Free Angus Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Angus with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Angus
Angus photo 2
Angus photo 3
All photos

Explore Angus for Pictish stones, Arbroath Abbey, sandy beaches, fishing heritage and walking routes through the Angus Glens.

Angus occupies a varied stretch of eastern Scotland, running from the North Sea shore inland to the broad valleys and mountains of the Angus Glens. Its principal towns include Arbroath, Forfar, Montrose, Brechin, Kirriemuir, Carnoustie and Monifieth, while smaller settlements such as Edzell and Glamis provide gateways to historic estates, walking country and rural landscapes. The region is close to Dundee but has a distinct character, shaped by fishing, farming, weaving, railway history and the long influence of the great landed estates.
Read more about Angus
The coast offers some of Angus’s most varied scenery. Arbroath is associated with red sandstone cliffs and the harbour smokehouses that produce the famous Arbroath Smokie, while nearby Auchmithie preserves the memory of an older fishing community. Montrose faces a broad tidal basin where mudflats, saltmarsh and reedbeds attract large numbers of migratory birds. South of the town, Lunan Bay opens into a long sweep of sand beneath low cliffs, contrasting with the more developed seaside character of Carnoustie and Monifieth. Coastal walks are especially rewarding in clear weather, although tides and exposed sections require care.
Inland, Angus becomes a landscape of fertile farmland, wooded estates and river valleys. Forfar serves as a useful base for exploring the central region and the lochs around Forfar and Rescobie, while Kirriemuir is closely linked with Peter Pan author J. M. Barrie and the local tradition of music-making. Glamis Castle, with its long royal and aristocratic associations, remains one of Scotland’s most recognisable historic houses. Farther north, the Angus Glens lead into increasingly open upland scenery, with Glen Clova, Glen Doll, Glen Prosen and Glen Esk offering routes for walkers, climbers and visitors seeking quieter landscapes.
Angus is also a region of powerful historical symbols. Arbroath Abbey is associated with the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, one of the defining documents of Scottish medieval history. Ancient carved stones, including the Aberlemno stones, record the artistic and religious culture of the Picts, while castles, kirks, bridges and planned towns reflect later centuries of political and economic change. Food remains closely connected to place: North Sea fish, Arbroath Smokies, farm produce, baking and locally made drinks appear in smokehouses, farm shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants across the region. Angus is best explored through a combination of coastal towns, historic sites and separate inland excursions rather than as a single compact circuit.

When is the best time to visit Angus?

Best: June–August · 17–19°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January570
February660
March860
April1150
May1450
June (best)1760
July (best)1960
August (best)1960
September1660
October1270
November870
December570

Getting to and around Angus

How to get there

Angus is reached most easily by road and rail from other parts of Scotland. The main east-coast railway serves towns including Arbroath, Carnoustie, Montrose and Monifieth, with connections towards Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and beyond; check current services before travelling. Dundee Airport is outside Angus but is the nearest commercial airport for some visitors, while Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports provide wider domestic and international connections and require onward road or rail travel. The A90 is the principal north–south road through much of the region, with roads branching towards the coast, market towns and the Angus Glens.

Transportation

Rail is useful for the coastal corridor, but buses and services are less frequent in rural Angus, particularly towards the glens and outlying historic sites. A car gives the greatest flexibility for visiting Glamis, Aberlemno, Edzell, Glen Clova, Glen Doll and other dispersed places, although narrow roads and passing places require patient driving. Walking and cycling are rewarding on selected coastal and countryside routes, while taxis can be practical for short connections from railway stations. Plan rural journeys in advance, as mobile coverage, fuel availability and public transport options can be limited away from the principal towns.

Top city travel guides in Angus

The cities of Angus, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Angus

Angus brings together ecclesiastical ruins, country estates, museums, wildlife habitats, beaches and extensive walking country. Arbroath Abbey is the region’s best-known historic attraction, combining dramatic red-stone ruins with the story of the Declaration of Arbroath, while Glamis Castle presents a more complete aristocratic house and estate setting. The House of Dun near Montrose offers insight into eighteenth-century design and landed life. In the towns, the Signal Tower Museum in Arbroath, the birthplace museum of J. M. Barrie in Kirriemuir and railway heritage in Brechin add cultural context. Nature-based attractions range from the bird-rich Montrose Basin to Lunan Bay’s open beach and the lochs, forests and upland paths of the Angus Glens. Golf is an important part of the coastal visitor economy, with Carnoustie particularly renowned, while cyclists and walkers can explore quiet lanes, river valleys and long-distance routes. The region also contains significant Pictish heritage, including the carved stones at Aberlemno, best visited as part of a wider historical circuit rather than as an isolated roadside stop.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Angus

