Duff House Mausoleum

The mausoleum sits on the grounds of Duff House, that imposing baroque mansion just outside Banff that most visitors rush past on their way to somewhere else. This is the family tomb, essentially - a stone structure that tells you more about 18th-century aristocratic vanity than you might expect from a glorified grave. It's the sort of thing that appeals to people who actually read the plaques rather than just taking photos of the main house. You're looking at maybe twenty minutes here, tops, unless you're genuinely into Georgian funerary architecture, which is fair enough.

The real draw is how it sits within the Duff House estate itself. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Banff Links is practically on the doorstep, just 1.3 miles away - you can combine this with a proper wander around the house and grounds without making it a separate expedition. Macduff's only just across the water too, so Myrus Holiday Park works as a base if you're that way inclined.

Truth is, it's not a destination in itself. But if you're already exploring the Duff House grounds and you've got an interest in Scottish landed gentry or funerary monuments, you'll find it worthwhile. The setting's pleasant enough, looking out over the Deveron Valley. Check opening hours before you go though - the grounds aren't always accessible, and there's no guarantee the mausoleum itself is viewable from close range. It's very much a 'while you're here' sort of stop rather than a reason to make the journey.