Newmill

The ruins at Newmill sit quietly on the outskirts of Perth, easy to miss if you're not looking for them. What you'll find here are the remains of a Pictish settlement - think low stone walls and foundations that demand a bit of imagination to bring to life. It's genuinely absorbing if you're into early medieval history, less so if you're after something more immediately dramatic.

The site itself is straightforward: you can walk the perimeter in twenty minutes, longer if you stop to read any interpretation boards and take photos. There's something quite moving about standing where people lived over 1,500 years ago, even if the physical evidence is fragmentary. It's the kind of place that rewards a slower pace rather than a quick tick-box visit.

Historians and Pictish enthusiasts will get the most from it, though families with older kids interested in archaeology might find it engaging. You won't need more than an hour here unless you're really keen on the details. Admission appears to be free, which at least removes any pressure to linger longer than feels natural.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Broadslap Farm or Maycroft Retreat are both close by - Newmill works as a morning diversion before heading to something with more obvious appeal. It's worth the detour if history genuinely interests you, but don't expect crowds or facilities. Just bring decent footwear and realistic expectations.