Studio 1

Studio 1 sits in Banchory, a small Aberdeenshire town that doesn't immediately scream "must visit", but this former broadcast facility has become an unexpected draw for anyone interested in Scottish cultural heritage. It's the sort of place that rewards curiosity - a working reminder of how rural Scotland stayed connected to the wider world through radio and television production.

What you're actually looking at is a genuine production space with real historical weight. The building itself tells the story of how broadcasting reached the Highlands, which is far more interesting than it sounds if you've got any appetite for 20th-century Scottish culture. Walking around, you get a proper sense of how programmes were made before everything went digital and London-centric.

It works best for adults with a genuine interest in broadcasting history or local heritage - not the sort of thing that'll keep restless kids entertained for long, to be honest. Walkers passing through the area might find it worth a quick detour, especially if you're combining it with a stay at Banchory Lodge Caravan Park, which is practically on the doorstep just 0.2 miles away. Silverbank Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite at 1.3 miles is another solid option nearby.

Banchory itself makes a decent base for exploring the Cairngorms and Deeside, so Studio 1 slots in as a 30-minute stop rather than a destination in itself. Check ahead for opening times before you go - visitor facilities aren't always guaranteed at smaller attractions like this one.