53 ABD

The Roman stones at 53 ABD sit tucked away near Woodside, just north of Aberdeen, and they're genuinely worth tracking down if you're into archaeology. This is what remains of a Roman marching camp - think of it as proof that the legions pushed this far north, even if they didn't stick around. You'll find weathered stones and earthworks that tell the story of occupation around 80 AD, though honestly, it takes a bit of imagination to see the full picture now.

History buffs will get far more from this than casual tourists, to be frank. The site itself doesn't have interpretation boards or fancy facilities - it's very much a walk-around-and-work-it-out sort of place. Kids might find it dull after ten minutes unless they're obsessed with Romans, but if you're doing a road trip through Aberdeenshire and want to add some substance to it, the detour from Woodside is reasonable.

You can visit free, and there's no set visiting hours - it's an open site. Allow about thirty minutes to explore properly, though you could be in and out in half that if you're just after a quick look. If you're staying at Seaview Caravan Park, it's only a few miles away, making it an easy addition to a morning's exploring before heading to the coast. Check the ground after rain though - it can get boggy and muddy underfoot.