This stretch of coastline is one of the sunniest parts of Scotland boasting long stretches of quiet sandy beaches and lots to see and do nearby. St Combs has a small grocery shop and ice cream/chip shop within a few minutes’ walk and there is also a hotel bar/restaurant on the outskirts of the village.

There is a lovely walking route that leads along the beach from the village to Rattray Head and if you go very early in morning, you may well come across seals sleeping peacefully on the beach. Inverallochy (3 miles) has an 18-hole golf course right on the coast that offers day passes for visitors and you can actually see the 12th tee from the cottage.

Fraserburgh (5.5 miles) is the nearest place to stock up on supermarket supplies. The beach there is very popular with surfers, particularly when there is a big swell bearing down from the North Sea. Board hire is available if you fancy having a go yourself or you can watch in comfort from the car park. Fraserburgh also has a leisure centre and a golf course and is home to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses that has interactive exhibits and audio-visual displays on the towers’ history.

Further west from Fraserburgh along the coast are the picturesque fishing villages of Pennan (16.5 miles), Crovie (20 miles) and Gardenstown (21 miles). The Marine Aquarium at Macduff (30 miles) is a great place to head to for a day trip, particularly for children. It has a variety of interesting sealife including lobsters, jellyfish and even octopuses and a particular highlight is when the divers go into the tanks to feed the fish by hand.

Heading south from Beach Retreat, wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit to the RSPB wetland site at the Loch of Strathbeg (5 miles) which has some lovely walks and a wide range of birdlife to look out for.

Peterhead’s (14 miles) past is closely linked to the once great Scottish fishery industry, and even today, an early morning visit to its fish market is quite an experience. Sea angling expeditions are available from nearby Boddam harbour and wildlife boat trips also head out from there, from which you can spot seals, dolphins, minke whales and a whole host of seabirds, including kittiwakes, razorbills and puffins.

The port city of Aberdeen (40 miles) is only an hour’s drive away where you will find all the shops, pubs, restaurants, galleries and museums you could wish for.