Banff

The Moray Firth coastline here delivers proper rugged Scottish beauty - towering cliffs, working harbours, and beaches that stretch for miles when the tide's out. Banff sits right on this dramatic stretch, with neighbouring Portsoy just a short drive along the coast road offering its own slice of maritime history.

Climbing Lodge Hill gives you cracking views across the entire coastline, while down in Portsoy the Salmon Bothy tells the story of this area's fishing heritage. The town's got character - you'll find the Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation and several other historic buildings dotted about, plus reminders of more recent history like the RAF Banff Strike Wing Memorial.

Portsoy itself is worth exploring properly. The harbour area feels authentically Scottish rather than touristy, and there's something satisfying about wandering the old streets before heading to one of the local churches or popping into Portsoy Library for a browse.

The surrounding countryside is all rolling farmland and woodland - Kirk Wood and Lodgehill Plantation offer decent walks if you fancy stretching your legs away from the coast. It's about 50 miles northeast of Aberdeen, reachable via the A98 coastal route which is lovely if you're not in a rush.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense here. You get the best of both worlds - proper Scottish coastal scenery on your doorstep, plus easy access to explore the string of fishing villages and historic sites along this stretch of Aberdeenshire coast.