Angus has it all, from rolling hills and glens with some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see to sandy white beaches along the stunning coastline. There are lots of exciting things to see and do here, from visiting castles and historic houses to enjoying a farm experience or a tour of the cliffs.
With so much to see and do, a huge variety of welcoming accommodation, events and festivals throughout the year and delicious local food and drink to enjoy, there’s something for everyone in Angus, making it the perfect holiday destination. It’s easy to get here too, with excellent road, rail and air links.
Design your own Angus adventure with The Angus Tour. Browse the suggested itineraries based around the outdoors, heritage and food and drink, or pick and mix your favourite locations to create your own.
Here are just some of the reasons you should Visit Angus in 2023.
Image: Rewaco Trike Tours
1. Travel through the hills and glens in the open air, enjoying the spectacular views, on a unique Trike Tour experience with Rewaco Trikes. Tours can be customised based on how long you have available and where you’d like to go.
2. Play a variety of stunning inland and challenging links golf courses in Angus, including Montrose 1562, the 5th oldest golf course in the world, Forfar, a stunning heathland course, designed by Old Tom Morris in 1871, and of course the famous Carnoustie Championship, host of The Open on several occasions.
3. Fans of the great outdoor can don their walking boots and explore the stunning Angus Glens. Enjoy miles of twisting routes, perfect for walking and hiking, admire the stunning views and watch out for wildlife along the way.
4. Admire the picturesque seascapes whilst exploring the sandy beaches on the Angus coast, from the golden sands of Montrose Beach in north Angus to the undulating dunes at Lunan Bay.
5. Take a kayak tour of the incredible cave network with Arbroath Cliff Tours. Explore sea caves and find secret underground beaches, ancient stalactites and caverns full of sealife, all whilst learning about the history of the cliffs and caves.
Image: Monikie Country Park
6. Discover three country parks, bursting with things to see and do – Forfar Loch, Monikie and Crombie. There are some fantastic walking and wildlife spotting opportunities as well as a range of water sports at Monikie.
7. Experience life as a farmer on an award-winning farm tour with Newton Farm Holidays. Get up close to the friendly animals, including cows, sheep, goats and alpacas, hear about the life of farming families and meet Timmy the vintage tractor.
8. See some amazing wildlife at Montrose Basin, home to thousands of birds and mammals. There are some great walks on offer around the reserve, or pop into the visitor centre where you can use the viewing equipment provided for a closer look at the wildlife who have made the basin their home.
9. Take a journey of discovery featuring more than 40 wildlife species from the Cairngorms National Park to Montrose Basin and the North Sea, travelling through mountains, glens, woodland, riverside walks, farmland and estuaries with the Wild South Esk Trail.
10. Pay a visit to the fascinating Visitor Centre at Arbroath Abbey to see an exhibition of historical artefacts and audio-visual displays telling the story of the Declaration of Arbroath which was signed at the abbey in 1320.
Image: Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre
11. Explore Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, situated on the site of the first operational military air station in the UK, where you can see an outstanding collection of memorabilia and aircraft telling the story of the airfield’s history and the men and women who served there.
12. Discover the birthplace of Sir JM Barrie, famous author of Peter Pan, in the town of Kirriemuir where Barrie spent his childhood. You can also see a statue of Peter Pan in the town centre and visit the Neverland play park on Kirriemuir Hill.
13. Step back in time on a guided tour of House of Dun, led by costumed characters. This stunning Georgian mansion house was designed by renowned architect William Adam and the stunning courtyard is home to the Angus Folk Collection.
14. Visit Glamis Castle, legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and childhood home of the Queen Mother. Follow in the footsteps of famous visitors such as Mary Queen of Scots on a tour of the castle, and don’t miss taking a walk around the spectacular castle gardens.
15. Hop aboard a steam or diesel train at Caledonian Railway. This award-winning heritage railway operates trains through the beautiful countryside between the town of Brechin and the Bridge of Dun and special events take place throughout the year.
Image: Barry Mill
16. Discover our industrial heritage with a visit to Barry Mill, the largest water powered mill still in operation. Watch the wheel turning and the machinery moving and get a glimpse into the tough working day of the miller. You can also enjoy beautiful walks alongside the burn.
17. Visit Hospitalfield, a stunning early Arts & Crafts Scottish Baronial country house in Arbroath. The house has a distinctive double Walled Garden as well as the only surviving Fernery on the east coast of Scotland. Pop into the Garden Café during your visit to enjoy a bite to eat.
18. Gifted to the town by Sir JM Barrie, Camera Obscura on Kirriemuir Hill is one of only three in Scotland. Don’t miss a visit here to see the camera in action and marvel at the incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
19. Be entertained with a packed programme of events at the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath. There’s something for everyone, with everything from comedy and dance to tribute acts and musicals. Or if you’re a film buff, why not visit the fantastic Montrose Playhouse, a three-screen cinema showing all the latest blockbusters.
20. Discover our Pictish heritage and see some of the magnificent Pictish stones which remain here in Angus in Aberlemno village, at The Pictish Room, also in Aberlemno, at Meffan Museum in Forfar or at St Vigeans Sculptured Museum in Arbroath.
Image: Davidson Cottage
21. Visit Davidson Cottage – the restored home of William C Davidson, father of the founding sons of Harley Davidson. The cottage is restored to how it would have been in 1857. Enjoy a tour of the cottage or book an overnight stay or short break.
22. Enjoy a distillery experience at Arbikie, Ogilvy, Toll House Spirits or The Bothy Experience to find out more about the process of making fantastic spirits here in Angus and take the opportunity to sample some of the products on offer.
23. Experience our fantastic food and drink, including the world-famous Arbroath Smokie and the iconic Forfar Bridie. Pick up some outstanding local produce at the monthly Farmers’ Markets which take place throughout Angus or visit our local retailers and farm shops. Follow the Arbroath Smokie Trail to find out more about its history at five key destinations.
For more great ideas, check out our fantastic blogs and itineraries to give you inspiration for your visit to Angus.
While you’re here, download the free Visit Angus app to help plan your trip, with 80 different locations featured across 8 different trails and 40 geo-fenced interactive experiences including games and augmented reality.
We hope to welcome you to Angus very soon.
