We start the day with a visit to  J M Barrie’s Birthplace in Kirriemuir. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, they can explore the birthplace and childhood home of Peter Pan creator and see how his early life inspired his work. The exhibition is complete with original theatrical costumes and manuscripts and learn about Barrie’s life and his enduring connection with Kirriemuir.

From here the route takes visitors to the very heart of Angus and to Glamis Castle which has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorn since 1371. Since the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary Queen of Scots to James V.

Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here and was also frequent visitor during her childhood, alongside her older sister.

The majestic gardens of Glamis are a sensory experience to visitors throughout the seasons. Guests can follow the high drama of the Macbeth Trail with its atmospheric wood sculptures to the vastness of the Douglas firs in the Pinetum. The Gardens are full of stories, sights and scents.

There is the option for lunch at Glamis Castle Restaurant.

Just minutes from the castle you will find The Bothy Experience, home of the award-winning Gin Bothy, nestled in the historic village of Glamis in Angus.

To some, a bothy is a refuge on the hills… an old stone building offering shelter when the clouds roll in or darkness looms. A place where travellers converge as kindred spirits, and hip flasks are passed around. A place of stories. To others, in Scotland’s eastern lowlands, it’s a traditional home for farm workers. A source of comfort and warmth in days gone by, after a day of toil. A place for rest and reflection.

Kim Cameron, the founder, explains that at the beginning it was about making the most of what the land had to offer. A surplus fresh berry juice from her jam-making operation was not going to waste. She experimented, infusing gin with the fruit juice. The Gin Bothy was born.

The Experience, like a bothy, is free to explore – the Bothy Beginnings room takes guests through the Gin Bothy journey while our Bothy Tales room tells the story of Scottish Bothies. Tastings for groups can be booked on request basis.

Staying with the rural theme, clients will head to Newton Farm for a Highland Cow and Alpaca Experience. Newton Farm is an award-winning farm with a difference. In the peaceful, idyllic setting of Angus, lies the traditional, working, family run farm, winners of the “BEST OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE” at VisitScotlands’ Regional Thistle Awards 2018-19. The farm provides a number of different tours including a hands-on experience to meet and feed the alpacas and highland cows. Guests can groom and feed the highland cows and meet young Thistle born in 2020, followed by a mini alpaca walk.

An exhilarating end to the day with insights into both, the royal and rural lifestyles in Scotland.

Clients return back to their accommodation after the day exploring beyond the usual tourist routes.