Balhousie

The Romans left their fingerprints all over Perthshire, and Balhousie - just outside Perth - is one of the clearest marks they made on this landscape. What you're looking at here is the remains of a Roman fort, though "remains" might sound more dramatic than what's actually on the ground. There's earthwork to pick out if you know what you're looking for, but this isn't Hadrian's Wall. It's subtle, archaeological work rather than tourist spectacle.

That said, if you're into Roman Britain at all, it's well worth the short drive from Perth town centre. The site itself is free to access, and you can wander about to get a sense of where the fort's defences once ran. Bring an archaeological guide or download something before you arrive - it'll make the whole thing click into place rather than just looking like bumpy ground.

History buffs will get the most from this. Families with young children might find it a bit abstract unless they're already keen on Romans. Allow 30 minutes, maybe 45 if you're taking photos and reading up on the location's strategic importance during the second century AD.

It slots nicely into a wider Perthshire circuit - Scone Camping and Caravanning Club Site is just 1.8 miles away, making it an easy morning or late-afternoon detour while you're based in the area. Perth itself has proper museums if you want context before or after visiting the actual fort.