Tortoises

There's a working farm near Forfar where you can actually get up close with giant tortoises - a proper surprise in the middle of Aberdeenshire farmland. These aren't zoo creatures behind glass; they roam about on the property, and if you time it right, you'll see them munching through their day like they own the place. Which, frankly, they do.

It's the sort of thing that pulls families in for a couple of hours, especially if the kids have never stood next to something that weighs half a ton and moves at glacial pace. There's something calming about it - no rushing about, no queues. You watch, you photograph, you let the sheer oddness of seeing prehistoric-looking animals in rural Scotland sink in.

The experience works best as a stop-off rather than a full day out. Pair it with a wander round Forfar town itself, then head to Greenhillock Glamping if you're staying the night - it's only a few miles away and offers a proper retreat after a day exploring the area. Tortoises don't move on seasons much, so spring through autumn is your window. Ring ahead first though; details on opening times and admission aren't straightforward to pin down online.