Location 1: Hospitalfield House & Gardens

The first stop is Hospitalfield House, a stunning early Arts & Crafts Scottish Baronial country house. It was originally built in 1260 as a hospital to support Arbroath Abbey and later converted to a monastery. The estate eventually became privately owned, and in 1890, it was left in trust to support independent artists and education in the arts.

In 1902, Hospitalfield opened as a residential art school, later becoming a postgraduate school. It was an important home for early Scottish Modern painters, including James Cowie, Robert Colquhoun, Robert MacBryde, and Joan Eardley.

Hospitalfield’s inspiring collections will give you some insight into 19th and 20th century history, from the vision of artist Patrick Allan Fraser to the years of the art college. Visit the Picture Gallery to enjoy one of Scotland’s most significant Victorian rooms.

Be sure to also find some time before or after lunch to explore the Fernery and walled garden.

• Location: Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, DD11 2NH
• Cafe, Fernery and Gardens opening times: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• House tours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 11am
• Entry: £10 per adult for house tour, £6 per adult for Garden & Fernery
• Accessibility: Some areas of the house, including the Music Room on the ground floor, are accessible by wheelchair

Location 2: Lunch at Hospitalfield Garden Cafe

Discover the Garden Café within the magnificent grounds of Hospitalfield House, adjacent to the Fernery. This attractive glasshouse, designed by Caruso St John, sits in a bright and sunny spot that commands a view of the beautiful gardens. Its tables were designed by artist Mick Peter and furniture makers ThreeFourFive who took inspiration from the historical collections at Hospitalfield.

The café menu changes daily and features seasonal produce from the area, homegrown vegetables, and herbs straight from the garden – all freshly prepared. You can also enjoy delicious cakes served with locally roasted coffee from Arbroath’s Sacred Grounds Coffee Company.

After lunch, why not spend some time in the beautiful walled garden, recently redesigned by garden designer Nigel Dunnett. As you walk around the garden, you’ll learn more about the medicinal planting of medieval monastic gardeners and about the form and function of the Victorian approach to horticulture.

• Location: Garden Café, Hospitalfield House, Arbroath, DD11 2NH
• Opening times: Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• Accessibility: The Garden Café is wheelchair accessible via a ramp into the gardens

Location 3: Arbroath Abbey

After lunch, visit Arbroath Abbey to see substantial ruins of a twelfth-century abbey steeped in Scottish history. Founded by William I in 1178, in memory of martyr Thomas Becket, the abbey remained one of the nation’s grandest monasteries for almost 400 years.

The abbey’s newly-refurbished visitor centre is where you can learn more about one of the most famous documents in Scottish history. Scotland’s nobles swore their independence from England in the Declaration of Arbroath to the Pope. The declaration was sent from the abbey in 1320.

An unusual and notable feature of the abbey is a marble effigy thought to depict William I, also known as William the Lion. And the sacristy has one of the longest echoes in the country.

And one of the most interesting parts of the abbey complex is the very complete Abbot’s House. Whereas most of the church was dismantled in the years following the Scottish Reformation (1560), the Abbot’s house was left untouched as it still had a useful role as a centre of administration.

Due to ongoing masonry inspections, there is currently no visitor access to the internal spaces of the abbey as a precautionary measure. The abbey grounds and visitor centre, including the exhibition, shop and toilets, are open.

• Location: Abbey Street, Arbroath, DD11 1EG
• Opening times (booking recommended):

Daily, 10am to 4.30pm (last entry at 4pm)

• See the website for entry prices
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets.

Location 4: Arbroath Signal Tower Museum

The Signal Tower Museum is located near Arbroath’s picturesque harbour. It sits among buildings used originally as the shore station and accommodation for the Bell Rock Lighthouse.

Built in 1813, the Signal Tower served as the lighthouse until it was decommissioned in 1955 and became a museum in 1974. During your visit, you’ll hear some of Arbroath’s fascinating fishing and maritime heritage stories that are told through multimedia displays and historical objects. You can also see how the traditional fishing methods compare to today’s techniques.

You can arrange to join one of the tours of the tower room. These can be pre-booked by emailing arbroathmuseum@angusalive.scot in advance of your visit.

The museum is also a great place to learn about Arbroath’s world-famous Smokie. The origins of the Smokie began in the small fishing village of Auchmithie, just north of Arbroath. The Smokie has protected status under European law, which means that it can only be called an Arbroath Smokie if produced in the traditional manner within a five-mile radius of the town.

The Bell Rock Lighthouse is Britain’s oldest surviving rock lighthouse and still stands today, warning ships away from the jagged Bell Rock, 11 miles offshore. It sits on a long and treacherous reef in the North Sea, guiding the vessels that sail to and from the Firths of Tay and Forth. It was considered a significant engineering feat in the early 19th century. Learn more about its history at the Signal Tower Museum.

• Location: Ladyloan, Arbroath, DD11 1PU
• Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 4pm (closed Tuesday)
• Entry: Free
• Accessibility: Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility with some accessible parking available

Location 5: Dinner at But ‘n’ Ben, Auchmithie

The origins of the smokie began in the fishing village of Auchmithie, just north of Arbroath, where fishwives smoked fish on sticks in whisky barrels. In the late 19th century, the fisher people settled in Arbroath with the lure of better housing.

Arrive in Auchmithie to try an Arbroath Smokie in scenic surroundings at the But n Ben restaurant. Among the many traditional Scottish dishes on the menu, you’ll also find cream of Arbroath Smokie soup and the famous But ‘N’ Ben smokie pancake.

Before leaving Auchmithie, take some time to explore the attractive pebble beach and fascinating rock architecture that includes dramatic caves and 120ft red sandstone cliffs on which the village stands.

• Location: Auchmithie, Arbroath, DD11 5SQ
• Opening times:
  • Monday: 12 noon to 2pm
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday to Saturday: Lunch 12 noon to 2pm & Dinner 6pm to 9.30pm
  • Sunday: Lunch 12 noon to 2pm & High Tea from 4pm
• Accessibility: The But n Ben restaurant is wheelchair accessible

Location 1: House of Dun

Day 2 starts with a journey back to the 18th-century to visit an elegant country house set amid glorious gardens and woodland. Designed with Georgian pride and baroque extravagance by renowned architect William Adam, House of Dun in Montrose is every bit a laird’s home.

Words cannot accurately describe the impressive level of precision and fine detail throughout this stunning building. Admire the detailed plasterwork by Joseph Enzer in the saloon and the hand-stitched woolwork and embroideries by Lady Augusta FitzClarence.

In the kitchen, you’ll find a traditional clockwork roasting spit, a labour-saving device that was once at the forefront of technology. The house is filled with treasures like this that tell the stories of the people who once lived here.

Costumed guides will lead you through this elegant Georgian country house – a highly entertaining and enjoyable way to learn about the history of the House of Dun.

And outside in the courtyard, you’ll discover an interactive visitor experience called the Angus Folk Collection. The collection contains over 4,500 pieces that together tell the story of Angus life, including a harpoon gun, a mother of pearl clock, a penny-farthing bicycle, and even a hearse.

There are acres of lush woodland surrounding the beautiful formal gardens that include a recreated Victorian walled garden. Look out for red squirrels as you enjoy a woodland walk. There is a fun woodland play area for children as well.

House of Dun lies close to the edge of Montrose Basin Nature Reserve. Enjoy stunning views of the basin from the estate.

• Location: House of Dun, Montrose, DD10 9LQ
• Opening times: See the website for opening and tour times
• Entry: See the website for entry prices
• Accessibility: The basement of the house, excluding the kitchen, is accessible. The ground floor is reached via a stairlift. The first floor is not wheelchair accessible. The gardens are suitable for wheelchairs.

Location 2: Lunch at Erskine’s Cafe, House of Dun

Erskine’s Café is based in the courtyard at House of Dun and offers a peaceful place for an indoor or outdoor lunch. Inside, you are surrounded by a fascinating display of historical agricultural tools, posters, and pictures.

Serving delicious, freshly-prepared hot and cold food, as well as a range of baked treats and light refreshments, this is the perfect spot for lunch. Erskine’s offers homemade soup, generously-filled sandwiches, ciabattas, and tempting homemade cakes and bakes.

