Arbroath Abbey Castle

The ruins of Arbroath Abbey stand just outside the town itself, a proper medieval statement carved into the Scottish landscape. What remains are the Abbey's sandstone walls and the distinctive rounded window that's become the building's calling card - it's genuinely striking when you first spot it. Founded in 1178, this was once one of Scotland's most powerful religious institutions, and you can still feel the weight of that history walking through what's left of the cloisters and the nave.

It's a free site run by Historic Environment Scotland, which means you can wander the grounds at your own pace without rushing. Budget about ninety minutes if you want to actually read the information boards and imagine what it looked like in its heyday. Families with children aged eight and upwards will find it engaging enough, though younger kids might lose interest once they've clambered on a few stones.

The real draw here is the Abbey's connection to Scottish independence - the Declaration of Arbroath, signed in 1320, is one of the country's most important historical documents. If you're into medieval history, you'll get a lot from it. The site itself is fairly windswept and exposed, so pick a decent day.

It sits well within a wider Aberdeenshire trip. The Grange Glamping and Animal Experience is just five miles away, which makes for an easy half-day cultural stop before or after settling into accommodation. Arbroath's also a proper working fishing town with a decent high street, so you're not stuck in a heritage bubble.