Malory

Keen to get out into bracing fresh air? Have a stroll up to dramatic Golitha Falls (35 minutes) on Bodmin Moor, or stroll through leafy, mossy Lydford Gorge (25 minutes) to the cliffside cascade. Head to Dartmoor National Park (20 minutes’ drive) for some outdoor action on hiking and cycling trails for all abilities. Those with an interest in prehistory can walk up to mysterious stone circles like Sittaford (50 minutes) and Scorhill, while fans of art deco architecture tour the apartments at Castle Drogo (both 40 minutes) and amble around its extensive parkland. More history is over at hilltop Launceston Castle (10 minutes), complete with tower remains and a small museum, or the working water wheel and former flour mill at National Trust-owned Cotehele (40 minutes, have a look round the medieval/Tudor mansion too). If kids are accompanying you on your Cornwall getaway, chances are they’ll love the soft-play centre, farmyard animals and pony rides at Trethorne Leisure Park. If that doesn’t cut the mustard, head for Dingles Fairground Museum (both 15 minutes), a fascinating collection of vintage bumper cars, carousels and hurdy gurdies.