The complete guide to Angus

Known as the birthplace of Scotland thanks to the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath at Arbroath Abbey in 1320, Angus has a little bit of everything that makes Scotland great. Rolling hills, pure white beaches and championship golf courses are just a taste of what’s on offer. The region even dips its toes into Cairngorms National Park.

This east of Scotland hot spot boasts seven unique towns, some dotted along the stunning coastline and some further inland surrounded by vast, unfathomable lochs. Each of these characterful settlements showcases exciting festivals and events throughout the year, and offers world-class food for when you want a night off from cooking.

Keep scrolling to read more about this fabulous region or tap the button below to begin your Angus holiday cottage search.

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About Angus

The towns of Angus

The beaches of Angus

The golf in Angus

The food and drink of Angus

The walks in Angus

The festivals of Angus

Map of Angus

About Angus

There are many more interesting facts about Angus than you might realise. Of course, get inspired and visit Angus for the magnificent glens (more on those in a moment) and the formidable castles, but first let us whet your appetite with a few truths:

There’s plenty to keep you occupied on a holiday to Angus, whether that’s exploring the green open spaces with your loved one or dog, brushing up on some history at one of the many castles, or taking a dip in a refreshing loch and having a wild swim.

Angus’ glens offer colourful moorland to traverse and sweet heather to smell. Ten of them are considered Munros, presenting opportunities for hiking, bike riding or driving. Stop off at Glen Clova before heading to Glen Doll to catch a glimpse of the Cairngorm Mountains and maybe some eagles.

Step back in time and visit Angus’ plethora of historic houses and castles. There are some truly majestic buildings which you can learn more about on fascinating tours, and the gardens on offer are stunning. Take a trip to Glamis Castle, the House of Dun, and Edzell Castle and Gardens to name just a few.

If you’re looking for something a little more exhilarating, why not try wild swimming in Angus? With plenty of beautiful coastline and numerous lochs to choose from, Angus is an ideal spot to take part in this popular pastime. There are many health benefits for taking a short dip out in the wild and Angus has some enviable settings: Lunan Bay, Montrose Beach, Arbirlot Falls and Loch Brandy are our suggestions.

The towns of Angus

Spend each day of the week in a different town when visiting Angus. Each of the seven destinations has its own unique character and plenty of visitor attractions to keep you occupied during your stay.

Arbroath

The largest town in Angus and the home of the famous 1320 Declaration, Arbroath is a seaside town that was also put on the map thanks to the renowned Arbroath Smokie (haddock smoked over wood fire). If you haven’t haddock enough of fish-related excursions, follow the Arbroath Smokie Trail.

Brechin

The second town on our list isn’t even a town. Owing to its medieval cathedral, Brechin is in fact a city. This cathedral has an 11^th-century round tower; only one other of its kind remains in Scotland.

Carnoustie

At just 200 years old, Carnoustie is the youngest town in Angus. Anyone with plus fours in their closet will love a holiday here as the Open Championship has been hosted here eight times. Lovers of the sea can enjoy superb coastal walks or an excursion on the sandy stretch of beach.

Forfar

Once the seat of Scotland’s King Malcolm Canmore, Forfar is now a magnet for shoppers looking to pick up a bargain at Angus’ Farmers’ Market. Forfar Loch is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts with kayaking, SUP and canoeing on offer. For a touch of history, follow the Forfar Heritage Trail.

Kirriemuir

Known as the gateway to the glens, Kirriemuir is also linked with people who just don’t want to grow up. So, if you’re a child at heart, visit the place where Peter Pan creator, Sir JM Barrie, was born, which was also the childhood home of rocker Bon Scott, the former lead singer from AC/DC, whose bandmate's name was ... wait for it ... Angus!

Monifieth

Found on the north shore of the Firth of Tay, Monifieth is a small coastal town that dates back to the 9^th century. In fact, it was still a small village until the 19^th century when the popularity of the textile industry caused it to expand. The town also has two excellent golf courses, one of which is used during The Open qualifying rounds. Follow the heritage trail to find out more about Monifieth.

