The UK is full of picturesque villages with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

       Some have sandy beaches, others have historic ruins, and a few come with fascinating stories that inspire legends. But one small village in Scotland combines all three.

       Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire is home to a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and sweeping coastal views.

       Often described as one of Scotland’s finest stretches of sand, it’s a peaceful spot that remains largely undiscovered by tourists.

       “Cruden Bay’s undiscovered sandy white beach, crystal clear waters and quaint fishing harbour make it a place of splendour,” Visit Aberdeen website says.

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       But what sets this village apart is the eerie Slains Castle perched on the cliffs just north of the bay.

       The crumbling ruin, with its dramatic views over the North Sea, famously inspired Bram Stoker when he wrote Dracula.

       Stoker stayed at the nearby Kilmarnock Arms from 1893 to 1910 and was so captivated by the area that he set two of his earlier novels here before penning his vampire tale.

       Fans of The Crown may also recognise Slains Castle, which featured in the show’s first series as a stand-in for Castle Mey when the Queen Mother visited Scotland.

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       What’s more, Slains Castle is said to be haunted by Victor Hay, the 21st Earl of Errol, whose ghost reportedly lingers among the ruins.

       Other spooky sightings include World War 2 soldiers marching past and even a phantom horse and carriage.

       Hidden Scotland describes it as “an eerie place where you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks beneath you and the crows hovering above your head.”

       For those looking to follow in Stoker’s footsteps, the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel is still welcoming guests today, just 15 minutes from the castle.

       The hotel has been running for over 120 years, and visitors can even see Stoker’s handwritten entry in an old guestbook.