Dunino Den

Ancient stone steps wind down through woodland to reach what feels like Scotland's most atmospheric ruin. Dunino Den sits in a secluded glen just outside St Andrews, where a medieval church's crumbling walls stand beside a holy well that's drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years.

The walk down takes ten minutes through lovely beech trees, but it's the destination that stops you in your tracks. Moss-covered stones mark where worshippers once gathered, while carved symbols on nearby rocks hint at much older pagan rituals. The holy well still bubbles away, its clear water flowing into a stone basin that locals say never runs dry.

History buffs will love piecing together the site's layered past, from Celtic sacred grove to Christian sanctuary. Families with older children who don't mind a proper woodland walk will find it fascinating too, though toddlers might struggle with the uneven path.

Allow an hour to explore properly and soak up the atmosphere. It's completely free and always open, though winter visits can be muddy. The place feels genuinely mystical on misty mornings when you might have it entirely to yourself.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around St Andrews puts you perfectly placed to combine this hidden spot with the town's famous golf courses and castle ruins.