Old Largie Castle

You'll find Old Largie Castle standing quietly on the Kintyre peninsula, a few miles south of Tarbert. It's not the sort of place that announces itself - more a sturdy ruin than a dramatic fortress, but that's rather the point. Built in the 15th century, it's a rectangular tower house that's seen better days, though there's something oddly compelling about ruins that haven't been polished up for tourists.

What you get is essentially an atmospheric walk around a piece of medieval Scotland. The castle sits in a remote spot with views across to the water, and you can clamber about the grounds for free - no visitor centre, no gift shop, no faffing about. It takes twenty minutes, maybe half an hour if you're taking photos. The walk itself is as much the draw as the castle; it's proper quiet out here.

History types will appreciate the medieval credentials, though you won't find interpretive panels spelling everything out. Families with young kids might find it a touch underwhelming unless they're into climbing on old stones. It's the sort of place you'd tack onto a longer exploration of Kintyre rather than make a special trip for.

If you're based at Muasdale Holiday Park - just five and a half miles away - it makes a decent half-morning diversion before heading somewhere else. Tarbert is your nearest town for supplies. Go on a clear day if you can; the weather out here can turn properly grim, and the castle won't reward you for visiting in a downpour.