Huntingtower Castle

Two sturdy towers connected by a low bridge - that's what greets you at Huntingtower, a few miles southwest of Perth. The castle is essentially a pair of 15th-century keeps that were built separately then linked together centuries later, which gives the whole place a rather odd but oddly charming appearance.

What you're looking at is genuinely old. The walls are thick, the stone is weathered, and you can actually climb up inside if the access allows it on the day you visit - the views from the top over Perthshire farmland are decent enough to justify the narrow spiral stairs. The history here involves clan feuds and royal visits; the kind of stuff that makes Scottish castles worth the trip. Expect to spend forty minutes to an hour poking about, less if you skip the stairs.

It works best for history enthusiasts and families with children old enough to manage climbing about old stone buildings without getting bored. The site can feel a bit windswept and exposed, so wrap up properly. Check ahead for opening times and admission fees before you go - information tends to be sparse online.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Perth Caravan Park is practically on the doorstep at under a mile away, while Scone Camping and Caravanning Club Site offers proper facilities two miles north - Huntingtower makes a straightforward half-day outing. Perth itself has shops and food if you need to fuel up before or after. Not spectacular, but worth the short drive if you're in the area.