South Beach

The beach at South spreads out wide and properly golden when the tide's out, backed by grassy dunes that take the wind without complaint. You get the full sweep of the Ayrshire coast from here - that industrial bit to the north doesn't spoil it, honestly. Most people come for a straightforward seaside walk or to let the kids loose on the sand. It's not dramatic or rocky; it's the kind of beach where you can actually walk for miles without having to clamber over anything. The water's cold enough to make you think twice, but that's the Scottish coast for you.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Sandylands just up the road - barely a mile away - you might as well include this in your routine. The holiday park's perfectly placed for it. You can do South Beach of a morning when it's quieter, or later in the day when the light gets low and interesting. Families with younger children will appreciate how safe and open it feels. Older kids might get restless after an hour unless they're keen on collecting shells or building dunes. The access is straightforward with parking nearby, though come school holidays and it fills up quickly. Best visited outside peak times, really - you get the beach more or less to yourself and can actually hear the waves. Worth the detour if you're exploring this bit of Ayrshire, but don't expect cliffs or drama.