Caiplie Caves

The caves sit right at sea level on the Fife coast near Anstruther, carved into red sandstone cliffs that look like they've been gnawed by some ancient giant. You can walk straight into them at low tide - no tickets, no faffing about. The biggest one goes back a good way, high enough to stand upright, with a natural arch that frames the North Sea rather nicely when the light's right.

They're genuinely interesting if you're into geology or just fancy poking around rocks, but don't expect a major expedition. Most people spend twenty minutes to half an hour in and around the caves, which is about right. The real appeal is how they sit in the landscape - you're walking along the shore, cliffs towering above, then suddenly there's this dark mouth opening up. Kids get a proper thrill from it, especially if they're at the age where anything vaguely cave-shaped feels like an adventure.

Timing is everything here. Come at low tide or you'll be standing in the car park wondering what the fuss was about. The caves flood regularly, so check tide tables before you head down. Anstruther itself is worth an afternoon - fish and chips from the proper chip shop, a wander round the harbour. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Bankhead Farm is barely half a mile away - these caves make a decent morning out before breakfast gets cold. They're free, there's rough parking on the road above, and the walk down to the shore takes minutes. Nothing fancy, but genuine.