Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Angus. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Angus’s most popular rural destinations including Kirriemuir, Forfar, Montrose, and Brechin, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Angus boasts a richly varied landscape of sweeping mountains and glens, complemented by a stunning coastline, and a working farm holiday is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in these rural habitats.
The Angus Glens comprise five beautiful valleys that form the gateway to the Cairngorms, linked by miles of twisting roads that wind through moorland grasses and heather. Glen Clova is a superb destination for hillwalking, offering everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Nearby, the lovely Loch Brandy is an ideal spot for a picnic, where you may spot mountain hares, golden eagles, or even catch a glimpse of the elusive Scottish wildcat.
Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy the RSPB’s Loch of Kinnordy, where ospreys can be seen hunting for fish and otters and beavers frequent the shoreline. In winter, thousands of ducks, geese, and swans arrive, while the surrounding woodland and farmland provide excellent opportunities to spot red squirrels and deer.
With a wealth of attractions for memorable days out, a family holiday on a farm in Angus is an excellent choice. Scattered throughout Angus’s beautiful countryside are impressive stately homes and historic castles. Highlights include Glamis Castle, famed for its Royal connections, where visitors can tour magnificent staterooms and explore its extensive gardens and woodland; The House of Dun an elegant Georgian laird’s mansion, with lavish furnishings, ornate plasterwork, fine tapestries, period furniture, and servants’ quarters; Edzell Castle, a romantic 16th-century ruin, renowned for its beautiful walled garden created in 1604, adorned with heraldic sculptures, carved panels, and a charming summerhouse; and Arbroath Abbey, another must-see, housing the Declaration of Arbroath, in which Scotland’s nobility proclaimed their independence from England.
After a fun-packed day, children will love returning to farm to say hello to the animals, and with farms offering hot tubs, swimming pools, play areas, and fishing, there is plenty to do if you’d prefer to spend some time at home relaxing.
Golfers are particularly well catered for in Angus, with several world-famous courses to choose from. Carnoustie is renowned as one of the most challenging links courses in the world, with its notoriously difficult bunkers, while Montrose Links, the fifth oldest golf course, offers rugged terrain and spectacular coastal scenery. The course overlooks Montrose Beach, where golden sands stretch for three miles and provide fine views of Scurdie Ness Lighthouse. The beach is perfect for a family day out, with a promenade, amusements, and children’s play areas.
Angus’s coastline offers many other rewarding places to explore. Seaton Cliffs has dramatic red sandstone formations, sea caves, blowholes, arches, and secluded beaches, with an excellent clifftop walk that is one of the best locations to spot bottlenose dolphins. Lunan Bay, one of Scotland’s most scenic beaches, has a vast stretch of sand dotted with wildflowers and is popular with walkers, horse riders, and surfers. After a storm, keen-eyed visitors may find agates and gemstones along the shore.
After a day spent exploring the great outdoors, Kirriemuir is a charming place to unwind. This historic burgh has narrow, winding streets, a wealth of independent shops, cafés, and pubs, and a statue of Peter Pan dedicated to J. M. Barrie, who was born in the town. Food lovers will also be spoilt for choice, with local delicacies including the intensely flavoursome Arbroath Smokie, the Forfar Bridie, a horseshoe-shaped pastry filled with minced beef and onion, and world-class Aberdeen Angus beef from cattle raised on lush pastures.
Whether you’re looking for an off-grid glamping retreat, a traditional barn conversion with space for all the family, or even a fairytale Scottish castle, a farm stay in Angus is a wonderful holiday destination at any time of year.
