HM Submarines K4 and K17 Memorial

Two British submarines rest on the seafloor off Anstruther, and the memorial to them stands quietly on shore - a place that hits differently once you know what happened. HMS K4 and K17 were lost during the First World War, taking their crews down with them. The memorial itself is modest, the sort of thing you might walk past if you weren't looking, but it's worth seeking out if you're staying at any of the caravan parks dotting the coastline around here - Silverdyke or Kilrenny Mill are practically on the doorstep.

This is proper naval history rather than a visitor attraction with bells on. There's no café, no interactive exhibits, just the memorial and the cold fact of what lies beneath the Firth of Forth. It appeals to history buffs and anyone with an interest in maritime tragedy, less so to young children who'll want something with more going on. Give it twenty minutes, half an hour at most.

Anstruther itself is a working fishing village with actual character - the harbour's still busy, the fish and chip shops are genuine - so you won't be wasting a visit. The East Neuk of Fife has that soft, golden-stone charm without feeling manufactured. If you're based at one of the farm parks further inland like Bankhead, it's a short drive to the coast. Combine it with a walk along the shoreline or a visit to the Scottish Fisheries Museum, which is right there in town. The memorial reminds you that this corner of Scotland saw real drama during wartime.