Arbroath Abbey is Angus’s defining historic landmark, its warm red sandstone ruins standing above the town as a reminder of medieval monastic power and the Declaration of Arbroath. Glamis Castle is another prominent symbol, with towers, ranges and landscaped grounds associated with the Lyon family and the Scottish royal story. Brechin Cathedral retains important medieval fabric, while its distinctive round tower is one of the most notable ecclesiastical structures in Scotland. The Pictish stones at Aberlemno are less monumental in scale but exceptionally important for the carved symbols and figures they preserve. On the coast, the cliffs and harbour around Arbroath and the wide tidal landscape of Montrose Basin provide strong natural landmarks. Inland, the Angus Glens form the region’s great geographical signature: Glen Clova, Glen Doll, Glen Prosen and Glen Esk lead towards the southern Cairngorm uplands, where corries, rivers and open hills replace the cultivated lowlands. Historic bridges, estate avenues and the planned streets of Forfar and Montrose complete a landscape in which architecture and topography remain closely connected.

Show more landmarks

Explore Angus on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Angus

Angus dining is grounded in the produce of an agricultural county and a North Sea coastline. Arbroath Smokies are the region’s most recognisable speciality: traditionally smoked haddock associated with the fishing town of Arbroath and its surrounding communities. Fishmongers and coastal restaurants also reflect the area’s maritime economy, while inland menus commonly draw on local beef, lamb, game, vegetables, berries and baking. Market towns such as Forfar, Montrose, Brechin and Kirriemuir offer cafés, bakeries, pubs and independent restaurants, with larger dining choices in the main coastal settlements. Farm shops and seasonal markets are useful for finding cheese, preserves, bread, cakes and other locally produced goods. Traditional pubs and rural inns often provide hearty Scottish cooking, while contemporary restaurants use regional ingredients in less formal settings. Whisky, gin, beer and soft drinks from across Scotland are widely available, but the most distinctive culinary experience remains the connection between Angus food and its farms, fishing ports and smokehouses.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Angus

Angus has a modest, town-centred evening scene rather than a large nightclub culture. Traditional pubs, hotel bars and informal restaurants provide the main nightlife in Arbroath, Montrose, Forfar, Brechin, Carnoustie and Kirriemuir, with live music and community events appearing at selected venues. Coastal towns can feel busier during the summer season, while evenings in the glens and smaller villages are generally quiet and centred on local inns or accommodation providers. Golf visitors and weekend travellers contribute to the bar scene around Carnoustie, but it remains more relaxed than the nightlife of nearby Dundee, which lies outside Angus. Visitors will also find opportunities to sample Scottish beers, whiskies and gins, though opening arrangements and entertainment vary considerably. Checking local listings is sensible, particularly outside the main towns and during the quieter winter months.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Angus

Angus has a modest, town-centred evening scene rather than a large nightclub culture. Traditional pubs, hotel bars and informal restaurants provide the main nightlife in Arbroath, Montrose, Forfar, Brechin, Carnoustie and Kirriemuir, with live music and community events appearing at selected venues. Coastal towns can feel busier during the summer season, while evenings in the glens and smaller villages are generally quiet and centred on local inns or accommodation providers. Golf visitors and weekend travellers contribute to the bar scene around Carnoustie, but it remains more relaxed than the nightlife of nearby Dundee, which lies outside Angus. Visitors will also find opportunities to sample Scottish beers, whiskies and gins, though opening arrangements and entertainment vary considerably. Checking local listings is sensible, particularly outside the main towns and during the quieter winter months.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Angus

Shopping in Angus is concentrated in the high streets and independent quarters of its market and coastal towns rather than in large-scale retail complexes. Arbroath is a practical place for local food, fish and everyday purchases, while Montrose, Forfar, Brechin and Kirriemuir have independent shops, cafés, galleries, charity shops and traditional services. Farm shops and food producers are the best sources of regional gifts such as smoked fish, preserves, baking, oat-based goods and locally made drinks. Craft outlets and galleries may offer ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints and work inspired by the coast or glens, although opening arrangements vary outside the main season. Visitors interested in antiques and books should explore smaller town-centre businesses rather than expect a single dedicated shopping district. Seasonal farmers’ markets and community markets can be worthwhile, but dates and locations change, so confirm details locally before planning a journey around one.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Angus, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Angus essentials

