Shell Bay

The bay curves round Leven's eastern edge like a cupped palm, and Shell Bay lives up to its name - the shoreline here is properly carpeted with shells. Walk the stretch at low tide and you'll find yourself crunching through layers of mussel shells, cockles, and the occasional bit of sea glass. It's the kind of beach that rewards a slow amble rather than a sprint, especially if you've got kids who enjoy turning over stones and filling buckets.

The beach itself is sandy once you get past the shell bank, and it's a decent spot for a paddle or a picnic. The views across the Firth are straightforward rather than dramatic - you're looking at industrial Fife rather than mountain ranges - but there's something honest about that. On a clear day you can see across to the Kingdom of Fife, and in the other direction the bay opens out to the North Sea.

You'll want to time your visit for low tide if shells are your draw. High tide covers most of what makes it interesting. It's free to visit, naturally, and there's no formal opening hours - you just turn up. Allow an hour or so for a decent wander, maybe longer if you're the type who photographs every shell fragment.

Staying nearby? Elie Holiday Park sits barely half a mile away, making this an easy morning walk from your caravan. Leven Beach Holiday Park, further round, also keeps you within walking distance. For families based at any of the parks dotted around Woodland Gardens or Wigwam, it's worth the short drive for a different stretch of shore.