Angus has it all, from the breathtaking scenery of the rolling hills and glens, to sandy white beaches along the stunning coastline in the east of Scotland.
Whether seeking adventure outdoors, heritage and culture, unique cuisine, or simply tranquility and relaxation, Angus is the perfect place to escape from the everyday, all year round.
Here are just some of the reasons you should Visit Angus in 2024.
Image: Shepherds Hut at Forbes of Kingennie
1. Enjoy a warm welcome in Angus from our huge range of accommodation providers, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxurious lodges and cosy B&Bs to quirky glamping and comfortable hotels, your perfect sleep awaits in Angus, all nestled amidst its wild beauty.
2. Get on your bike and explore Angus on two wheels. Follow the road, gravel and mountain biking trails around Angus, taking in the breathtaking views and scenery which stretch for miles. The trails cover all parts of Angus, ranging from sedate routes for beginners to challenging routes for more those with more experience.
3. See some amazing wildlife at the incredible 750 hectare Montrose Basin, an enclosed estuary of the River South Esk, home to over 100,000 migratory birds. 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.
4. Discover unique farm experiences here in Angus. Get hands on at the award-winning Newton Farm Holidays, with interactive experiences including the Feeding Frenzy, Highland Cow experiences and alpaca walking. Enjoy a Farm Safari or Highland Pony Stud Visit at the nature-friendly farm on Kinclune Estate, marvel at the beautiful nature reserve at Murton Farm, or take a stroll along the nature trail at Peel Farm.
Image: Glen Doll
5. Fans of the great outdoors can don their walking boots and explore the stunning Angus Glens. Enjoy miles of twisting routes, perfect for walking and hiking, admiring the stunning views along the way. Or, if you’d prefer, you can opt to travel in style on a unique Trike Tour experience with Rewaco Trikes.
6. Discover stunning country parks, bursting with things to see and do. Forfar Loch, Monikie and Crombie offer fantastic walking and wildlife spotting opportunities, with a range of water sports available at Monikie. Or why not pay a visit to the 70-acre Brechin Castle Country Park, which boats a fairy trail through the woodland alongside a range of fun family activities.
7. 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. See amazing historic lighthouses, including the Bell Rock Lighthouse off the coast of Arbroath, and Scurdie Ness Lighthouse at Montrose.
8. Take a breathtaking tour of the incredible cave network with Arbroath Cliff Tours, on foot or by kayak. Explore sea caves and find secret underground beaches, ancient stalactites and caverns full of sea life, all whilst learning about the history of the cliffs and caves.
Image: Glamis Castle
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. 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 the famous Carnoustie Championship, host of The Open and Senior Open on several occasions.
11. 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.
12. 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 took 13 years to complete. The stunning courtyard is home to the Angus Folk Collection, and the house is surrounded by magnificent gardens and woodland.
Image: Arbroath Abbey
13. 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.
14. Explore the extensive ruins of Arbroath Abbey, founded in 1178 by King William the Lion who was buried here. The fascinating visitor centre features 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.
15. Visit Davidson Legacy 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 and is a step back in time to a period of no running water, no inside toilet or fully fitted kitchen. Visitors are welcome to view the cottage and enjoy a guided tour.
16. 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.
Image: Camera Obscura, Kirriemuir Hill
17. Gifted to the town by Sir JM Barrie, Camera Obscura on Kirriemuir Hill is one of only three in Scotland, providing a fascinating glimpse of historic technology. Don’t miss a visit here to see the camera in action and marvel at the incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.
18. Discover the birthplace of Sir JM Barrie, famous author of Peter Pan, in the town of Kirriemuir where Barrie spent his childhood years. The washhouse in the yard was Barrie’s first theatre and may even have inspired the Wendy house. You can also see a statue of Peter Pan in the town centre and visit the Neverland play park on Kirriemuir Hill.
19. 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.
20. 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.
Image: Pictish Stone at Aberlemno
21. 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.
22. Experience our fantastic food and drink, including the world-famous Arbroath Smokie and the iconic Forfar Bridie. Enjoy a meal at a local café or restaurant, 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.
23. Enjoy a fascinating and enjoyable distillery experience at Angus Alchemy, 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.
24. 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.
Image: Angus Alchemy
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.
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.
