Behind the Radar

The Highlands hold plenty of Cold War secrets, and this museum pulls back the curtain on one of them. Behind the Radar tells the story of a radar station that watched Soviet bombers during the tensions of the 1950s and 60s - proper cloak-and-dagger stuff that shaped the region's modern history. You'll find yourself walking through restored buildings, examining the equipment that tracked aircraft across the North Sea, and getting a real sense of what it felt like to staff these remote listening posts when the threat felt genuine.

It's the sort of place that grabs history buffs and anyone curious about how the Highlands played a role in Britain's defence. Kids aged ten and up will find it interesting enough - the technical side keeps adults engaged, though younger children might lose interest after half an hour. Allow a couple of hours if you're thorough.

Inverness sits just a few miles south, making this an easy run from town. If you're based at one of the caravan parks dotted around - Ardtower and Go Glamping at Loch Ness both rate highly - this slots neatly into a day's itinerary without feeling like a diversion. The Highland landscape here is all moorland and military history, a quieter side of the region than the tourist trail usually shows. Worth the detour if you're spending time in the area, though you won't want to plan a full day around it.