Benview Lodges

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress on a rocky headland on Scotland's north-east coast, just south of Stonehaven. Steep cliffs drop 160 feet to the North Sea, and a narrow strip of land leads up to the gatehouse. The ruins include a 14th-century tower house and a 16th-century palace, and the views make it a favourite with photographers.

Tip: Check the weather before you set off, as the castle may close in bad conditions. Parking is available on site.

Castle Fraser is a large, five-storey Z-plan castle near Kemnay in Aberdeenshire, considered one of the grandest of the 'Castles of Mar'. Building began in 1575 and finished in 1636, and it is a Category A listed building. Inside, it still has the atmosphere of a family home, with the original contents including Fraser family portraits, furniture and collections.

The Maiden Stone is a Pictish cross-slab near Inverurie, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Made from pinkish granite, it stands about three metres tall and is counted among the finest examples of Pictish stonework. One face shows a figure between two sea monsters, possibly Jonah and the whales, above a ring-headed cross and ornate knotwork.

Tip: Look for the notch near the top, said in the legend to be where the Devil grabbed the maiden, and pair it with the Brandsbutt Symbol Stone, also near Inverurie.

Drum Castle is one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, given to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in 1323 and later extended with a Jacobean mansion and Victorian additions. Inside, you can see the medieval grand hall, the Victorian library with around 4,000 books, and the chapel built in the 1500s. Entry to the castle is by guided tour.

Tip: Castle entry is by guided tour, and the tower has been closed for repairs, so check the National Trust for Scotland's Drum Castle page before you set off.

Aberdeen Art Gallery is housed in a neo-classical building designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. Its collection spans 700 years, with work by local, national and international artists, designers and makers. Highlights include Joan Eardley, the Scottish Colourists, Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin, Claude Monet and Barbara Hepworth.

Tip: There's no on-street parking outside; the nearest car park is Denburn, then Bon Accord/Harriet Street. It's a 10-minute walk from the train and bus stations.

Crathes Castle is a classic Scottish tower house, completed in 1596 by the Burnett family and now run by the National Trust for Scotland. Inside, you'll find turrets, oak panelling, family portraits, antique furniture and painted ceilings that survive from the Renaissance. Look out for the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnetts by Robert the Bruce.

Tip: Castle tickets can't be booked ahead. Buy them from the shop on the day, as entry is first come, first served.

Craigievar is a seven-storey tower house in the Scottish Baronial style, begun around 1576 and completed by William Forbes in the 1620s. Its pink harling and turrets make it one of the best preserved and most loved castles in Scotland, and it is said to have inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.

Tip: Check the National Trust for Scotland website for current castle tour arrangements before you set off. Don't follow sat-nav to the south drive, which has no vehicle access or parking. Use the main entrance off the A980.

Codona's is an indoor and outdoor entertainment complex on Beach Boulevard at Aberdeen Beach, beside the Queens Links and the North Sea. The Codona family opened the park in 1970, and it has since grown well beyond the rides. Along with the amusement park, you'll find bowling, 3-level karting, laser tag, an indoor arcade and AR darts.

Tip: Check the ride height guide on the Codona's website before you go, as height restrictions apply to rides and attractions.