Burleigh Sands

The beach at Burleigh Sands isn't what you'd call dramatic - it's a modest strip of sand and shingle on the Firth of Tay, useful more than Instagram-worthy. But that's rather the point. It's the kind of place locals know about and tourists miss, which means you won't be fighting for space on a decent day.

You get views across to Fife on the other side, and there's something properly peaceful about it. The beach is accessible from Kinross, which sits just inland, making it handy if you're already exploring the town's shops and restaurants. Dog walkers love it here - dogs are welcome and there's room to run about without the madness you'd encounter at bigger coastal spots.

There's no fancy facilities or beach clubs, which is either brilliant or a drawback depending on what you're after. Pack a picnic, bring a windbreak, and settle in for a few hours. It's not a destination in itself - more a solid addition to a Perthshire break where you're splitting time between walking, towns, and quieter outdoor stops.

If you're staying at Maycroft Retreat nearby, it's worth the short drive for a change of scene. Allow two to three hours max though - this isn't the sort of place you'll spend a full day. Best visited outside peak summer weekends when it's genuinely tranquil.