Currency and Payment
Angus uses the pound sterling, written as GBP or £, as part of the United Kingdom. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, attractions, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants in the larger towns, though a small amount of cash remains useful for rural businesses, traditional stalls, car parks or occasional smaller purchases. Scottish banknotes are legal currency throughout the UK, although visitors may occasionally find that businesses outside Scotland are less familiar with particular designs. Notify your bank before travel if required and check any foreign-exchange fees.
Safety
Angus is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions are sensible in towns, car parks and busy attractions. Coastal cliffs, tidal areas and slippery surfaces require care, particularly in poor weather or around isolated stretches of shore. Hillwalking in the Angus Glens demands suitable footwear, weatherproof clothing, navigation skills and an honest assessment of daylight and fitness. Drive cautiously on rural single-track roads, use passing places correctly and watch for cyclists, walkers, livestock and wildlife. Weather can change rapidly between the coast and uplands, even during summer.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency anywhere in Angus, call 999 or 112 for police, fire and rescue, ambulance or coastguard assistance. Give a precise location, especially on a hill, beach, cliff path or rural road, and follow the operator’s instructions. For non-urgent police matters, use Police Scotland’s non-emergency arrangements rather than the emergency line. Hillwalkers should carry a charged phone and, on longer routes, suitable navigation and emergency equipment; mobile reception is not guaranteed in every glen. Travel insurance with appropriate outdoor cover is advisable for activities beyond ordinary sightseeing.
Do's and Don'ts
Do treat historic buildings, churches, carved stones and cemeteries respectfully, and follow signs about photography, access and fragile surfaces. Do keep dogs under control around livestock and nesting birds, close gates and follow Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code when walking across farmland or open country. Do use passing places rather than parking in them on single-track roads. Do not climb on monuments, disturb archaeological remains or approach cliff edges for photographs. Tipping is discretionary but appreciated for good service, and in pubs it is customary to order at the bar unless table service is clearly indicated.
Local Tips
The coast and glens offer very different experiences, so consider changing base or planning short excursions rather than relying on one central itinerary. Montrose Basin is particularly valuable for birdwatching, while the Angus Glens reward an early start and careful weather planning. For history, combine Arbroath Abbey with the town’s maritime heritage and set aside time for the Pictish stones at Aberlemno. Local farm shops, fishmongers and bakeries are useful places to find Angus produce, while independent cafés and pubs in the market towns often provide a more informal introduction to regional food.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[heh-loh]
GoodbyeCheerio[cheer-ee-oh]
YesAye[ay]
NoNae[nay]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No bother[pleez/no bo-thur]
Thank youCheers[cheers]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[eks-kyoos mee/sor-ree]
How are you?How's it gaun?[how's it gone]
Fine. And you?Aye, fine. An yersel'?[ay, fine. an yer-sell?]
Do you speak English?Dae ye speak English?[day ye speak ing-glish?]
I don't understandAh dinnae understand[ah din-ay un-der-stand]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh'd like tae see the menu, please[ah'd like tay see the men-yoo, pleez]
I don't eat meatAh dinnae eat meat[ah din-ay eat meet]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseAh'd like tae pay, please[ah'd like tay pay, pleez]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Gae awa![gay ah-wah]
Call the Police!Phone the polis![fone the po-lis]
Call a doctor!Phone a doctor![fone a doc-tor]
I'm lostAh'm lost[ah'm lost]
I'm illAh'm unweel[ah'm un-weel]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ah'd like tae buy...[ah'd like tay buy...]
I'm just lookingAh'm just lookin'[ah'm just look-in']
How much is it?How much's that?[how much's that?]
That's too expensiveThat's owre dear[that's ow-re deer]
Can you lower the price?Can ye lower the price?[can ye low-er the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Whit time is it?[whit time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[it's wuhn uh-clock]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[half past (ten)]
MorningMornin'[mor-nin']
AfternoonAfternoon[af-ter-noon]
EveningEvenin'[ee-vin']
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowMorrow[mor-row]
1Wan[wahn]
2Twa[twa]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Whar's a/the...?[whar's a/the...?]
What's the address?Whit’s the address?[whit’s the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ye show me (on the map)?[can ye show me (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[when's the next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (ta ...)[a tick-it (ta ...)]

History of Angus

Pictish Angus and the carved stones

Angus was an important area within the Pictish world, the northern Scottish kingdom that flourished during the early medieval period. Carved stones at Aberlemno are among the region’s most important surviving monuments, displaying symbols, animals, warriors and Christian imagery. Their exact meanings remain debated, but they demonstrate a sophisticated visual culture and connections across eastern Scotland. Other stones and ecclesiastical sites indicate that Angus was not an isolated frontier but part of a network of communities, churches and ruling centres. The surviving monuments give the region a historical depth that predates the medieval castles and abbeys familiar to modern visitors.

