Johnshaven Fish Festival

The fishing village of Johnshaven sits on the Aberdeenshire coast, about half an hour south of Stonehaven, and comes alive each summer when the Fish Festival rolls into town. It's a proper celebration of the place's working heritage - the boats still land their catch here, and during the festival you'll find locals selling fresh fish, seafood stalls, and the sort of no-nonsense coastal atmosphere you won't find further south.

What actually happens depends on when you visit, but expect to wander past crates of just-landed fish, chat to fishmongers who actually know their stock, and sample whatever the boats brought in that morning. There's usually live music, local crafts, and enough fish suppers to keep you going all day. It's the kind of event that works best if you're genuinely interested in how fishing communities operate - if you're after theme park rides and manicured attractions, you'll be disappointed.

Family groups with older kids will enjoy the authenticity of it all. Younger children might find it a bit repetitive after an hour unless they're obsessed with boats and fish. Timing matters - check ahead for specific dates, as festival schedules shift annually.

Park your caravan at St Cyrus Holiday Park, just 2.3 miles inland, and you're well-positioned for a morning at Johnshaven and afternoon walks along the red sandstone cliffs. Montrose, the nearest proper town, is close by if you need shops or a rainy-day alternative.