Loch Leven Castle Ferry

Getting out to Loch Leven Castle means catching a ferry - and that's half the charm. The small boat ride across the loch takes just a few minutes, but it sets the tone for what's a genuinely atmospheric visit to a ruined fortress that once held Mary, Queen of Scots prisoner.

The castle itself sits on an island, which is why you need the ferry in the first place. Walking around the crumbling walls, you get proper views across the water back towards Kinross and the surrounding Perthshire countryside. It's not a huge site - you can cover it in about an hour - but there's enough here to keep history enthusiasts engaged. The visitor centre on the mainland has displays about the castle's past and Mary's time here, which adds context without overwhelming you.

It works best for families who don't mind a bit of walking and climbing on uneven ground, and for anyone interested in Scottish history. Young kids might find the ferry ride exciting, but if they're not keen on ruins and hills, they could get restless quickly.

Both Gallowhill Caravan & Camping Park and Wild Goose Glamping are close by - the latter is particularly good if you want something more upmarket - making this an easy half-day outing during a park-based holiday. Go on a clear day if you can. Grey skies make the ruins feel atmospheric, but blue sky makes the whole loch setting properly special.