What to do
At Glamis Castle, there’s so much to see and do. Whether it’s taking a self-guided tour to marvel at our history, admire our stunning gardens and nature walks or to visit our Castle Restaurant or Pavilion Gift Shop, Glamis Castle is a place filled with intrigue for visitors, both new and those who return time and time again.
Exploring Angus
Beyond our castle and gardens, Angus has much to offer visitors with a vast range of experiences to cater for all tastes, from breath-taking scenery in the hills and glens to the unique towns lining the coast with its sandy beaches.
It’s time to begin an adventure. Here’s some recommendations on where you can find an unforgettable experience.
Our local community
At the gates of Glamis Castle is our village which is a wonderful hamlet where visitors are always offered a warm welcome. The Corner Shop and Post Office is ideal for picking up any essentials. There’s also a café, locally named The Blue Pigeon Café, open from Tuesday through to Sunday. When walking further through the village another hidden gem is Glamis Gallery, an exciting art space filled with Angus and Scottish art and crafts including cards, textiles, sculptures, paintings and everything in between.
Experience a taste of Scotland
Just outside the gates of Glamis Castle is the award-winning Gin Bothy. Offering a taste of Scotland, the Gin Bothy celebrates natural botanicals that the land in Angus has to offer by infusing beautiful gins. Their Bothy Experience is a great way for visitors to experience a gin tasting and be taken on a Bothy journey into the past.
A toast to 650 years
This year in celebration of our 650th anniversary, we have partnered with the Gin Bothy to create our very own Glamis Gin. This classic London Dry gin uses botanicals from the castle estate including rosemary, chestnut, cicely and verbena. Find out more about our gin here.
The Gin Bothy is open Thursday – Sunday 11.00am-5.00pm every week and Bank Holiday Mondays.
We are so excited to have been able to collaborate with Glamis Castle to create this very special gin. All the botanicals have been sourced from the Estate and the purest of Scottish water was sourced from the Strathmore Valley, making the 650th anniversary gin one that embodies the spirit of Glamis.
From potato to vodka
Less than two miles from Glamis Castle is Scotland’s first potato vodka producer, Ogilvy Vodka. A classic story of diversification, the family at Hatton of Ogilvy Farm are beef, cereal and, of course, potato farmers. They have used their affinity with the land to create Ogilvy premium potato vodka. At the farm they offer tours and visitors can pick up a bottle to take home from the shop.
From Angus to the New York Met Gala
In nearby Arbroath is Arbikie Distillery, another innovative farm that has been in the same family for generations that have become the creators of award-winning gin, vodka and whisky. Their collection of cocktail bottlings are not too be missed. Look out for the ‘Perfect Climate’ cocktail which, with a focus on sustainability, was the signature cocktail at the 2021 Met Gala in New York.
Looking for adventure
For those who like to be active, there’s plenty options to choose from in Angus. The region is a popular destination for cyclists. Perfectly hilly for mountain bikers, there’s a number of popular cycling routes which allow visitors to explore Angus on two wheels.
On foot
Many walkers venture through Angus to experience the beauty and attractions of the area. Ramblers Scotland is a digital map marking out all the paths in Scotland that combines an appeal for walkers across Scotland to audit the paths they use and report back on anything from a path’s surfacing to accessibility. If you see anything on our paths in Angus you’d like to have added to the information on Ramblers Scotland, you can contact them at [email protected]
For a full list of the many things to see and do in Angus, go to Visit Angus.
The home of golf
Angus is also proud home to Carnoustie Championship Golf Course which is a must-see for any golf enthusiasts. The course itself is just one of 30 courses lining the coast surrounding Carnoustie, so there’s many fairways to visit.
Exploring Angus’ history
Known as Scotland’s birthplace, Angus has a significant place in Scotland’s history. Scotland became a nation when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320 – right in the heart of Angus at Arbroath Abbey. Once one of Scotland’s grandest monasteries, the Abbey is a must for those with an interest in Scotland’s long history.
The Pictish Trail
Travel back to the times of the Romans when the Picts lived in Scotland. In Angus there are Pictish stones to explore at several locations across the region including Montrose Museum and the Meffan Museum in Forfar. Find the full Pictish Trail here.
Take a rail journey by steam
The popular Caledonian Railway runs both steam and diesel trains on a four mile journey through the countryside between Brechin and Bridge of Dun on a line that dates back to 1848. A real treat for those who like to experience transport from a bygone era. Visitors can enjoy some home baking at The Whistle Stop Coffee Shop at Brechin Station before or after the journey. The Caledonian Railway runs on selected dates through the year, so make sure you plan your visit around them to avoid disappointment.
Visit the 18th century
Experience an 18th century laird’s home with a visit to House of Dun. Taking 13 years to complete, the House is stunning in its detail with intricate tableaux plasterwork and impressive hand-stitched embroideries. Tours are hosted by costumed characters as well to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different time.
To view a full list of things to see and do go to www.visitangus.com
