Sand Dunes

The sand dunes along this stretch of Ayrshire coast are proper impressive if you catch them right. These aren't manicured seaside attractions - they're genuine coastal wilderness, with marram grass whipping about in the wind and the kind of dunes that actually shift under your feet when you walk them.

You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day out here depending on what you fancy. Walkers will love the terrain, and families with young kids often find the dunes more entertaining than a standard beach day - there's something about scrambling up and sliding down sand banks that keeps children occupied longer than you'd expect. Bring proper shoes though; it's harder work than it looks.

The nearest proper facilities are at Ayrshire itself, so stock up on supplies before you head out. There's no entry fee - it's a natural space - and you can access it pretty much any time, though dawn or late afternoon tends to be when it looks best and feels least crowded.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Sandylands Holiday Park just up the road, these dunes are on your doorstep really. They work perfectly as a morning walk before breakfast or an evening stroll to tire the kids out. The wind can be fierce, mind you, so come prepared. It's genuine Scottish coast rather than pretty postcard stuff, but that's rather the point.