Ethie Castle

The ruins of Ethie Castle sit on a dramatic clifftop just outside Arbroath, commanding views across the North Sea that'll stop you mid-stride. What you're looking at is a 16th-century fortress that's seen better days - substantial enough to understand its former grandeur, but roofless and weathered in that authentic Scottish way that doesn't need restoration to feel powerful.

You can walk right up to it and scramble about the remaining walls. The main draw is the setting rather than the interior - the cliff edge is properly vertiginous, and on a clear day the coastal views stretch for miles. Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes poking around, taking photos, and reading whatever interpretive boards are still standing. It's free to access, which helps.

Historically minded folks will appreciate that this was a working castle for centuries, not just a decorative ruin. Families with young children might find it brief - there's no visitor centre, gift shop, or facilities, so you're essentially looking at a pile of stones with an excellent view. That said, kids who enjoy scrambling and coastal paths will get more from it than those wanting structured activities.

Ethie makes a solid addition to a broader Aberdeenshire coastal walk rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a stay at The Grange Glamping nearby - roughly 20 minutes away - and you've got a proper clifftop adventure without the crowds of more famous Highland castles. Go when the weather's decent; there's no shelter out there whatsoever.