Medieval burghs, castles and monasteries

During the medieval period, Angus developed around royal and ecclesiastical authority, agriculture and trade. Forfar became an important royal burgh, while Brechin grew around its cathedral and monastery traditions. Arbroath Abbey, founded in 1178 by King William the Lion for Tironensian monks, became one of Scotland’s major religious institutions. Castles and fortified sites, including those associated with Glamis and Invermark, reflected the power of local families and the strategic importance of the valleys leading towards the Highlands. The region’s later towns inherited street plans, churches and civic buildings shaped by this medieval framework.

The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320

Arbroath Abbey is inseparably connected with the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter sent in 1320 to Pope John XXII during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Scottish nobles used it to assert the kingdom’s independence and to support Robert the Bruce’s position as king. The document’s political language, including its emphasis on the community of the realm, has attracted considerable later interpretation, though it should be understood within its own medieval context. The abbey’s surviving ruins provide the physical setting for one of the most influential episodes in Scotland’s constitutional and national history.

Reformation and changing religious life

The Scottish Reformation of the sixteenth century transformed Angus’s religious landscape. Monastic institutions such as Arbroath Abbey lost their medieval role, while parish churches and new forms of Protestant worship became central to community life. Brechin Cathedral and the region’s older kirks preserve evidence of successive religious periods, with medieval fabric often adapted for later use. These changes affected education, landholding and local authority as well as worship. The remains of abbeys, kirks and churchyards therefore record not a single uninterrupted tradition but several major shifts in Scottish religious and social history.

Agriculture, estates and improvement

From the seventeenth century onwards, Angus was shaped by agricultural change and the growth of substantial estates. Landowners reorganised fields, improved drainage, planted avenues and woods, and developed designed landscapes around houses such as Glamis Castle and the House of Dun. Fertile lowland soils supported grain, livestock and market gardening, while the glens retained a more pastoral character. These improvements brought economic growth but also altered older patterns of land use and community life. Much of the region’s present appearance, from walled gardens to broad farmed valleys, reflects this long process of estate management and agricultural adaptation.

Linen, weaving and industrial development

Angus participated in the linen and textile economy that expanded across eastern Scotland from the eighteenth century. Flax cultivation, spinning and weaving connected rural households and towns to wider markets, while water-powered mills and later industrial methods changed production. Although Dundee became the best-known regional centre for jute, Angus towns and villages were linked to the same commercial world through agriculture, textile work, trade and transport. Industrialisation also brought better roads and railways, helping fishing ports, market towns and inland communities exchange goods more efficiently. Mills, railway structures and former industrial sites remain reminders of this economic transformation.

Railways, fishing ports and tourism

Nineteenth-century railway building connected Angus more closely with Dundee, Aberdeen and the wider Scottish network. The railways supported the movement of grain, livestock, fish and manufactured goods, while making coastal resorts and historic towns more accessible to visitors. Arbroath and Montrose retained important maritime identities, with fishing, harbour trade and boatbuilding shaping their waterfronts. Carnoustie developed a strong association with golf and seaside recreation, and the Angus Glens attracted interest from artists, walkers and sporting visitors. Modern tourism still follows these older patterns of access, combining rail-linked towns with car-dependent rural destinations.

Angus in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Angus

The closest regions to Angus, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

United Kingdom
More of the region

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Angus, United Kingdom

Discover the best of Angus with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more – your perfect travel companion.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan your perfect trip to Angus with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. Discover attractions, book tours, and explore local tips all in one place.

  • History of Angus and travel essentials
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Angus, a gem in the United Kingdom waiting to be explored! With the Evendo app, you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful region. Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, local eateries, or outdoor adventures, Evendo has you covered.

Start your journey by visiting famous attractions like Dunnottar Castle, a stunning medieval fortress perched on a cliff. The Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre offers a tranquil escape into nature, perfect for bird-watching enthusiasts. For history buffs, the Arbroath Abbey is a must-see, where you can delve into Scotland's rich heritage.

Angus is also a haven for food lovers. Savor the local cuisine at The Drovers Inn, known for its hearty Scottish dishes, or enjoy a fine dining experience at Gordon's Restaurant, one of the best in the region. Don't miss out on the charming cafes and bars in Montrose and Forfar, where you can relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, and tickets to various experiences right from the app. No need to scramble through different websites – everything you need is in one place. The app provides detailed information on each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making trip planning a breeze.

The app's 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, and curated local tips help you experience Angus like a local. Whether you're navigating the streets of Arbroath or exploring the countryside, Evendo is your ultimate travel companion.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.