Banff beach

The beach at Banff stretches out in a proper golden sweep, backed by low cliffs and the stone buildings of this small Aberdeenshire town. It's a working beach - fishing boats still launch from here, which gives it character most manicured seaside spots have lost. The sand is firm and wide at low tide, the kind of beach where you can actually walk for miles without your feet sinking.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate the town's role in the herring trade and the Moray Firth's fishing heritage. You can see it written into the landscape. For families, it's genuine seaside fun without the amusement arcades - rock pools, space to run about, and decent fish and chips in Macduff just over the way. There's no admission fee, naturally, and you can spend an afternoon here or just a bracing 20-minute walk depending on mood.

What works well is the proximity to several caravan parks. Myrus Holiday Park sits just 1.2 miles away with a solid 5-star rating, while Banff Links Caravan Park is practically on your doorstep at 1.4 miles. If you're based at any of these sites - Whitehills or Wester Bonnyton included - the beach is an easy jaunt for a morning stroll or sunset walk. It's not dramatic or showy. The weather can be temperamental, as you'd expect on the northeast coast. But if you want an authentic bit of Scotland without the tourist machinery, this does the job well.