The Glenmorangie Distillery Co

The Glenmorangie distillery sits just outside Tain in the Highlands, and it's one of those places that actually lives up to the fuss. You'll walk through proper working distillery buildings - not some glossy visitor centre bolted on as an afterthought - and see exactly where they make one of Scotland's best-known single malts.

The tour takes you through the production process from grain to bottle. The stills are enormous and oddly beautiful, and the cooperage is genuinely fascinating if you've never seen a barrel being made before. Most tours last around ninety minutes, which feels about right - long enough to understand what's happening without turning into a lecture. The tasting at the end is the obvious highlight, though even if whisky isn't your thing, the distillery shop has a decent range of gifts and bottles at reasonable prices.

Families with teenagers will get something from it; younger kids might fidget. It's worth timing a visit here with a stay at Dornoch Firth Caravan Park, barely two miles away - a solid base with good facilities. If you're already in the area walking or fishing, this makes a logical afternoon stop. The Highland scenery around Tain itself is fairly understated rather than dramatic, but that's partly what makes it feel authentic rather than theme-parked.

Best to check ahead for opening hours and admission prices, as these change seasonally. Go midweek if you can - weekends get busier. The café is fine for a quick coffee but nothing special.