Beach Cave

The cave sits right at sea level on the Aberdeenshire coast near Montrose, accessible only when the tide's out - which means timing is absolutely everything. You're looking at a proper coastal cave carved into red sandstone cliffs, the sort of place that feels genuinely remote even though it's minutes from the car park. The walk down isn't difficult, but the approach involves some scrambling over rocks and you'll want decent shoes.

It's the kind of spot that appeals most to families with older kids and serious coastal walkers rather than casual day-trippers. Young children can manage it, but the tide waits for no one and there's a real element of planning involved. The cave itself is worth seeing - the geological formations are striking, especially when light hits the rock face - though you're not talking about vast chambers or dramatic stalactites. Most people spend 20 to 30 minutes exploring before heading back.

Check the tide times before you go. This isn't optional. The cave floods regularly and there have been incidents with people getting cut off. Free to visit, naturally. If you're staying at St Cyrus Holiday Park just down the road, this makes a sensible addition to a morning's exploring along the coast. Combine it with a beach walk and lunch back in Montrose and you've got a proper half-day. The light is best in late afternoon when the sun's behind you, turning the sandstone golden.