Page Contents
Things to do in Angus
Days out in Angus
Places to visit in Angus

The county of Angus is situated in north east Scotland. It's a county of contrasts with a maritime coastline to the north sea complementing some of the best agricultural land in Scotland.

The lovely Strathmore valley lies inland, while the Glens of Angus lie to the north, offer opportunities

Highand Cattle

for climbing, discovering wildlife, fishing, hiking and walking

Panoramic shot of the Tay Rail Bridge

Visitors to Angus often begin with Scotland's fourth largest city Dundee, whose history can be traced back to the 13th century.

Dundee today is a vibrant city with excellent shopping, dining, entertainment and sporting facilities.

Crombie Park near Dundee in Angus

Among the many attractions in Dundee are McManus Museum and Art Gallery, in Albert Square and the Verdant Works which tells the story of the jute industry and offers an insight into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the industry.

Discovery and V&A Dundee

RRS Discovery and the V&A in Dundee

An attraction unique to Dundee is Discovery Point - home of Captain Scott's RRS Discovery. This is the actual ship that Scott sailed in on his Antarctic journey.

Right next to Discovery Point is the new V&A Dundee - Scotland's first dedicated design museum.

Camperdown Country Park lies a short distance from the city, and offers activities for all the family to enjoy.

The maritime coast of Angus is well worth exploring, with its beautiful long beaches, golf courses, and spectacular seascapes.

Broughty Ferry is to be found just to the north of the city.

Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Originally a fishing village, the town developed as a dormitory for Dundee over the years and is today a popular resort town.

The 15th century Fort is now Broughty Castle Museum, specialising in the history of whaling.

Broughty Ferry Castle, Dundee

A few miles inland is Moniki Country Park with woodland, parkland and reservoirs providing the opportunity for water sports.

The snow covered Hills of the Angus Glens in Glen Clova

You'll find Crombie Country Park a few miles north with its scenic loch and woodlands. Barbecue and picnic facilities are available.

Carnoustie

Carnoustie is one of the great golfing locations in Britain, boasting no less than four golf courses.

Bunkers at Carnoustie

Sailing, windsurfing and fishing can all be enjoyed in the sweeping bay, with its fine views across the Tay estuary to the Kingdom of Fife.

Two miles west of Carnoustie is Barry Mill - an early 19th century working mill where you can still see grain being ground.

Barry Mill Weir

There is a pleasant walk following the mill lade, through an orchard where you can picnic.

Declaration of Arbroath

Declaration of Arbroath Statue

It was in the historic town of Arbroath at Arbroath Abbey that the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320, asserting Scotland's independence from England.

Arbroath has had a busy harbour since the 14th century. It is the home of the 'Arbroath Smokie' - Herrings smoked over oak wood chips - which can be purchased at local smoke houses and fishmongers in the town.

Arbroath Harbour

Arbroath is popular with holidaymakers who can enjoy the beach on the West links. In West Links Park, Kerr's Miniature Railway is the oldest in Scotland.

To the North of Arbroath is Lunan Bay, its spectacular curve stretching from Lang Craig north of Arbroath to Boddin Point.

Lunan Bay

Overlooking this beautiful bay is the ruins of Red Castle, a 13th century fortification of King William the Lion.

The beach, which is popular with wind surfers, can be accessed from a car park behind the surrounding dunes.

Montrose

The Royal Burgh of Montrose, situated between the Rivers North and South Esk, is the most northerly of the coastal towns in Angus.

Montrose Beach

The steeple of the Old Church towers 220ft above the town and is a landmark for miles around. The attractive, wide high street with its many 18th century buildings, is a good shopping centre.

Visitors come to Montrose to play golf on its excellent golf course and to enjoy its beautiful sandy beach.

Scurdie Ness lighthouse at Ferryden, Montrose

Curving round the wide bay, the beach is dominated at the southern end by the 120ft high Scurdie Ness lighthouse, built in 1870 to the design of David and Thomas Stevenson. Climb the 170 steps to the top and you will be rewarded by far reaching views of the coastline.

St Cyrus Beach, Montrose

Montrose Museum on Panmure Place is one of the oldest in Scotland and holds an interesting collection of exhibits.

