Leven

Coal mining once ruled here, but these days the Fife coast town draws visitors for its surprisingly good beach and proximity to some proper Scottish countryside. The long sandy stretch at Leven Beach runs for miles, backed by dunes where you can escape the occasional crowds on sunny weekends.

Aithernie Castle sits a short drive inland - not much more than romantic ruins now, but worth the detour for history buffs. More rewarding is Tully Law Wood, where decent walking trails wind through mixed woodland. It's quiet midweek, which suits families looking to tire out the kids without battling tour groups.

The town itself won't win any beauty contests. The high street has seen better days, though there's a decent chippy and a couple of pubs that do proper Sunday roasts. What Leven lacks in polish it makes up for in location - you're 20 minutes from St Andrews if you fancy world-class golf, and Edinburgh's just over an hour by car.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A915 coastal road connects Leven to larger Fife towns, while the railway station links directly to Edinburgh and beyond. For drivers, it's an easy run from the M90.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense if you're exploring this stretch of coast. Leven Beach Holiday Park puts you right on the sand, while Wigwam Holidays at Montrave Estate offers something different in the countryside. Both give you a proper base for day trips along the Fife Coastal Path or inland to the Kingdom's rolling hills.