Leven

This East Neuk fishing town knows how to keep things low-key. Stretched along the Firth of Forth with a proper working harbour feel, Leven sits at the gateway to Fife's most scenic coastline. The beach stretches for miles - not the sandiest you'll find, but perfect for long walks when you want to clear your head.

Lower Largo Beach is the real draw here, where Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe supposedly found inspiration from local boy Alexander Selkirk's tales. The Alexander Selkirk Memorial and statue tell the story of this real-life castaway who became literature's most famous fictional survivor. It's a bit of literary pilgrimage that most visitors miss entirely.

Fancy a round? Lundin Ladies Golf Club offers cracking views across the water - one of Scotland's finest links courses that welcomes visitors. The clubhouse does a lovely lunch too. For something different, Malagan gallery showcases local artists, though opening hours can be hit and miss.

Beyond town, you're perfectly placed for exploring the East Neuk proper. St Andrews is twenty minutes by car, while the fishing villages of Anstruther and Crail make for brilliant day trips along the coastal route. The countryside inland rolls through farmland and small estates like Largo House.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A915 coastal road connects directly to the main A92, putting you within easy reach of Kirkcaldy or Glenrothes for supplies. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Leven Beach Holiday Park puts you right on the doorstep for coastal walks, while still being close enough to nip into town for fish and chips when the mood strikes.