St Ninian's and Forglen Church

Two medieval churches standing a mile or so apart near Turriff, both quietly impressive if you're into ecclesiastical architecture. St Ninian's is the more substantial survivor, with its solid stonework and churchyard full of old gravestones that reward a proper poke about. Forglen Church, meanwhile, sits in its own peaceful spot and feels genuinely remote despite being just a short drive away.

These aren't flashy tourist attractions - there's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no crowds of school groups. That's precisely what makes them worth the detour if you're staying at Turriff Caravan Park and fancy breaking up the day with a walk or two. History buffs and anyone interested in how rural Scottish parishes were actually built will find plenty to examine, from the masonry details to the layout of the burial grounds.

Both are freely accessible, though you'll need to sort out your own navigation - bring an OS map or have GPS ready. Allow an hour to visit both sites comfortably, including a wander round each churchyard. Spring or early autumn are lovely for visiting; you'll dodge the worst of the weather and have better light for photography if that's your thing.

The landscape around Turriff is gentle farming country rather than dramatic Highland scenery, so these churches work well as part of a broader exploration of Aberdeenshire's heritage rather than a standalone destination. Pair them with a visit to nearby attractions or use them as an excuse to discover the quieter corners most tourists miss entirely.