Ardeer Beach

The beach at Ardeer is one of those Scottish coastal stretches that rewards a proper visit but demands you check the tide tables first. It's a long, sandy affair backed by dunes and the remnants of an old explosives factory - there's genuine industrial history woven into the landscape here, which gives it character you won't find at every seaside spot. The sand is decent, the water cold, and on a clear day the views across the Firth of Clyde towards the islands aren't bad at all. Families with young kids will find plenty of space to run about without the crowds you'd get at places like Troon or Prestwick. It's also a solid walk for anyone wanting a proper coastal hike - the dunes extend for miles and the whole area has a bit of wild, windswept appeal. The main thing to know is that this isn't a manicured beach resort. There are no cafes right on the sand, no ice cream vans, no lifeguards - it's fairly raw. You'll want to bring provisions and time it right with the tides. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Sandylands just up the road, Ardeer makes an excellent morning or afternoon outing. The walk between them is manageable and gives you proper access to different stretches of Ayrshire's coastline. Allow a couple of hours minimum, longer if you fancy exploring the dune system properly.