Isle of May

Getting out to the Isle of May requires a proper boat trip from Anstruther - there's no bridge, no causeway, just you and the Firth of Forth between you and this windswept lump of rock. It's genuinely worth the effort.

What you get is a mile-long island thick with seabirds. Puffins from April through August, mainly, though guillemots, razorbills, and shags are around year-round. The lighthouse dominates the skyline - a Victorian tower that's been standing since 1816 - and you can wander the ruins of a 12th-century monastery dotted across the rock. The whole thing feels properly remote despite being just a short boat ride from the Fife coast.

Historians will find the monastic remains engaging enough for an hour or two, but honestly, this is bird country. Bring binoculars and a proper camera if you're serious about wildlife. Families with young children might struggle - it's exposed, rocky, and there's nowhere to shelter beyond the visitor centre. That said, kids who like puffins will be absolutely transfixed during breeding season.

Allow three to four hours total including the ferry crossing. The boat operators in Anstruther run regular trips, weather permitting - and yes, it can be choppy. Check the tides and conditions before you commit. It's free to land on the island itself, though the ferry costs a few quid.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks near Anstruther - Kilrenny Mill or Sauchope Links are your closest options - this makes an excellent half-day break from standard park activities. Just go prepared for wind.