Kinneff Old Church

The roofless shell of Kinneff Old Church sits on a windswept stretch of Aberdeenshire coast, and there's something rather moving about standing in a place that's been exposed to the North Sea for centuries. Built in the 1600s, it's less a grand ecclesiastical statement and more a humble rectangular structure that's surrendered to time and weather. What makes it worth the detour from Stonehaven is the sheer sense of abandonment - you're free to wander around the graveyard, read the weathered tombstones, and imagine what services sounded like when these walls had a roof.

Historically minded visitors and photographers will find plenty to occupy themselves for 30 minutes or so. The location itself is the real draw: moorland stretches behind it, and the coastal views are proper bracing on a clear day. Families with restless kids might find it a bit thin on entertainment - there's no visitor centre, no interpretation, just the bare bones of a church and the elements.

It's free to visit and there's typically no restriction on access, though it's worth checking locally before making the trip. The nearest decent accommodation is either Cloak Caravan Park or Upper Crawton Park, both within a few miles and well-reviewed spots if you're basing yourself in the area. Combine it with a walk along the coast or a visit to Stonehaven's harbour for a proper morning out. Best visited on a crisp, clear day - winter gales here are genuinely something else.