Fisherman's Cottage

Peterhead Prison was built in 1888 to hold Scotland's most difficult and long-term prisoners, and it stayed in use until 2013. Now a museum, it lets you walk the real wings, landings and cells. Long sightlines and rows of stacked cells show how routine and discipline shaped life inside. This is the genuine building, not a reconstruction.

Tip: Guided tours don't run every day, so check the website for availability first if you want one.

New Slains Castle stands on a cliff-top above the North Sea, about a kilometre east of Cruden Bay. Its core is a 16th-century tower house built by the 9th Earl of Erroll, and it was rebuilt several times, most recently in 1837 as a Scots Baronial mansion.

Duff House in Banff is an early Georgian mansion designed by architect William Adam for William Duff. The two fell out over money during the build, which led to a five-year court case. Inside, you can see collections from the National Galleries of Scotland, including works by El Greco, Thomas Gainsborough and Henry Raeburn.

Tip: Book your visit online in advance, as the Historic Scotland site recommends pre-booking for guaranteed entry.

Delgatie Castle is a white-harled, five-storey tower near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, with later extensions built onto the original keep. Inside, you can explore its history, architecture and interiors, which keep a domestic feel. Highlights include a very wide turnpike stair, painted ceilings in two of the rooms and a room traditionally linked with a visit by Mary, Queen of Scots.

Tip: Look out for the painted ceilings and the very wide turnpike stair inside the castle.

The GlenDronach Distillery sits near Forgue, by Huntly in Aberdeenshire. Founded in 1826, it is known for single malts matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía, which give the whisky its rich, sherried style. The distillery buildings are category B listed, and water comes from the Dronac burn in the grounds.

Fyvie Castle stands in the village of Fyvie, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, and is run by the National Trust for Scotland. The earliest parts date from the 13th century, and five successive families each added a tower, so the building shows centuries of change.

Tip: Look out for the Charter Room, where one of the three Weeping Stones from the curse is displayed.

Findlater Castle is the old seat of the Earls of Findlater and Seafield, standing on a 50-foot cliff above the Moray Firth on the Aberdeenshire coast. It lies about 15 km west of Banff, near the village of Sandend, between Cullen and Portsoy. The cliffs here contain quartz, and the name comes from the Gaelic words for "white" and "cliff or steep slope".

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.