Pettycur Bay Beach

The beach at Pettycur Bay stretches out in a wide, satisfying arc between Burntisland and Kinghorn, backed by low cliffs and backed further still by decent caravan parks that clearly know their spot. It's a proper working beach - fishing boats, a slipway, the lot - rather than some manicured seaside postcard, which is refreshing. The sand is fine and extensive at low tide, though the foreshore gets a bit rocky in patches, so water shoes are sensible if you're planning to paddle. The view across the Forth towards Edinburgh on a clear day is worth the trip alone, honestly. It's the sort of place families with young kids will get two or three solid hours from - enough for a scramble, a paddling session, maybe a walk along the rocks at the north end. Older children who've outgrown sandcastle phases might find it quieter than they'd like. Walkers use it as a stopping point along the coastal path rather than a destination in itself, which tells you something. The lack of fancy facilities means it won't suit people wanting deckchairs, arcades, or a seafront promenade, but if you're staying at Sandhills or Pettycur Bay Holiday Parks - both practically on the doorstep - you've got the advantage of popping down whenever the mood takes without relying on beach weather. Burntisland itself is a five-minute drive back along the coast if you need supplies or a proper lunch. Free to visit, naturally, and the car park is straightforward.