In April 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was sent from Arbroath Abbey. The abbey had been founded by William I in 1178. These two dates mark a specific place in the history of Angus. Elsewhere, buildings, museums and landscapes reveal the region in different ways – from Georgian country houses to hillforts and paths along gorges.
Heritage in Buildings and Stories
Arbroath Abbey brings together two defining moments in history: the abbey’s foundation in the 12th century and the sending of the Declaration in 1320. Another historical landmark can be found in Carnoustie, where golf has been played since at least 1560. These places represent different facets of Angus’s history, from a medieval abbey to a long-established sporting tradition.
House of Dun is a Georgian country house. Costumed tours explore its history, and the Angus Folk Collection is housed in the courtyard buildings. The estate’s network of paths includes Lady Augusta’s Walk through the Den of Dun gorge. Here, the history of the house, a collection and a named walking route come together. J M Barrie’s Birthplace offers a different perspective: the building is a traditional weaver’s cottage.
At Edzell Castle and Gardens, take a closer look at the details of the walled garden. It is surrounded by an ornate architectural screen dating from the early 17th century, and a summerhouse stands within the garden walls. The Pleasance walls feature 21 carvings depicting planetary deities, the Liberal Arts and the Cardinal Virtues. The motifs make the garden’s design a subject in its own right.
The Brown and White Caterthuns are also well worth comparing. These two large hillforts stand on neighbouring hills and offer views across Strathmore. Brown Caterthun is fortified by four banks and ditches. White Caterthun is defined by a massive stone rampart, a ditch and outer banks. At Glamis, meanwhile, the castle is linked to a long family history: it has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne for more than 650 years. Glamis Castle offers guided tours; check current availability before your visit.
Paths Between Coast, Gorge and Highlands
The coastal path from Arbroath to Auchmithie follows dramatic sea cliffs and is for walkers only. Check local access advice before setting out. Inland, the Corrie Fee Trail leads to the edge of Glen Doll forest. Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve is an internationally important upland area at the head of Glen Clova; conditions in the mountains can change quickly.
At the Rocks of Solitude, the main path runs above the river gorge. Visitors can watch salmon leap upstream there during the season. The nature experience also depends on where you turn your attention: to the path winding above the gorge or to the wildlife that can sometimes be seen. Other paths on the House of Dun estate include Lady Augusta’s Walk through the Den of Dun.
At Monikie Country Park, you can follow self-guided trails and watch a wide variety of wetland birds at Denfind Bird Sanctuary throughout the year. Watersports equipment can be hired there in summer; check seasonal availability before your trip. This brings a year-round opportunity for wildlife watching together with an explicitly seasonal leisure activity.
Museums, Hands-on Experiences and Local Specialities
Montrose Air Station Museum is located on the site of Britain’s first operational military airfield, established by the Royal Flying Corps in February 1913. Its exhibits include a full-scale replica of a B.E.2a aircraft and a replica of a Sopwith Camel F.1. Visitors can also try on uniforms and touch many of the exhibits. As exhibitions can change, it is a good idea to check which exhibits and hands-on activities are currently available before your visit.
Glenesk Folk Museum was originally founded in 1955 by local teacher Greta Michie. Visitors can explore its galleries, gardens and a short woodland path; check visitor information before travelling. The Museum Trail for Children is designed for families and explores the history and stories of Angus’s towns and villages.
Food and drink offer discoveries of their own. The Arbroath Smokie Trail includes five key stops between Arbroath and Auchmithie. Arbroath Smokie has Protected Geographical Indication status and must traditionally be made within a five-mile radius of Arbroath. In Glamis, The Bothy Experience hosts guided gin tastings; bookings and availability can change, so check ahead.
Discover more destinations: Montrose, Kirkton Of Glenisla, Carnoustie, Bridgend Of Lintrathen, Brechin, Dykehead, Arbroath, Edzell, Kirriemuir, Kinnaird, Tarfside, Tealing, Blairgowrie, Menmuir, Monifieth, Monikie, Glamis, Inverkeilor, Westmuir, Tannadice.
For the wider travel overview: Scotland.