This café is known for its generous portions, tasty sandwiches, quality coffee, and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

• Location: House of Dun, Montrose, DD10 9LQ
• Opening times: See the website for opening times
• Accessibility: Partial wheelchair access with accessible parking and toilets

Location 3: Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre

Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre sits on the site of Britain’s first operational military airfield that was established by the Royal Flying Corps in 1913.

The centre’s unique collection of contemporary photographs, artefacts, memorabilia, and planes will take you on a journey back in time and also demonstrate the human side of the Air Station’s past. During your visit, you’ll hear some unforgettable stories of their lives and of the people who lived in the area.

The centre offers some unique and memorable experiences. Step inside a 1940’s house and a full-size Anderson shelter. Marvel at the full-size replica of the B.E.2a aircraft flown by No.2 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps – the first squadron to land in France at the start of World War One. You can also see full-size replicas of a Sopwith Camel and an MkVb Spitfire. The Hawker Hunter, Meteor, and Vampire jets will impress too.

The centre ​​is an independent and fully accredited museum run entirely by volunteers whose work will ensure future generations will remember the service of the men and women who served at Montrose Air Station. They recently received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award for volunteer groups in the UK.

• Location: Waldron Road, Montrose, DD10 9BD
• Opening times:

Monday to Thursday: Closed
Friday & Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 12pm to 4pm
Last entry at 3pm

• Entry (booking required):

Adults £8
Concessions £7
Children under 16 go free

• Accessibility: Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Accessible toilets.

Location 4: Scurdie Ness Lighthouse

Scurdie Ness is a headland on the south side of the River South Esk, sitting proudly at the southern end of Montrose Bay. The word Scurdie is a local word for the volcanic rock found there, and Ness means headland. Locals and visitors spend hours searching this rocky shoreline for its famous semi-precious agates originating from the volcanic outcrops above.

Scurdie Ness Lighthouse was built by David Stevenson and Thomas Stevenson and was lit for the first time on Tuesday, 1 March 1870.

The road to the lighthouse is a fantastic walk that offers elevated views over the estuary. Sightings of seals and bottlenose dolphins are not unusual here. Whales are sometimes seen in the area too; you may even be fortunate enough to enjoy a rare sighting of a humpback whale.

You can follow the route beyond the lighthouse towards Usan, Boddin Point and finally Lunan Bay on foot and by bike. A fantastic way to explore the Angus coastline for a few hours before dinner.

• Location: Beacon Terrace, Ferryden, Montrose DD10
• Accessibility: Some uneven terrain

Location 5: Dinner at George Hotel

Enjoy dinner after a busy day at The George Hotel in Montrose. Located close to the town centre, The George Hotel is a family-run hotel that has built a reputation over the last 25 years for offering generous portions of excellent food at reasonable prices.

The George Hotel’s restaurant and lounge bar serves a large selection of freshly-prepared dishes to suit all tastes and appetites using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. Dinner options include tasty fish dishes like the grilled Scottish salmon, rice and pasta dishes, chicken dishes, burgers, and vegetarian options like the homemade vegetable lasagne and Quorn salt and vinegar fishless fillet.

They offer a range of drinks to accompany your meal, including soft drinks, beers including a cask ale, and a fine selection of local whiskies and gin.

• Location: 22 George Street, Montrose, DD10 8EW
• Dinner service:
  • Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 8.30pm
  • Friday to Sunday: 12 noon to 8.30pm
• Accessibility: The restaurant is on the second floor and is not wheelchair accessible

Location 1: Barry Mill

Located just outside Carnoustie in the Angus countryside, this picturesque working mill offers a rare glimpse into the life of a miller, a tough job involving sacking up, hoisting and grinding the grains.

Barry Mill is one of only a handful of mills still powered by water. Rebuilt after a fire around 1814, it is probably the largest and finest example of its type still in operation.

Peaceful Barry Mill was once the beating heart of a rural community. It supplied food, provided a place for trade and gossip, and witnessed the transition from a rural to an industrial society. The water-powered mill produced oatmeal and other foods, as well as providing work for local people, for almost 800 years – right up until 1982.

