If there’s a formula for the perfect family day on the coast of Cornwall, then Looe has it: crabbing on the Millpool wall, hunting down century-old shipwrecks, and peering into seaweedy rockpools at Hannafore Bay – you’ll find squat lobsters and cushion stars if you’re lucky. Make the most of the chance to hop on to south Cornwall’s river ferries such as the quick Bodinnick to Fowey (pronounced Foy, like Boy) delivering you to this charming town of boutiques, cascading cottages and the evocatively named Readymoney Cove. Where the river meets the sea and in the shadow of a fortress, it’s the stuff of children’s books.

And why not take every opportunity to chat to the little ones about how to visit Cornwall responsibly. That could be on Pentewan Beach, where – unlike shells or pebbles – you’re free to pop treasure-like seaglass in your pocket; or you could aim to buy as much of your food as possible from local suppliers (make that a Barnecutt’s – officially Cornwall’s Best Pasty!); and walk where possible to access beaches and coves. Embark on a short walk on the Cornish coast path to the Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick Beach. What better reward than proper homemade cakes?

The very best pleasures are the simple ones, proof of which is at gorgeous Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula where clear seawater, a small alcove of sand, caves, rock stacks and a café provide the day’s entertainment. If you can’t get enough of coves there’s another named Prussia, its sense of seclusion the reason it was a smugglers’ spot in centuries gone by, cart tracks still visible in the rocks. Your all-day swimmers continue to come in handy at St Michael’s Mount, the fairytale island rising out of the seas at Marazion: while everyone else resorts to rolling up their trousers, you can hop over the causeway cobbles that are slowly being gobbled up by the tide. And over the bay? That’s bustling Penzance, where despite first glances telling you it’s not a swimming spot, the tide-savvy locals at Battery Rocks and the Abbey Basin know better – and there’s a beachfront lido too 😉

Follow the Rock Pipit birdies down to the café at Chapel Porth near St Agnes, then head along the path to the ghostly shell of a tin mine’s engine house perched on the cliff edge. Overload your camera roll then stand on the grating, listen to the sea’s murmur, and peer in to imagine what heading down there to work was like generations of Cornishmen ago.

If Cornwall was a song it’d be a rousing shanty. Head to Port Isaac’s harbour – known as the Platt – to tap a toe, swing a piratey arm and break into song because this pretty fishing village is the home of the Fishermen’s Friends (watch the movie!). Before you leave Cornwall (sob!), be sure to make time for Tintagel: Merlin’s Cave, a daredevil’s footbridge, and a daydream about the history-mystery of King Arthur is all part of the allure of the castle on the cliffs.