Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Museum

The fishing villages of Benholm and Johnshaven sit on the Aberdeenshire coast just south of Montrose, and their small heritage museum tells the story of how folk actually lived here when the sea was the main employer. It's housed in a converted cottage and feels genuinely local rather than polished - the kind of place where volunteers still run things and can tell you about the families in the photographs on the walls.

You'll find fishing equipment, maritime history, and domestic objects that show daily life in these tightly-knit communities. It's not vast - you can see everything in 45 minutes to an hour - but it's properly done. Walkers and history types will get more from it than young children, though anyone interested in Scottish coastal life will find it worthwhile.

Benholm and Johnshaven are quiet, unspoilt spots with good coastal paths and genuine character. If you're staying at St Cyrus Holiday Park nearby, it's an easy drive or walk along the coast, and pairs well with a ramble on the cliffs or a pint in the local pub. The admission is modest and the staff are knowledgeable.

Best visited on a weekday morning when it's quieter and you can chat with whoever's on duty. Phone ahead to check opening hours before you go - these village museums keep their own schedules. Worth a detour if you're exploring this stretch of coast, but don't expect grandeur.