Visit to see first-hand the ingenuity of engineering that kept the mill in business. Watch the wheel turning, the water splashing, and the machinery moving. Then take a relaxing stroll alongside Barry Burn to enjoy the wildflowers and breathe in the natural beauty of the mill’s charming countryside setting.

• Location: Mill Road, Barry, Carnoustie, DD7 7RJ
• Opening times: See the website for opening times
• Entry: See the website for entry fees
• Accessibility: Accessible parking and accessible toilets. Some uneven terrain and steps.

Location 2: Lunch at Gather Cafe

Enjoy a special lunch made with fantastic fresh produce and quality ingredients at Carnoustie’s Gather Café. Choose from their all-day brunch options, a warming bowl of soup, a hot or cold frittata, freshly-baked handmade sourdough sandwiches, or one of the many other delicious options.

Their daily specials change depending on seasonality and availability. They offer an excellent selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food and cakes.

They serve up speciality coffee from Arbroath-based Sacred Grounds. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the café offers a selection of freshly baked treats.

Grab some local produce on the way out from their deli that stocks a fantastic selection of locally-sourced drinks, wholefoods, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Location: 25-27 Dundee Street, Carnoustie, DD7 7PB
• Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 3pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets

Location 3: Barry Buddon

Barry Buddon dates back to around 1850 when the area was used by the Forfarshire Rifle Volunteers, the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, the Panmure Battery of the Forfarshire Artillery Brigade, and a Royal Naval Reserve Battery. In 1897 the Earl of Dalhousie sold the site to the War Office for use as a military training area.

In addition to its primary role of controlling training and safety on the training area, Headquarters Barry Buddon Training Centre is heavily involved in all aspects of conservation found on this historic and unique site. Most of the training area is classified a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an EU Special Area of Conservation (SAC), as well as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds under the European Birds Directive.

The Ranges and Danger Areas are closed to the public during periods of live firing. Details of the monthly Live Firing Schedules are published each month in advance on the Carnoustie Community Development Trust Website and on its Facebook page.

• Location: Barry Buddon, Carnoustie, DD7 7RY

Location 4: East Haven

East Haven is the perfect place for a walk by the sea and is easily reached on foot, by bike, or with a short drive from Carnoustie. Located around one and a half miles to the east of Carnoustie, East Haven is one of the oldest fishing communities in Scotland, dating back to 1214, and a beautiful place to visit. It was awarded a Britain in Bloom Gold Award and Best Coastal Village 2018.

The village was gifted by the Barony of Panmure to the monks of Coupar Angus Abbey with an acre of land to build a homestead. They were also given rights to charge a toll on fishing. Today, only a few boats fish out of East Haven. However, signs of its fishing heritage can be seen all around the village.

In the 1930s, young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, were often brought down from Glamis to play on East Haven’s unspoiled rural beach. The village has been known by many names over the centuries and was a thriving community in the mid-1900s with a brewery, bakehouse and other occupations supporting fishing and farm work.

As you drive into East Haven, you’ll see The Sisters boat just before you pass under the railway bridge towards the car park and beach. It was restored and put on display as part of the village’s 800th-anniversary celebrations by the local community. They have also transformed the village’s public toilets into a unique public gallery.

• ​​Location: East Haven, DD7 6LT
• Entry: Free
• Opening times: Open at all times
• Accessibility: Some uneven terrain

Location 5: Dinner at Carnoustie Hotel

The perfect place for dinner at the end of Day 3, Carnoustie Golf Hotel offers locally sourced, freshly prepared dishes with spectacular views over the 1st and 18th holes of the Championship Course.

The hotel’s newly refurbished Calders Bistro offers something for everyone, from traditional options like salmon fillet and peppered rump of lamb to international dishes like the three-cheese risotto and Americano burger. The menu includes several sumptuous desserts and an impressive array of cheese board options.

Carnoustie Golf Hotel once boasted the largest Rolex clock in the world at 2.6m in diameter. Today, it’s known for its great food, amazing views over the Championship Golf Course and the coastline.

• ​​Location: Links Parade, Carnoustie, DD7 7JE
• Opening times: 12 noon to 9.30pm
• Accessibility: Wheelchair access with accessible parking and toilets