Burnside Brewery

Burnside Brewery sits just outside Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire, and it's one of those places that rewards a slightly longer drive through the Scottish countryside. The brewery produces its own ales on-site, and you can watch the whole operation from the visitor area - proper interesting if you actually want to understand how beer gets made rather than just drink it.

The tour covers the brewing process from grain to glass, and the staff clearly know their stuff without being pretentious about it. Afterwards there's a tasting room where you can try what they've actually made. It's worth allowing a couple of hours if you're not rushed, though you could do it in 90 minutes if you're just after a quick look and a pint.

Walkers and beer enthusiasts will get the most from this. It's not a family outing unless your kids are old enough to sit still through an explanation of hop varieties. Families based at nearby Royal Arch Riverside Park or St Cyrus Holiday Park would find it a decent rainy-day option, though check their website for current opening hours and whether tours need booking - these things change seasonally.

The setting's pleasant enough without being spectacular. If you're in the area hopping between parks, it breaks up the day nicely. On its own, though, it's more of an add-on than a reason to visit Aberdeenshire.