Drumtochty Castle

The castle sits on a rise overlooking the Howe of the Mearns, all red sandstone and serious Victorian purpose. Drumtochty isn't ancient - it's a 19th-century fortress really, built in the 1880s with turrets and crenellations that look suitably imposing against the Aberdeenshire sky. You can see it best from the road approaching Laurencekirk, which is where most visitors base themselves for exploring this bit of the Highlands.

This isn't a run-around-the-rooms-for-three-hours kind of castle. It's very much a "pull over for photos and a proper look" sort of stop, particularly good if you're driving between Stonehaven and the Royal Deeside. The exterior is what matters here - all that confident Victorian sandstone against the rolling farmland works brilliantly on camera. Families won't find much to occupy kids beyond 15 minutes, but walkers and photography types will find it worth the detour.

Given it's privately owned, access is limited to exterior viewing from the public road. That said, it makes a natural pairing with Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages if you're staying locally - only 4.8 miles away and that site's rated exceptionally well. Royal Arch Riverside Park over at 6.2 miles gives you another solid base. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light catches those sandstone walls properly. Autumn is particularly good when the surrounding trees turn.