Tidal Harbour

The harbour here shifts with the tides in a way that properly catches you off guard if you've not timed it right. At high water it's all proper maritime activity - boats bobbing about, seals occasionally poking their heads up for a look - but come back six hours later and the whole thing empties out to reveal mudflats and rock pools that kids will absolutely lose their minds over.

It's genuinely worth the short drive from Arbroath if you're the sort who finds rhythm in tidal rhythms. The walk around the harbour is manageable, maybe 20 minutes if you're not stopping to investigate every crevice. Best time is either low tide if you want to poke about the rocks and pools, or high tide if you want the full working harbour experience with actual fishing boats and local wildlife to watch.

Stay at The Grange Glamping about five miles away and you've got a proper base - the animal experience there makes it ideal if you've got younger ones who need entertaining between outings. Bring a tide table because you'll genuinely thank yourself. It's free to wander, costs nothing to watch, but you'll want wellies or waterproof shoes because the rocks are slippery and the mudflats catch you out.

Not a day-long attraction by itself, but absolutely worth factoring into a wider Aberdeenshire loop if you're exploring the coast. The light here in late afternoon is particularly good for photographs.