Trelissick Garden

The drive down to Trelissick takes you through proper Cornish countryside, and then suddenly you're parked overlooking the Fal estuary with gardens rolling away in front of you. It's the National Trust, so you know what you're getting - manicured lawns, specimen trees, a decent stretch of woodland walks - but the location lifts it above your standard garden visit. The river views are genuinely stunning, especially on a clear day when you can see right down the creek.

You'll spend a good two to three hours here if you're being thorough. The formal gardens are tight and well-kept, with camellias and rhododendrons doing their thing depending on season. The woodland walk down to the water is the bit that sticks with you though - it's steep in places, so wear proper shoes. Families with young legs will enjoy it; toddlers might struggle with the gradient.

There's a cafe on site, which is handy because you'll have worked up a thirst by the time you've done the loop. Admission is typical National Trust pricing, so not cheap, but if you're staying at Carnon Downs or Trethem Mill just down the road, it's an easy half-day trip that breaks up the park routine. The hedgehog trail they've added is a nice touch for kids who need a purpose beyond just walking.

Go in late spring when everything's blooming rather than summer when it gets busy. The car park fills up by mid-morning on decent weekends.