Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2

A real Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft sits on display near Forres, and it's properly impressive up close. This Hawker Siddeley MR2 was built for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War - the kind of plane that actually mattered when things were tense. You get to walk around the fuselage, see the nose design, and appreciate the engineering that went into military aviation back in the day.

History buffs and anyone interested in aircraft will spend a solid 45 minutes here, though if you've got kids under ten they might lose interest after 20. It's not a museum with interactive bits - just a chance to examine a genuine piece of British defence hardware in situ. The setting is straightforward rather than scenic, so don't expect sweeping views, but there's something honest about seeing the aircraft against the Scottish sky rather than locked behind museum glass.

The real value is as a stop-off during a wider exploration of the area around Forres. If you're camping at The Loft Glamping just down the road, it's easily combined with walks in the wider Moray region without adding much to your route. Free to look at, no ticket required from what we could tell, though facilities are minimal. Winter can be windswept here, so dress for it. Worth the detour only if you're already in the area and keen on Cold War history.