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

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:
  1 April to 31 October: Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm (closed Tuesdays)
  1 November to 31 March: Friday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Full disabled access with lift to upper galleries

Just a short distance from the Meffan Museum, the family-run Castle Club is the perfect spot for hearty, homemade cooking.

The lunch menu features a tempting selection of freshly prepared dishes, blending traditional Scottish favourites with international flavours. Enjoy everything from fish dishes, homemade lasagne, and classic steak pie to fresh salads, chicken enchiladas, and vegetable tortillas. With something to suit every taste, Castle Club is a must-visit.

• Location: 100 Castle Street, Forfar, DD8 3HR
• Lunch service: Monday to Saturday – 12 noon to 2pm
• Accessibility: Steps with no disabled access

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.

Just a short walk from Angus Archives, 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

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, locally brewed ales from 71 Brewing of Dundee, locally distilled Ogilvy potato vodka and flavoured gins from The Gin Bothy, Glamis and Black Thistle Distillery from nearby Brechin.

• Location: Foresters Seat, Arbroath Road, Forfar, DD8 2RY
• Opening Times:
  Dinner Service:
  Wednesday to Saturday: 5pm to 9pm
  Sunday: 12 noon to 9pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

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

Conveniently located on the town’s high street, 88 Degrees serves custom-roasted coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches that include salads, soups and quiches.

Visitors recommend 88 Degrees for its quality coffee, tasty food, attentive staff, and friendly atmosphere.

• Location: 17 High Street, Kirriemuir, DD8 4BA
• Opening Times:
  Wednesday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
  Sunday: 10am to 3pm
• Accessibility: Disabled access with accessible toilets

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 engraved slabs 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

Delicious Scottish bar food and fine dining await you in Memus, a small village within the heart of the beautiful Angus countryside, 10 minutes from Kirriemuir. A traditional inn with a special atmosphere, Drovers Inn offers rustic charm and character.

With a passion for food and drink, the Drovers believe in exceptional service and hospitality, sourcing food locally and wherever possible from farms and producers they know and trust. The inn has a great wine list and some fine beers.

• Location: Memus, by Forfar, DD8 3TY
• Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets