Sun Valley Holiday Park

It's just over a mile from Sun Valley Holiday Park to one of Cornwall's top attractions, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, among the most original green space you'll see anywhere (for example, they have Europe's only pineapple pit...). Five miles from base is the Eden Project, another top Cornwall attraction and visited by thousands each year for its giant biomes, hair-raising zipwire and live music in its acclaimed August Eden Sessions. From here, have an afternoon in sunny Snozzle/St Austell or potter/pedal along the historic Clay Trail with a stop off at the Wheal Martyn China Clay Country Park. Sun Valley is so close to the coast that a sunny sandy beach or scenic coastal path can always be found with ease; the nearest beach from Sun Valley is Pentewan, within walking distance and popular with watersporters like surfers, kayakers, waterskiiers and windsurfers. The Pentewan Valley trail follows the old railway line to St Austell and the beach is below the South West Coast Path for intrepid hikers. Other local highlights within an easy drive are the port, beaches and teeny harbour of Charlestown, beloved of telly companies and home of the Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre with the biggest collection of shipwreck artefacts in the country; and the old fishing port and narrow streets of Fowey, where ferries leave across the river to historic Polruan (take the car ferry to go towards Polperro or Looe). Also recommended are Mevagissey – ask the local fishermen for the best angling spots here if you're in Cornwall to catch your own; the cathedral town of Truro at Cornwall's centre, and days out for the kids at the likes of Crealy Great Adventure Park, Flambards theme park and Newquay Zoo.