HMS Unicorn

The moment you walk up the gangway onto HMS Unicorn, you're stepping aboard a proper working warship from 1824. She's the oldest British warship still afloat, and that weight of history hits you straightaway. The vessel sits in Dundee harbour just across the water from Tayport, making it an easy detour if you're based at either Tayport Links Caravan Park or Larick Campsite.

Inside, the gun decks, crew quarters and officers' cabins give you an oddly intimate sense of life at sea in the Georgian era. It's cramped, cold, and you can almost hear the creaking. Kids tend to either love it or find it tedious after thirty minutes - depends how much they're into maritime history. Adults who like naval stories and period detail will spend a good hour or more exploring every nook.

The ship operates as a museum, and admission is reasonable. You can wander at your own pace or join a guided tour if you want the proper stories. Allow a solid hour minimum, longer if you're the type who reads every placard. Rainy days are actually good for a visit since there's plenty to see below deck.

It's not flashy or heavily restored to death - you get the real thing, worn and authentic. If you're holiday-parking nearby and fancy something more unusual than a typical seaside trip, this scratches that itch. Just check opening times before you go - they're not always straightforward.