Kirkcudbright

The High Street in Kirkcudbright is properly colourful - rows of painted houses in pinks, yellows and creams that look almost too perfect to be real, which makes it a magnet for artists and photographers. This little port town in Dumfries & Galloway has been an artistic haven since the late 1800s, when painters started moving here for the light and the landscape. You'll find galleries tucked into converted cottages, small museums, and cafes where locals actually sit alongside tourists.

Walking around takes a couple of hours if you're not stopping. The harbour itself is modest but pleasant, with working fishing boats and decent views across the water. Kirkcudbright Castle sits at one end of town - proper mediaeval stuff though it's only viewable from outside unless you book ahead. The town's best for people who like art, history types who want something low-key, and families after a gentle seaside wander rather than theme park thrills. Kids will get bored if you're here longer than a morning without specific galleries or ice cream stops planned.

It's free to wander the streets and browse the galleries, though you'll likely spend something in the shops and cafes. The location works well if you're camped at Silver Craigs Campsite just down the road, or any of the nearby parks like Seaward or Brighouse Bay. Dumfries is about 30 minutes inland if you want something bigger. Come on a weekday in summer if you want it less crowded - weekends can feel a bit rammed with day-trippers.