Dunnottar Castle viewpoint

The first time you round that bend on the A90 south of Stonehaven and catch sight of Dunnottar Castle perched on its dramatic headland, you'll understand why it's been used as a film set roughly a thousand times. The castle itself sits on a near-vertical rock jutting into the North Sea, connected to the mainland by a narrow neck of land - genuinely vertiginous when you're standing there.

You can view it properly from the designated viewpoint, which saves you the walk down to the castle entrance and back up again (though that walk is doable if you're keen). The viewpoint gives you the money shot: the fortress silhouetted against the water, the sense of isolation that makes the place feel almost otherworldly. On a clear day it's genuinely spectacular. On a grey one - which is most days - it's brooding and atmospheric in a way that suits it better, frankly.

This works best for photographers and anyone who appreciates proper Scottish drama. Kids under eight might lose interest after ten minutes unless they're properly into castles. There's no on-site facilities, so it's a quick stop rather than a destination in itself.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks nearby - Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park is just 1.5 miles away and genuinely excellent - you can nip here between other activities. It's free, takes fifteen minutes, and rounds out a coastal afternoon nicely. Don't expect to linger for hours, but don't skip it either.