Banff Parish Church

The kirk sits right in the heart of Banff, a sturdy stone building that's been anchoring this wee coastal town since the 18th century. It's the sort of place that rewards a proper look inside - high ceilings, decent stained glass, and that particular quiet that only old churches seem to manage.

You'll get the most from a visit if you're into Scottish ecclesiastical architecture or you're doing a heritage tour of Aberdeenshire. It's not a sprawling tourist attraction with visitor centres and gift shops. This is a working parish church, straightforward and unpretentious. Twenty minutes inside, perhaps another twenty if you're the type to read every plaque and inscription, and you've seen what there is to see.

Banff itself is worth more than just the church though - the town has genuine character, with a proper High Street and the River Deveron running past. If you're based at Banff Links Caravan Park just up the road, or staying at one of the other sites dotted around Macduff and Whitehills, the church makes an easy morning stroll. Pop in, have a look around, then head down to the seafront or grab a coffee in town.

Bring a jumper - these old stones don't hold heat - and don't expect flashy displays. What you get instead is authenticity and a genuine sense of place. Free entry, as far as these things go, and it slots perfectly into a broader exploration of the northeast coast.