Just south of the town is an attraction unique to Montrose - the Montrose Basin Wildlife Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre.

Montrose Basin is an enclosed estuary of the River South Esk and an internationally important wildlife sanctuary.

The daily tidal cycle brings in rich nutrients, which attract over 50, 000 migratory birds annually.

Eider ducks feeding on mussels can be seen all year round. In winter, pink-footed geese roost on the mud flats.

There are three hides on site and the visitor centre has interactive displays for all ages.

North River Esk Railway Bridge

The Nature Reserve also offers sailing, fishing and wildfowling.

Three miles west of Montrose is the House of Dun, overlooking the Montrose Basin Nature Reserve.

House of Dun

This classic Georgian house was designed by William Adam and completed in 1730. The beautiful interior contains fine collections of 18th century furniture, porcelain and paintings.

Brechin

Inland, Brechin, is worth visiting, not least to see the interior of its Cathedral.

Brechin Cathedral Interior

This features a wonderful collection of stained glass windows, some of which were designed by the William Morris factory.

Looking east along Chanonry Wynd towards Brechin Cathedral and round tower

The 87ft round tower beside the cathedral dates from the 11th century and is one of only two such towers on the Scottish mainland.

The Countryside Park at Brechin Castle Centre is home to Pictavia which tells of the times when the Picts populated the area.

On Sundays during the summer, the Caledonian Railway run trips from Brechin to Bridge of Dun.

North east of Brechin is the delightful little town of Edzell, situated on the River North Esk. It is a popular centre with fisherman and is the gateway to the Glens Lethnot and Esk.

Edzell has an 18 hole golf course, a driving range and a golf academy.

Edzell Castle

Nearby, you'll find Edzell Castle and Garden. A 16th century tower remains here, but the main feature is now the interesting walled garden.

[In the Vale of Strathmore is the Royal Burgh of Forfar. The administrative centre of Angus, Forfar has an ancient history.

Forfar

King David I granted its first market charter and today a Farmers Market is held here monthly.

The Meffan Gallery and Museum in the High Street illustrates the town's history, art and industry.

While you're in Forfar, why not sample one of Angus's specialities - the Forfar Bridie - minced meat and onions encased in a delicious pastry case.

Peter Pan

Five miles north west is the attractive little town of Kirriemuir, gateway to the Glens Isla, Prosen and Clova.

Typical Scottish town street in Kirriemuir

Kirriemuir was the birthplace of J.M. Barrie, author of 'Peter Pan'. Barrie's Birthplace, in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, is open to the public from Easter to September.

J.M. Barrie's gift to Kirriemuir was the Camera Obscura on Kirri Hill.

One of only three in the country, from the top there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

West of the town is the RSPB Loch Kinnordy Nature Reserve, where wading birds, ospreys and black necked grebes visit.

Loch Kinnordy, Angus

In the spring and summer, in winter the reserve is full of wildfowl.

South of Kirriemuir is the village of Glamis - home of the Angus Folk Museum.

Arguably one of Scotland's best folk museums, Angus Folk Museum features local history.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle lies nearby and is well worth a visit. It has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore since 1372, and was the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Days out in Angus

• Angus Folk Museum
  Visit one of Scotland's finest folk museums and explore life in rural Scotland during the past 200 years.
  
• Arbroath Abbey
  Arbroath Abbey consists of the substantial ruins of a Tironensian monastery, founded by William the Lion in 1178 and intended as his own burial place.
  
• Barrie's Birthplace
  The creator of the eternal magic of Peter Pan - J M Barrie - was born here in 1860.
  
• Barry Mill
  Enjoy the sights and sounds of an early 19th-century working mill - the splash of the water-wheel, the sound and smell of grinding grain.
  
• Broughty Castle Museum
  Broughty Castle sits imposingly at the mouth of the River Tay. Built in 1496 on a rocky promontory it has faced many sieges and battles.
  
