Inchcolm Park

The island of Inchcolm sits in the Firth of Forth like something from a storybook - except you'll need a boat to reach it, which rather adds to the adventure. Once you're across, you're exploring the ruins of a 12th-century abbey alongside seabirds, wild flowers and views back towards the Fife coast. The walk around the island takes a solid couple of hours if you're taking it slowly, scrambling over rocks and through patches of coastal scrub.

It's brilliant for anyone keen on Scottish history or marine life - the abbey itself is genuinely atmospheric, and the nesting seabirds (especially in spring and summer) are a proper draw. Kids find the whole expedition exciting rather than tedious, which can't be said for every heritage site. The ferry crossing from South Queensferry keeps them entertained on the way over.

Timing-wise, you're looking at a half-day minimum once you factor in the boat trip from Dunfermline or South Queensferry. The weather can turn quickly out here on the water, so go prepared. Summer months are calmer for the crossing and better for spotting wildlife.

If you're basing yourself at Green Oak Nature Retreat a few miles inland, Inchcolm makes for an excellent break from the woodland walks - you get the Scottish coast and history without needing to travel far. The contrast between the forested park and this exposed, windswept island works well across a few days.