Cairnbulg Castle

The ruins of Cairnbulg Castle sit on a headland just outside Fraserburgh, commanding views over the Moray Firth. It's not much to look at from a distance - crumbling stone walls and the remains of what was once a proper fortress - but it's worth the short walk to get up close. The castle dates back to the 13th century, though what you see now is mostly 16th-century rebuilding. Locals reckon it was a significant stronghold for the Comyns, one of the major power players in medieval Scotland.

You can walk around the exterior freely, which takes about twenty minutes if you're taking photographs. The location is genuinely striking - the North Sea wind whips across the headland, and on clear days you get proper vistas down the coast. History enthusiasts will find the medieval and Renaissance stonework interesting enough, though the site lacks the polish of better-funded castles elsewhere in Aberdeenshire.

There's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring a windproof jacket and decent shoes. It's free to visit, which is the main selling point. Families with restless kids might find it a bit sparse - there's nowhere to sit and the ruins don't tell much of a story without a guidebook. The real appeal is the walk itself and the setting rather than the building.

If you're staying at Down On The Farm nearby, it's a quick run over for an afternoon detour. Combine it with a proper walk along Fraserburgh's coastal path or nip into town for fish and chips afterwards.