Tower o' Ess

You'll spot Tower o' Ess from miles around if you're driving through Aberdeenshire - this sturdy stone tower rises from the landscape near Aboyne with the kind of presence that makes you want to pull over and investigate. It's a proper castle ruin, though compact compared to the grand fortresses you might expect, and that's partly what makes it interesting. The tower tells the story of medieval Aberdeenshire without the crowds or entry fees of bigger attractions.

Historians and castle enthusiasts will get the most from a visit here. You're looking at genuinely old stonework and a setting that rewards a bit of wandering and wondering about who held this place and why. It's not a place for a long visit - maybe twenty minutes to half an hour if you're thorough - but it slots nicely into a day exploring the Don Valley. The setting itself is pleasant enough, though it won't knock your socks off on a grey afternoon.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks near Aboyne - and the reviews for Aboyne Loch and Firbank Park suggest they're solid choices - Tower o' Ess works as a quick detour rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a walk along the River Dee or a proper explore of Aboyne village and you've got a decent half-day. Free access and no faffing about with opening hours makes it ideal for early risers or when you fancy breaking up a longer drive through the Highlands.