• Camperdown Country Park
  Camperdown incorporates within its boundaries Camperdown Country Park, Templeton Woods, and Clatto Reservoir. There is also a wildlife centre, family fun fair, adventure playground, golf courses, cinema and ice rink
  
• Crombie Country Park
  The Park was officially opened in September 1983. Its 102 hectares includes Crombie Loch as well as broadleafed and coniferous woodlands. Crombie Country Park, with its scenic loch and woodlands is a haven for wildlife.
  
• Discovery Point
  Discovery Point is the home of Captain Scott's famous Royal Research Ship Discovery. Hear all about RRS Discovery's epic voyage to Antarctica, and explore the ship itself.
  
• Edzell Castle & Garden
  This is a remarkable and very beautiful complex, with a late-medieval tower house incorporated in to a 16th century courtyard mansion.
  
• Glamis Castle
  Glamis Castle is the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and has been a royal residence since 1372.
  
• House of Dun
  This beautiful Georgian house, overlooking the Montrose Basin nature reserve, was designed by William Adam in 1730.
  
• McManus Collections Unit
  The McManus Collections Unit is the new permanent home for Dundee's History, Archaeology and Natural History Collections.
  
• Mills Observatory
  The City of Dundee is fortunate to be the site of the UK's only full-time public observatory - the Mills Observatory.
  
• Monikie Country Park
  Monikie Country Park, with its reservoirs, woodland and parkland, is an ideal location for a visit to the countryside. The scenic surroundings offer many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at any time of the year.
  
• Sensation Science Centre
  A unique four star attraction devoted to the five senses. With over 60 hands-on exhibits depicting the senses, visitors of any age can experience the magic of science.
  
• The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum
  A magnificent Victorian, Gothic building where art, history and the environment combine to offer a fascinating insight into Dundee.
  
• Verdant Works
  The story of jute and the story of Dundee are inseperable. The industry employed 50,000 people in the city at its peak and supplied much of the worlds demand for jute goods. Verdant Works takes you on a tour of the trade.
  

Places to Visit in Angus

• Arbroath
  For generations Arbroath has earned its living from the sea. The town remains an important fishing port, but is equally well known for its unique place in Scottish history.
  
• Brechin
  The old city of Brechin, dating back over 1,000 years, stands proudly on the South Esk, and is built on the side of a steep hill. Today an ancient atmosphere clings to the worn red stones of this part of the town.
  
• Broughty Ferry
  Although the industries with which Broughty Ferry was once associated are now gone, the town remains a lovely holiday destination and a pleasant waterfront suburb of Dundee.
  
• Carnoustie
  Carnoustie has long held a reputation throughout the world as one of the great golfing locations. Ever since the British Open was first played at Carnoustie in 1931, the course has represented a magnetic challenge for golfers of all standards.
  
• Dundee
  In days of a bygone era, Dundee prided itself on its thriving industries, a legacy still celebrated today.
  
• Edzell
  Edzell has been described as the 'Jewel in the Crown of Angus', this beautiful village, entered via the 19th century Dalhousie Arch, lies between Strathmore and the Howe of the Mearns.
  
• Forfar
  The Royal Burgh of Forfar stands on what was once the centre of the kingdom of the Picts - the region's first settlers.
  
• Glamis
  This much-loved home of the earls of Strathmore, Glamis is a sleepy and extremely picturesque conservation area, where you will find thatched cottages, the Angus folk Museum and St. Fergus' Kirk with its Pictish stone.
  
• Kirriemuir
  The earliest records of Kirriemuir date from the 13th century, but it is possible that there has been a settlement on this site since prehistoric times.
  
• Letham
  Still within the land roamed by the enigmatic Celtic race - the Picts - Letham is a much visited village which attracts hundreds of visitors to its Victorian market each summer.
• Monifieth
  The settlement of Monifieth dates back to at least the 9th century. The discovery of Pictish stones in the graveyard of St. Rule's Church suggests that Monifieth was a Pictish centre of some importance.
  
• Montrose
  The northern-most coastal town in Angus is the Royal Burgh of Montrose - a proud little town whose pinky-grey buildings radiate history and tell of a time when this was the prosperous home of merchants.
  
• Newtyle
  Newtyle is a small village located in the Sidlaw Hills approximately 1' miles north of Dundee. Halfway between Dundee and Blairgowrie, Newtyle has many of its own amenities.