Encounter a medieval castle and an island abbey in the surroundings of this small beach town overlooking the Firth of Forth.

The charming coastal town of Aberdour is famous for its castle and sandy stretches. Browse shops along the twisting main street and quaint alleys in the town centre.

Spend the afternoon at Aberdour Castle to enjoy its exquisite gardens and sea views. Note the various architectural styles added over the centuries since its original construction in the 1100s. Appreciate the garden’s serene ambiance. Here a 16th-century dovecote stands beside St. Fillan’s Church.

Inspect the array of boats in Aberdour Harbour. Enjoy views across the water of Inchcolm Island, Edinburgh and other villages. The island contains Inchcolm Abbey, a well-preserved 12th-century ruin. Peruse the various halls and chambers to imagine island life as it was many centuries ago. Hike around the island in search of intriguing wildlife and vegetation.

Back on the mainland, practice your swing at Aberdour Golf Club. Savour pleasant views of water and trees while you play.

Bring the kids to Deep Sea World for the United Kingdom’s largest collection of eagle rays. Come face to face with a shark called Tinkerbell. The aquarium offers diving experiences with tiger sharks. Walk through one of the country’s largest underwater tunnels to see the amphibians, conger eels and other tropical fish.

The aquarium stands at the northern entrance to the iconic Forth Bridge, which was completed in 1890. Cross the structure from North Queensferry to South Queensferry, just west of Edinburgh. Note that the bridge appears on many Scottish coins and banknotes.

Winters in Aberdour are cold, but not freezing, with occasional snow flurries. Summers are mild to warm, which is ideal for coastal walks.

The town is on the northern flank of the Firth of Forth, just across from Edinburgh. Get a train from Aberdour Railway Station to the Scottish capital in 30 minutes. You can also drive the 18-mile (29-kilometre) journey via the Forth Bridge. Nearby towns include Burntisland and Dalgety Bay.

Aberdour has a lovely main street at its heart and medieval treasures nearby.