The Lifeboat House

The Lifeboat House sits right on Montrose's seafront, a compact museum that tells the story of the volunteers who've been launching rescue boats from this stretch of coast for nearly two centuries. It's a straightforward affair - a genuine working lifeboat station where you can get up close to the actual boats, see the kit they use, and hear stories from crew members if you're lucky enough to catch them about.

Walkers and history types will find it engaging, though families with restless toddlers might find thirty minutes is about right before cabin fever sets in. The exhibits focus on real rescues and the particular dangers of this coastline - rough seas, unmarked reefs, that sort of thing. There's a tangible sense of purpose here rather than polished museum theatrics, which is exactly what you want.

Montrose itself is worth a proper wander, perched between two river mouths with decent eating spots and a genuine working harbour. If you're staying at nearby St Cyrus Holiday Park, the Lifeboat House makes a logical rainy-day stop rather than a main event. The walk into town from the park is straightforward enough too. Best to ring ahead for opening hours and admission prices - these volunteer-run places can have unpredictable schedules, but that's part of their charm really. Allow a couple of hours if you're combining it with a coastal walk and lunch.