Montrose

If you have a retail itch that you have to scratch, then head to Montrose. This coastal town has one of the widest high streets in Scotland featuring a number of great shops. After this, take a walk to Scurdie Ness Lighthouse which has been protecting ships for 150 years. There’s plenty of history at the 18^th-century House of Dun, and at Montrose Playhouse, you can catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

The beaches of Angus

A big part of what draws visitors to Angus is the beaches. This beautiful stretch of coastline flows for miles from Monifieth to Montrose and includes some truly spellbinding bays. Before we sink our feet into the sand, it’s worth noting that if you want to see as many of the beaches as possible and you don’t mind a long walk, seek out the Wild South Esk Trail. This 50-mile route offers the possibility of seeing bottlenose dolphins and rare seabirds to one side, and further inland, you might spot the elusive pine martin and Scottish wildcat.

Starting furthest north, we have Montrose Beach and Lunan Bay. Montrose Beach is a golden sands beach that arrows north past a links course all the way to the North Esk River. It has the feel of a traditional family-friendly beach with a promenade to stroll along and shops and an amusement centre to keep young and old entertained. As previously mentioned, Seafront Splash is great fun on a summer’s day. Lunan Bay is a somewhat wilder affair, offering a secluded haven for those who like their beaches a little more off the beaten track. Sand dunes and rugged low cliffs surround this beach which is overlooked by the crumbling ruins of Red Castle and once hosted the hordes of Viking armies.

Moving south, we come to West Links Beach in Arbroath. Also known as Elliot Beach, this is a nice alternative to Arbroath Harbour as the wide expanse of sand means you can stretch out and enjoy a day by the sea. There are rockpools dotted around and the beach is backed by a grassy area which is perfect for a picnic with sandwiches (minus the sand). If the kids still have the energy, you are also proximal to West Links Fun Park.

If you move 4 miles along the coast towards Carnoustie, you’ll come to a small village named East Haven, which has a pretty little bay that’s well-liked by dog walkers and families. The village is known as one of the oldest recorded fishing communities in Scotland, dating back to 1214, so bring your rod if you want to become a part of the settlement’s history. The beach itself is sandy and is protected by the harbour, making it a safe place for children to play.

Just below the Carnoustie Championship Golf Course, you’ll find Carnoustie Bay, a gorgeous sandy cove that’s popular with windsurfers, kayakers and sailing enthusiasts. There are steps and a slipway to the beach, making it extremely accessible and if the tide is high, you and the children can head over to Sandy Sensation Adventure Play Area where there’s a paddling pool and some play equipment.

The last beach on our list (although there are more – check out Monifieth, Auchmithie and Carlingheugh) is Buddon Ness, a headland east of Broughty Ferry at the mouth of the Tay Estuary. If you fancy a long walk, start on Monifieth Beach and walk along Barry Sands to reach Buddon Ness and its two lighthouses. Said lighthouses are slightly inland and are surrounded by grass; roll out the picnic blanket and get the nibbles out.

The golf in Angus

As you’ve already gathered, Angus has a few golf courses to be proud of and with Scotland being the home of golf, it’d be rude to holiday here and not even have a quick round of nine or 18!

This area is awash with fabulous links courses and also those further inland encroaching on the Angus Glens. With 17 to choose from, including the fifth oldest course in the world (Montrose) and four Open qualifier courses, playing golf in Angus really is par for the course.

Which one will you choose?

The food and drink of Angus

Angus is full to the brim of traditional and well-known food and drink so make sure you try as many local delicacies as you can when staying here. Some you’ll even be able to take home with you so you can relive your Angus excursions from the comfort of your own home wherever that may be.

Where you can find local produce

You can’t visit the Arbroath area without trying an Arbroath Smokie, a food so unique that it’s protected under European law in the same way as Champagne and Parma Ham. This is one of Angus’ biggest and best exports and it has also been modified over the years to accommodate different palates. It can now be found in fishcakes, quiches and risottos. Take a stroll along the Arbroath Smokie Trail to find out the full story of this classic.

