The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry

A woodland walk near Pitlochry that's equal parts spooky and magical - the kind of place where gnarled trees seem to have faces and shadows play tricks on you. The Enchanted Forest is basically a network of paths through thick Scottish forest, dotted with quirky installations, sculptures and oddments that locals have added over the years. You're not walking through some polished theme park here; it's genuinely creepy in places, which kids seem to either love or find genuinely unsettling.

The whole thing feels like stumbling onto someone's forest art project - there's no visitor centre, no gift shop, just trees and mystery. Most people allow an hour or two depending on how deep you want to explore. Free entry, and it's genuinely close to Pitlochry town centre, so easy to slot into a day trip.

Best for families with kids old enough to enjoy a bit of atmosphere and adventure - teenagers especially seem to get a kick out of it. History buffs might find it less rewarding than Blair Castle down the road, but walkers absolutely should give it a go. If you're staying at Faskally Woods Holiday Park, it's practically on your doorstep - barely a fifteen-minute walk.

Go in daylight unless you actually enjoy being properly unsettled. The forest is genuinely beautiful in autumn when the light turns golden through the trees, but winter does the creepy vibe no favours whatsoever. Honestly, it's quirky enough to break up a holiday around Perthshire without eating up half your day.