly if they're expecting something more elaborate, and it's definitely not the sort of place to while away an afternoon.

It's a casual, low-key experience - no queues, no crowds, just you and the animals in what feels like someone's back garden rather than a formal attraction. Exactly that sort of thing that makes sense on a rainy Tuesday when you need to tire the kids out without travelling far.

Situated close to Callington, it works nicely as part of a broader holiday in the area. Sunnyside Eco Glamping and Woodovis Holiday Park are both within easy reach, so you could slot this in alongside walks or other family activities without it dominating your plans. Worth a visit if you've got young children and low expectations, but don't build your whole trip around it.