Glenrothes

A new town that's older than it looks, Glenrothes surprises visitors with its ambitious public art programme scattered throughout its modernist streets. Built in the 1940s as a planned community, this Fife town has grown into something rather special - though you'd never guess from the ring road approach. The town centre feels proper futuristic, all concrete and open spaces, but it works.

Art lovers will have a field day here. The Relief panels scattered around town - from Celtic 1 to the Four Seasons series - turn an ordinary shopping trip into an outdoor gallery crawl. Don't miss the Fossil wall either, though the Elephant group installation near the town centre is frankly bonkers in the best possible way. Life cycle poem and cave wall adds a contemplative touch to what could easily be dismissed as just another 1960s development.

Outside town, The Rhind Hill offers cracking views across Fife's rolling countryside, while Torbain Moss and Tullylumb Plantation provide proper woodland walks. The Aircrash Memorial serves as a sobering reminder of wartime Scotland. For contemporary art, both Crocodiles and Empty Television galleries showcase work that's light years from your typical provincial offerings.

Getting here's straightforward - the A92 runs right past, and it's well connected to Edinburgh and Dundee. Kirkcaldy's the nearest big town, just 10 minutes south. The surrounding area takes in some lovely Fife countryside, with the coast a short drive away.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring central Fife. You're well placed for day trips to St Andrews, the East Neuk fishing villages, or even Edinburgh. Glenrothes itself might not be chocolate-box Scotland, but it's got character - and those art installations are genuinely worth the detour.