Musselburgh Shell

There's a rather odd lump of concrete and shells on the outskirts of Musselburgh that most people drive straight past without a second glance. The Shell, as locals call it, is exactly what the name suggests - a mound made from millions of discarded shells, built up over centuries by the oyster trade that once thrived here. It's genuinely strange to look at, this grey-white heap rising from the flat landscape, and you'll either find it fascinating or baffling.

What draws visitors here is partly the sheer curiosity of the thing, but also the views back towards Musselburgh and across East Lothian once you've clambered to the top. The walk takes ten minutes, maybe less, and it's free - no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just you and the shells. Families with young kids might enjoy the scramble up, though it's a bit loose underfoot in places, so proper shoes matter. History enthusiasts will appreciate the industrial archaeology angle; walkers passing through the area might pop by as a quick diversion rather than a destination in itself.

If you're staying at Haven Seton Sands Holiday Village nearby, it's worth tacking onto a wider explore of the coast. Musselburgh itself has actual things to do - restaurants, the seafront, decent fish and chips. The Shell works best as a 20-minute stop rather than a day-long pursuit. Go when it's not raining; the shells are slippery when wet.