Known globally as the benchmark for quality beef, Aberdeen Angus cattle are found in large numbers in every major beef-producing country around the world. Each and every one can trace its origins back to this area of Scotland. Follow the Aberdeen Angus Trail to find out more.

As previously mentioned, the Forfar Bridie is another local treat that shouldn’t be missed. Seeking the same prestigious status as the Smokie, this meat and onion pasty can be found in most bakers in Forfar, most notably Saddlers and McLaren’s.

Angus wouldn’t be a Scottish county without having a whisky distillery, but that’s not all that’s being produced here. Carnoustie Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in the UK, produces a number of vodkas and rums, and the Gin Bothy in the Angus Glens uses local ingredients to create all manner of infused gins. But if it is whisky you’ve come here for, visit Glencadam Distillery which has been making single malts since 1825. And for high-quality ales and craft beers, pay a visit to Redcastle Brewery, MoR Beers and Shed 35.

Where you can eat out

There are hundreds of places to eat out in Angus as well as a few foodie experiences too if you want to learn about where the food comes from.

Head to The Grill 21 for a taste of Turkey and the Mediterranean, as well as crowd pleasers such as pizza, steak and pasta dishes. For some fine dining, you should book into the award-winning Gordon’s Restaurant near Lunan Bay. This family-run restaurant focuses on British cuisine, influenced by classic cooking techniques – it’s an experience not to be missed.

Pavilion Cafe in Montrose gets consistently good reviews on Tripadvisor and is the number one place to eat in the town. This former bowling pavilion has accommodating staff delivering honest food in a beautiful setting. Dogs are welcome outside and there are even treats available for your four-legged friends. A top restaurant in Arbroath, Andreou's Bistro offers up homemade Greek recipes and their very own branded lager. And The WeeCook Kitchen in Carnoustie serves up traditional Scottish fare including award-winning pies and a secret weekend menu.

The walks in Angus

There are lots of walks in Angus to suit most needs, whether you want to learn about the history of a particular town on a heritage trail or you just want to enjoy some countryside and coastal serenity.

Angus’ town trails highlight the historical stories behind each town, and our top choices include:

If you’re more interested in nature and miles of unspoilt landscapes, discover Angus’ network of paths that crisscross over verdant hills and glens and run parallel to the exquisite coastline.

If we had to choose one walk to cater for different levels of ability, we opt for:

Festivals and events in Angus

There’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the calendar year in Angus, with a rich choice of comedy performances, live music, festivals, markets and workshops catering to all tastes.

Glamis Castle, for example, has various events throughout the year including the Summer Festival in July, which celebrates the best local businesses and produce, as well as giving you a chance to explore the wonderful gardens. Later in the year in November, you can visit the castle to browse the Christmas Market or pop back in December to have breakfast with Santa.

Another fantastic event in November is the Angus Bookfest. Held this month to coincide with Book Week Scotland, you can enjoy live talks and storytelling with some of your favourite authors. You might discover local talent that you didn’t know existed or just enter some competitions and try to win a new book.

If you want to be a bit more active during your stay but still want to experience the feel of an Angus festival, check out the Angus Cycling Festival in September. This 2-month programme of events climaxes in a 2-day event in Reid Park, Forfar. There’s live music, food, a cycle skills course and a stunt airbag contest.

If, when you hear the word festival, you think of music and beer, fear not. Brewfest in October is an annual event celebrating local alcohol and food producers. So, you can have the chance to sample some of those local establishments we mentioned earlier.

For all the country bumpkins out there, the Angus Show in June is an agricultural show that becomes a platform for all manner of exciting goings on such as vintage vehicle displays, Highland games, carnival rides, and best-in-show viewings of local cattle, sheep, horses, goats and dogs.

For a full calendar of live shows, visit Angus Alive.

Map of Angus

Self-catering cottages in Angus

Now that we’ve covered most of what there is to do in the area, it’s time for us to help you find a self-catering holiday home in Angus so you can rest your head each night.

With properties ranging from cottages with waterside views and open fires to retreats with enclosed gardens and hot tubs, we’ve got the Angus break just for you. Tap the button below.