Saltcoats Castle (Remains)

The ruins of Saltcoats Castle sit on a grassy slope near East Lothian, about five miles from Haven Seton Sands Holiday Village - close enough for a morning walk if you're staying in the area. What you're looking at are the remains of a 16th-century stronghold, now reduced to broken stone walls that don't amount to much visually, but they tell you something about the era when this coast mattered.

It's not a destination that will eat up your day. Twenty minutes covers the site properly - enough time to walk around the crumbling walls, spot the odd carved stone, and get a sense of what stood here. The views across the surrounding countryside are decent rather than spectacular. Kids might find it dull unless they're into clambering over old masonry, which some absolutely are.

The real value is contextual. If you're doing a broader loop through East Lothian's castles and ruins - and there are several worth your time - then Saltcoats fits in naturally. It's free to access and there are no gates or barriers, so you can call in whenever suits. The ground can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear makes sense.

The site works best for history enthusiasts with a walking holiday in mind, or families who like ticking off ruins as part of a larger park-based break. Pair it with the holiday village's facilities and you've got a solid base for exploring the wider area. Don't expect grandeur. Expect honest, modest remains of an old fortress.