Arbroath West Links Pitch & Putt

You'll find this nine-hole pitch and putt squeezed between the seafront and Arbroath town itself, which means you can knock a ball about without losing sight of the North Sea. It's proper unpretentious stuff - the kind of course where a six-year-old with a plastic club has just as much fun as someone working off their frustration after a bad week at the office.

The layout winds through modest terrain with enough gentle slopes to keep things interesting without being punishing. Expect to spend a relaxed hour here, maybe ninety minutes if you're taking it seriously or moving at a snail's pace with youngsters. The fairways are well-maintained and the greens quick enough that you'll actually need to think about your putt rather than just smashing it vaguely in the right direction.

Families are the natural fit here - kids find it accessible and adults won't feel they're wasting their time. Walkers heading along the coast might drop in on a whim. It's free to play, though you'll need to hire clubs and grab a scorecard from the clubhouse, which keeps costs reasonable. Summer weekends get busy, so a weekday morning in June or July would be your sweet spot for a peaceful round.

If you're based at The Grange Glamping just up the road, this works as a proper nice diversion without requiring a trek. Not life-changing golf, but honest and fun.