Nelson’s Tower

You'll spot Nelson's Tower long before you reach it - a sturdy stone column rising from the landscape near Forres, impossible to miss if you're driving through Aberdeenshire. Built to commemorate Admiral Nelson, it's one of those Victorian monuments that feels oddly compelling even if you're not especially keen on naval history.

The tower itself is modest in scale, but the real draw is the walk up to it and the views across the Moray Firth countryside once you're there. It's not a massive undertaking - most people manage it in under an hour - but it does give you a proper sense of getting somewhere, which beats a quick car park photo stop. The surrounding land is open enough that you can wander about without feeling hemmed in.

Historians will find it straightforward enough - a straightforward tribute to Nelson's victories, nothing elaborate about the site itself. Families with older kids won't find it tedious, though younger ones might lose interest quickly if the weather turns. The real value is as a walk break during a Highland holiday, rather than a destination in itself.

If you're staying at The Loft Glamping & Camping nearby, it's an easy leg-stretch from your base. Worth the diversion if you're in the area, but don't alter your route specially to see it. On a clear day the views justify the walk; on a grey one, less so.