We're heading towards a heatwave here in the UK, and there's no better time to head off to the seaside. A warm day spent by the water is hard to beat, and thankfully there are plenty of gorgeous spots to choose from.

I recently visited a fairly hidden gem that was tiny but full of charm, and I genuinely can't wait to go back. There's a welcoming pub and restaurant, magnificent ocean views, and it's situated near another popular seaside destination too. Lower Largo in Fife has roughly 2,300 residents, and it's one of the most picturesque locations I've seen.

The small village looks out across Largo Bay, on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The drive from Glasgow took approximately an hour and a half, while from Edinburgh, it's only an hour's drive.

Largo is a historic fishing village, divided into two sections - Lower and Upper, with the small village of Lundin Links situated just to the left. Here, you won't find amusement arcades or masses of holidaymakers, and it has a far more peaceful ambience than other coastal towns I've visited lately.

However, don't allow the absence of attractions put you off. The more relaxed rhythm of life here was so captivating, and I'm already eager for my next chance to return. Waking up to those breathtaking sea views provided an immediate lift to the spirits, especially with the sun blazing overhead. It was a bit cold, but that didn't matter — the scenery was spectacular, and the fresh coastal air was wonderfully invigorating.

Lower Largo's beach is made up of sand and rocks, and is immaculately clean. We saw plenty of dog walkers out enjoying the shoreline, and we even spotted one daring woman taking a plunge in the sea, which must have felt amazing once the initial cold water shock subsided.

Strolling through the streets was lovely as well. The village is pleasantly peaceful, with barely a car in sight, but boasting some very ornate gardens. The nautical theme was clear to see, with garden gates adorned with pirates, fish and mermaids.

Breakfast was at The Aurrie, a charming café nestled within a converted old church that had a wonderfully warm and welcoming ambience. Local artwork adorned the walls, available to buy, alongside a superb range of hot dishes, coffees, and a cake cabinet brimming with treats. I chose the veggie haggis and potato scone roll accompanied by a flat white, and it was delicious.

During our visit, we also enjoyed dinner at The Crusoe, another welcoming four-star hotel boasting both a restaurant and pub. It serves all the beloved pub staples you'd expect, from mac and cheese to fish and chips, and my family loved every bite. Just across the road sits the Railway Inn, another pub with a real log fire that I sadly did not visit, though my parents said it was great and the perfect spot for an after-dinner beverage.

It's conveniently situated adjacent to a striking viaduct, no longer in use but still standing proudly. It crosses the Keil Burn, and was built to accommodate a stretch of the Fife Coast Railway Line. It has been out of service since 1965 following the restructuring of British railways known as the Beeching cuts, but it's still an important landmark and is certainly worth seeing.

Another intriguing element of Lower Largo's past is its link to the person who inspired Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe - explaining the hotel's name.

Born in 1676, Alexander Selkirk came from the village, and the property that now stands on his birthplace at 99-105 Main Street displays a life-sized statue of him looking out towards the horizon.

A signpost at the harbour indicates the direction of the Juan Fernández Islands, approximately 7,500 miles away, where he was stranded for more than four years.

I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Lower Largo. The general atmosphere of the location was incredibly inviting, and it's clear it has a strong community spirit.

It is the perfect destination to enjoy a tranquil few days, though for those keen to travel beyond, the well-known coastal town of St Andrews is just 20 minutes away.

Although St Andrews is most famous for its rich golfing history and as the place where royals William and Catherine first met, the town also boasts an array of outstanding pubs, restaurants, bookshops and cafés well worth exploring.