Castle of Pittulie

The Castle of Pittulie sits on the Aberdeenshire coast near Fraserburgh, a proper fortress that's seen better days but still commands respect from its clifftop perch. You're looking at a Z-plan tower house - that distinctive Scottish design with offset towers at opposite corners - dating back to the 16th century. The castle's in private hands now and you can't get inside, but the exterior's worth the drive if you're exploring the northeast coast.

The setting itself is the real draw. Weathered stone walls rise from rough ground, and on a clear day you get views out across the North Sea that justify the detour. It's the sort of place that works well as a photo stop rather than a destination in itself - allow 20 minutes to look around, take your shots, and move on. Families with young kids might find it underwhelming since there's no access to the interior, but history buffs appreciate the architectural details and the isolation of the location.

The nearest accommodation options are Down On The Farm, just 1.6 miles away - a brilliant base if you're doing a coastal holiday - or AC/DC Glamping 4.7 miles out. Both are solid choices for exploring this stretch of the Aberdeenshire coast. Fraserburgh itself is close enough for supplies and fish suppers. Visit in summer for the best light and clearest views. Bring a camera, decent shoes for the uneven ground, and a windproof - the North Sea wind can be proper bracing up here.