Lower Largo Beach

The beach at Lower Largo curves gently along the Fife coast, offering a proper seaside experience without the crowds you'd find further east. Golden sand stretches either side of the old harbour, backed by a modest promenade that's seen better days but that's part of its charm - this is a working fishing village, not a resort. On decent weather days the water's remarkably clear for this stretch of coast, and the rock pools at low tide keep kids occupied for hours.

It's best suited to families after a straightforward beach day rather than those hunting dramatic cliffs or endless sandy expanses. The beach shelves gently, which is brilliant if you've got younger children. Allow two to three hours if you're planning to properly explore and eat something - there's a handful of cafes and chip shops facing the front.

Leven sits just inland and is where you'll find the supermarkets and facilities. Lower Largo itself is quiet outside peak season, quieter still midweek. Come when the wind's northerly and it can feel a bit exposed, so check conditions first.

If you're camping at Woodland Gardens or Leven Beach Holiday Park - both within walking distance - this works as your main beach base for the week. It pairs well with visits to the East Neuk villages like Elie and Crail further along the coast. Not spectacular, but honest and unpretentious, which counts for something.