Sculpture by Bordalo II

The work of Bordalo II isn't what you'd expect to find tucked away in Aberdeenshire. This Portuguese ceramic artist's sculptures have a playful, almost mischievous quality - birds with exaggerated features, vegetables that look almost too real, botanical forms rendered in glazed earthenware. It's the sort of art that makes you lean in closer and genuinely smile.

Ferryhill itself is a modest spot, but that's rather the point. You're not fighting crowds here. The sculptures demand a slower pace anyway - proper study. They're intricate, colourful, and demand your attention in a way mass-produced stuff never does.

This works best for anyone with a genuine interest in ceramics or 19th-century decorative arts. Families with young kids might find it a bit niche unless they're already art-minded, though the naturalistic subjects do appeal. History types and makers will appreciate the technical skill on display.

Contact ahead to confirm opening hours and whether admission is charged - details are thin on the ground. Allow a good hour if you're visiting properly, longer if you're keen on photography. The work deserves lingering over.

If you're based at Deeside Holiday Park for the week, this makes a decent morning excursion. It's not a day-long commitment, but it's worth the short drive from the park if sculpture and ceramics are your thing. Don't expect a massive gallery space - that's not what this is.