With 400 miles of captivating coastline, charming fishing villages and world-class food and drink, it’s little wonder that Cornwall is one of the UK’s most loved destinations. It’s certainly no secret that England’s southerly tip makes a magical summer escape, and July and August can see Cornwall’s best beaches bursting at the seams. But while the crowds flock to the county’s big-hitter hotspots, for those willing to venture off the beaten path, there are hidden gems to be discovered and explored. From secluded coves and concealed lagoons to local gin makers and hidden hotels, here are 15 of the best secret things to do in Cornwall.

The Camel Estuary is a broad tidal river valley that spans over half a mile wide at Padstow and stretches lazily inland for five miles up to Wadebridge. A tranquil and intimate landscape, it gains a sense of shelter and richness from the many small woods and creeks that flank the estuary and is unusual in that, due to its sandy shore, it is just as beautiful at low tide as it is when the plug is in!

It’s often said that the further west you travel, the wilder Cornwall becomes. Tucked away in the extreme southwest of mainland Britain, the Penwith peninsula feels like the very edge of the world. Flanked by the Atlantic on all sides – and often bearing the full brunt of its rages – the landscape here is as rugged as it comes and it’s all the more beautiful for it.

A playground for watersports, Falmouth Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, historic estates and verdant gardens, the numerous arms and creeks amount to around 85 miles of shoreline and the estuary stretches inland right up to the small city of Truro with its magnificent cathedral.

For those who like to get away from it all, The Lizard is another world. The most southerly point in mainland Britain, it’s dramatically wild on the west, while the quieter east coast has some of the prettiest fishing villages and secret sandy coves in Cornwall.