Castle Hill, a historic Pictish fort with stunning views, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts seeking hidden treasures in Forfar.

Located on Canmore Street, off Castle Street, the entrance gate is locked, but you can borrow a key from Mr. Ali’s newsagent or Chapter and Verse restaurant nearby. Unlock the gate and embark on an exciting exploration of this local gem.

At the top of a charming, cobbled lane, you’ll stand on the site where King Malcolm Canmore built Forfar Castle in the 11th century. The castle, later destroyed by King Robert Bruce in 1313 to prevent its capture by the English, is steeped in Scottish history and intrigue.

• Location: Access from Canmore Street, Forfar, DD8 3HT
• Opening Times: Open daily
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: No wheelchair access due to steps. Prams and buggies could be carried to the top.

Continue the morning at the Meffan Museum and Art Gallery on West High Street, where you will learn more about the town, including the history of the Forfar bridie and the story of the Forfar witches. You can also discover the mysterious Picts, thanks to the museum’s collection of enigmatic sculptured stones.

Enjoy a stroll down the museum’s recreation of an old, narrow cobbled street called The Vennel. Peer inside several traditional shops, including Peter Reid’s sweet shop, a clock maker’s workshop, a baker’s shop with bread and bridies on display, and a shoemaker’s where you can watch shoes being made and mended.

• Location: 20 West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BB
• Opening Times:
  April to October: Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays), 10.30am to 4pm
  November to March: Friday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Full disabled access with lift to upper galleries

Set in the picturesque Angus countryside just outside Forfar, Sinclair’s Kitchen offers modern Scottish dining at its best. Enjoy a la carte dining in the elegant restaurant and hearty meals in the cosy bar.

The restaurant showcases some fantastic local produce, including wild game from the glens, Angus beef, locally sourced fruit and vegetables, and some homegrown produce too. The chefs create flavourful dishes showcasing the best ingredients Angus has to offer.

There is a carefully curated wine list as well as locally brewed ales and locally distilled vodka and gin.

• Location: Foresters Seat, Arbroath Road, Forfar, DD8 2RY
• Opening Times:
  Lunch Service:
  Wednesday to Saturday: 12 noon to 3pm
  Sunday: 12 noon to 9pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

Just a short distance from Sinclair’s Kitchen, you’ll find Restenneth Priory, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, once favoured by royalty and steeped in Scottish heritage.

In the 1100s, Alexander I transferred the annals of Iona to this ancient church, cementing its importance. Later, in the 1300s, Robert the Bruce chose Restenneth Priory as the burial place for his young son, Prince John.

Much of the structure visible today dates back to the 1200s, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past. Restenneth Priory stands as a testament to centuries of history and royal reverence.

• Location: Brechin Road, Forfar, DD8 2SY
• Opening Times:
• April to September: Open between 9.30am and 5pm
• October to March: Open between 10am and 4pm
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Strong footwear recommended

Balmashanner War Memorial on Balmashanner Hill, locally known as “Bummie”, was built around 1920. A plaque above the entrance reads ‘Their name liveth for evermore. Erected in Memory of the men of Forfar and District who fell in the Great War 1914-18’.

The building was dedicated by Queen Mary on the 11th September, 1921 and comprises a square tower, with battlements and turret, built from local sandstone. It is a listed building, designed by T R Soutar, architect and constructed by Alexander Adamson and David Stewart.

On a clear day there are excellent views over Forfar, surrounding farmland, and the Valley of Strathmore to the Braes of Angus beyond.

• Location: Balmashanner Hill, Forfar, DD8 2LE
• Accessibility: Accessible on foot only, with some steep hills and uneven terrain

“The Turkish” as it is known locally was opened in 1984 by Haluk Atagan from Adana in southern Turkey.

Located in the heart of Forfar, Sultan Turkish Restaurant has a warm, intimate atmosphere and friendly staff with food freshly cooked in front of you.

They are one of few restaurants to make their own doner kebab!

• Location: Castle Street, Forfar DD8 3HN
• Opening Times: Wednesday to Saturday: 5pm to 9pm
• Accessibility: Level access entry

Take a scenic walk through picturesque Glen Prosen woodland to reach Airlie Monument on top of Tulloch Hill. The walk starts at a car park near the small village of Dykehead.

The Airlie Monument is a memorial to the ninth Earl of Airlie, Lord Lieutenant-Colonel David William Stanley Ogilvy, killed in the Boer War.

Once you have reached the top, you will enjoy a stunning 360-degree view, looking across to Glen Clova, Glen Prosen and south towards Kirriemuir and Forfar.

• Location: Tulloch Hill, Kirriemuir, DD8 4NF
• Accessibility: The path is suitable for all abilities but can be steep at times

The Garden Café at Pathhead Farm offers breakfast, lunches, teas, coffees and home baking, as well as a farm shop. They proudly grow their own produce to accompany their breakfast and lunch menu.

Surrounded by a working equestrian centre, there is always something going on and things to see whilst visiting.

• Location: Pathhead Equestrian Centre, Forfar Road, Kirriemuir, DD8 5BY
• Opening times: Food served daily from 10am to 3.30pm
• Accessibility: Accessible toilet

A short walk from 88 Degrees is a narrow passageway called Cumberland Close. Head up the close and you will see a number of engraved stones inset into the pavement.

The people the stones are dedicated to are J M Barrie, Bon Scott rock, Sir Hugh Munro, Sir Charles Lyell, the Cameron family, and the recipients of the Victoria Cross following World War 2.

These commemorations were all engraved by Bruce Walker, eminent local artist and stone sculptor.

• Location: Cumberland Close, Kirriemuir, DD8 4EF

Sir James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered as the author of Peter Pan.

Raised in the town of Kirriemuir, a statue of Peter Pan stands in Kirriemuir town centre to commemorate Barrie.

• Location: High Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BB

On Bellies Brae, Bon Scott proudly watches over all who enter Kirriemuir, with a microphone in one hand and bagpipes in the other.

Scott was the lead singer of hard rock band AC/DC, whose 1979 album Highway to Hell reached the top twenty in the United States. Scott was raised in Kirriemuir before moving to Australia with his family in 1952 at the age of six.

• Location: Bellies Brae, Kirriemuir, DD8 4EB

The Airlie Arms Hotel is a traditional, family-run hotel in the heart of Kirriemuir that offers a relaxed and convenient place for dinner.

Enjoy a range of freshly prepared food from the bar menu, including delicious starters like haggis bites, loaded nachos or salt and pepper squid, and main courses like Arbroath haddock, scampi, homemade steak pie, burgers and fresh salads.

Location: 4 St Malcolm’s Wynd, Kirriemuir, DD8 4HB
Opening times: Food served daily from 10am to 8.30pm
Accessibility: Level access entry