Haddo Country Park

The house at Haddo sits solidly on the Aberdeenshire landscape like it's been waiting for you to show up. Built in the 18th century, this is a proper Georgian mansion surrounded by country park that's got enough going on to keep you occupied for a good afternoon without feeling like you're being herded through some museum experience.

Inside, the rooms are furnished as if the family's just popped out for the afternoon - there's that slightly lived-in feel that makes it more interesting than the roped-off period rooms you get elsewhere. The kitchen is the bit that gets most people: you can almost smell the cooking happening. Upstairs, bedrooms and corridors sprawl in ways that make you realise how much room these people had, and how differently they actually lived.

But honestly, the park itself is why you'll want to spend proper time here. There are woodland walks that meander through the grounds without being twee about it, and the gardens have enough structure to give you something to look at without feeling like you're being lectured. Kids will get restless indoors after about forty minutes, but they'll manage a decent walk outside, especially if you let them loose to find the less obvious paths.

It's near Ellon, which puts you roughly between Aberdeen and the coast - not far from Ythan Valley Campsite if you're basing yourself for a week in the area. Free to walk the park, though there's a small charge if you want inside the house. Go on a dry day: these grounds can get properly muddy.