Thorn Park

The woodland walks through Thorn Park offer a proper escape from the touristy bits of Looe without demanding much effort. You're moving through mature trees and scrubland that feels genuinely wild - not the manicured sort of nature reserve you sometimes get. The paths are manageable rather than punishing, which means families with younger kids won't spend the whole time hearing complaints about tired legs.

It's the kind of place where you notice things if you slow down. Birdwatchers do come here for a reason, and the woodland has enough character that even a casual walk feels rewarding. The reserve isn't enormous, so don't block out your entire afternoon, but an hour or so won't feel rushed either.

The real strength is how it fits into a week in the area. If you're staying at Lydcott Glamping or one of the caravan parks nearby - and they're all within five miles - this becomes an easy morning outing before heading into Looe itself or exploring the South Cornwall coast. It's not the sort of attraction that'll make your kids leap out of the car in excitement, but it works well for breaking up a holiday with some fresh air and actual woodland, not just another clifftop view. Worth knowing about if you've got a day with dodgy weather, since the trees provide decent shelter.