(tidal pond)

The tidal pond near Truro fills and empties with the Cornish tides, and it's one of those places that changes character entirely depending on when you turn up. At high tide it's a proper little lake, peaceful and reflective. Come back six hours later and you're standing in what's essentially a mudflat with channels running through it - utterly different landscape, same spot.

It's the kind of thing that appeals most to nature watchers and photographers. Birdwatchers particularly rate it because the exposed mud at low tide brings in waders and other species that wouldn't show up when it's all water. If you've got kids who like rock pools and exploring, low tide is when they'll have the most fun.

There's no visitor infrastructure here - no cafe, no car park signage, no admission charge as far as anyone can tell. You just show up. Best to check tide times before you go, really, because turning up at the wrong hour could mean either a calm pond or a landscape of exposed mud depending on what you hoped to see.

If you're staying at Stay Wild or Trethem Mill for a longer park holiday, it's worth fitting in once you understand the tidal rhythm. Not the sort of place to spend all day, but brilliant for a couple of hours if the timing works. It's the kind of Cornish spot that rewards a bit of local knowledge.