NEWBURGH BEACH, ABERDEENSHIRE

WHERE: Newburgh

WHY: The scrubby gorse and marram grass in the car park at the lip of Newburgh Beach belies the beauty of the scoop of protected beach beyond, and the marquee attraction, a 400-strong colony of grey seals. Some swim in the Ythan River estuary, ‘singing’ as they go, while others loll on the beach, posing for photographs. As long as picnickers are quiet – loud noises distress the whiskery residents – and keep their distance, they’re welcome to unpack their hampers on some of Britain’s largest sand dunes.

PERFECT PICNIC: Avoid foods that a gust of sand is likely to stick to. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried an Aberdeen rowie, a mash-up between a croissant and morning roll.