Tregardock

The moment you crest the final hill above Tregardock, you get that proper gasp-inducing view that makes the drive from Bodmin worthwhile. It's a dramatic slice of Cornish coastline - high cliffs, golden sand, and enough room to actually breathe even when other beaches are rammed with tourists.

The beach itself is excellent for walking. The sand is firm, good for pacing along the shoreline, and the rock pools at low tide keep families entertained for hours. The cliffs frame everything beautifully, though they're steep enough that you won't want to attempt them. Swimming is feasible when conditions allow, though as always on this stretch of coast, check the tides and currents first.

It's the kind of place that rewards an unhurried morning. Bring a packed lunch, settle in for a few hours, and watch the light change across the water. Photographers will find genuine composition here rather than the postcard-perfect but samey shots you get elsewhere.

If you're staying at Rosebud Farm just down the road - the adults-only touring park with excellent reviews - Tregardock makes a logical half-day excursion. Camp De Lank, six miles away, is equally convenient. Both put you in striking distance without the madness of the honeypot beaches.

The walk down is manageable rather than arduous. Allow forty minutes to the sand from the car park. Go early morning, or wait until late afternoon when the crowds thin. Winter brings the best light and the fewest people, though the water is obviously frigid.