Burleigh Castle

The ruins of Burleigh Castle sit on a low rise just outside Kinross, commanding views across the Tayside landscape without ever feeling grandiose about it. What you get is a proper 16th-century stronghold - four-storey tower house with defensive walls still standing - that tells you exactly what life was like for Perthshire lairds without needing a visitor centre to spell it out.

It's the kind of place where you can actually walk around freely and poke about the ruins at your own pace. The tower itself is roofless but the stonework is solid, and from the top (if you're confident with the climb) the view back towards Loch Leven and the surrounding hills makes the short detour worthwhile. Kids will enjoy the scramble up the narrow stairs; historians will appreciate the authentic 1580s construction details still visible in the walls.

Allow an hour maximum if you're the thorough type, half that if you just want the photo and the view. It's free to visit, though the site is exposed - go when the weather's reasonable or you'll spend more time sheltering than exploring.

If you're camped at Gallowhill Caravan & Camping Park or staying at one of the five-star glamping spots like Wild Goose or Maycroft Retreat nearby, Burleigh Castle works perfectly as a morning stop before heading into Kinross or pushing on to explore Loch Leven. It's not a full day's activity, but it's honest ruins with genuine atmosphere - no ropes, no nonsense.