Castle of Park

Castle of Park sits on a quiet stretch of Aberdeenshire coastline, a proper fortress that's weathered centuries without fuss. It's a Z-plan tower house - that distinctly Scottish design with corner towers that look like they're ready for a fight - and it's been standing since the 1600s watching over the fishing villages below.

You won't find crowds here. The castle itself requires advance arrangement to visit the interior, so most people content themselves with walking the grounds and taking in the exterior stonework. The setting's the real draw - perched where you can see across to Banff and the coastline stretching eastward. On a clear day it's worth the drive from wherever you're staying.

Historyfolk will appreciate the architecture and the layers of Aberdeenshire's past it represents. Families with older kids might enjoy a coastal walk that takes in the castle as a landmark rather than a full afternoon commitment. If you're already exploring the villages around Banff - which frankly you should be - adding Castle of Park to an afternoon loop takes maybe an hour of your time.

Stay base yourself at Portsoy Links Caravan Park or Sandend Holidays if you're here for a week, and you're well-positioned for this stretch of coast. Neither park is far enough away to make the castle feel like a special detour, which actually works in its favour. It's the kind of place that rewards turning up without expectation.