4-Bedroom Cottage with Hot Tub in Banchory

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.

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.

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.

Edzell Castle is a ruined 16th-century castle near Brechin in Angus, run by Historic Environment Scotland. It began as a tower house around 1520 and was extended with building ranges around a courtyard. It was designed more as a country house than a defensive fortress, and Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed here in 1562.

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.

Glamis Castle stands beside the village of Glamis in Angus and is open to the public. It has been the home of the Lyon family since the 14th century, though the present building dates largely from the 17th century. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret was born here in 1930.

Tip: Leave time for the grounds as well as the castle: the daffodil avenue and the arboretum overlooking Glamis Burn are part of the estate.

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.