Residing between the Grampian Mountains and the North Sea, the town of Kirriemuir in Angus beckons to lovers of wild adventures. Paving the way as early as the 12th century, Kirrie’s streets are renowned as the Gateway to the Glens and offer the perfect base from which to explore the heavenly realms. Uncover the beautiful braes and bens surrounding the town and fall in love with its landscapes. The birthplace of Peter Pan author, J.M. Barrie and ACDC frontman, Bon Scott, it promises unrivalled natural inspiration and endless adventures to weave into a staycation of dreamlike proportions.
Embrace an otherworldly escape and uncover our curated guide to Kirriemuir and its array of things to see and do…
Take a Tour of Glamis Castle
Encapsulating over 650 years of history, Glamis Castle near Kirriemuir has been the seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. It once played host to Mary Queen of Scots, is believed to have inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and was the childhood home of the former Queen Mother. For romantic reveries and timeless tales, head to this magical castle ensconced in manicured wilderness and explore its myriad rooms and seasonal exhibitions, ornate gardens, and wooded grounds. Highlights are the emerald crowns of the estate’s soaring Douglas firs, under which meandering trails promise slow-paced strolls in nature.
See Kirriemuir’s Camera Obscura
Referenced as far back as 400BC, camera obscuras have long been captivating imaginations and attention. Using daylight and reflections, this historic technology harnesses an optical phenomenon to internally project images of the world outside through a small lens into enclosed rooms. Offering a novel and magical way to admire the scenery as a living portrait, this unique attraction can be experienced at Kirriemuir’s very own camera obscura. One of only three in the country, it was gifted to the town by the author of Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie, and can be found on Kirrie Hill.
Play a Round at Kirriemuir Golf Club
Kirriemuir Golf Club was designed by the renowned Scottish golfer, James Braid, and is a family-friendly course in Kirriemuir. Residing below the Angus Glens, it boasts sublime scenery and enjoys verdant fairways and swift greens within mature parkland. Offering challenging play for both beginners and experienced golfers alike, its par 68, 18-hole parkland course proposes a stunning setting for hours in the open air. To enhance your visit, you can also make the most of the club’s facilities, such as The Clubhouse with its events and dining options, and the golf shop with a range of golfing equipment and accessories.
Indulge in a Gin Bothy Experience
The award-winning Gin Bothy nestles within the village of Glamis near Kirriemuir and is a charming place to visit. Founded in 2013, the bothy started life creating delicious jams from local fruits and berries and evolved to create artisan gins from the leftover juices. Today, the Gin Bothy’s curated collection features handcrafted gins, spirits, jams, and traditional treats and is a must-visit for culinary connoisseurs. One of the best things to do in Kirriemuir, the attraction offers a variety of tasting and tour experiences, as well as events and a full larder stocked with delectable treats to savour during a luxury sojourn.
Wildlife Watch at RSPB Loch of Kinnordy
For the lovers of nature, wildlife watching at RSPB Loch of Kinnordy is an unmissable experience. A beautiful loch surrounded by lush farmland, rich woodland, and rolling hills, this valley jewel is home to a complex patchwork of habitats, decorated with swaying reeds and hugged by marsh scrubland. Supporting a symbiotic tapestry of flora and fauna, the loch and its surrounding reserve are particularly adored for its otters, red squirrels, deer, and beavers. In summer, regal ospreys can be seen in the skies, while in winter, the shallow waters of the loch attract a colourful array of waders and wildfowl.
Stroll through Glen Doll
Glen Doll near Kirriemuir lies within the Cairngorms National Park and is one of the most beautiful hiking areas imaginable. Within its spellbinding realms is the Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve, as well as a plethora of starting points and trails proposing long walks in the area’s hills, bens, and Munros. Embrace the call of adventure, following the passage of valleys carved by the last Ice Age and the course of wild ridges. For breathtaking exploration, venture into the heart of Glen Doll’s natural amphitheatre along the 4-mile Corrie Fee Trail and absorb the mountains’ unique alpine artistry and wildflower glades.
Relax on Lunan Bay Beach
Heading coastward from Kirriemuir reveals some of the country’s most picturesque coastline. Blanketed with powder-fine sand, Lunan Bay Beach is especially enchanting and tempts with over 2 miles of shoreline, dissected by the flow of Lunan Water and overlooked by the ruins of Red Castle. For mesmeric oceanside moments, take a leisurely drive to the coast and bask in the tranquil setting, backed by marram-tufted dunes and lapped by the North Sea. At the northernmost tip of the beach, intriguing caves are carved into the cliffs by the waves, perfect for peeking into at low tide. Meanwhile, the abundance of space ensures there is always somewhere quiet to relax with a luxurious picnic and the pages of your latest book.
Find the Fairytale Airlie Monument
Should you be seeking serene walks and soul-stirring panoramas without having to roam too far from the beaten track, then the 1.5-mile Airlie Monument walking trail provides an irresistible destination. Perched atop Tulloch Hill, this 65-foot-high monument is seated 1,230 feet above sea level and resembles a folly plucked from a fairytale. Created in commemoration of the 11th Earl of Airlie using local stone, it is a well-known sight and beloved for its gentle trails and 360-degree vistas. Park in the Scott-Wilson Memorial Car Park to begin your walk and follow forestry tracks through the trees, before clearing the woods and walking up the hill to the foot of the monument, ready to marvel at the never-ending views.
Uncover the Cairngorms National Park
For experienced hikers and climbers, there are few destinations more magnetic than the Cairngorms National Park. The largest National Park in the UK, this vast mountain range in the eastern Highlands covers more than 1,748 square miles and reaches nearly 4,000 feet above sea level. Adored for its mountainscapes that showcase long distance walking trails, ski slopes, biking pistes, climbing routes, and wildlife watching opportunities, it has something for everyone. It also shelters a quarter of the UK’s most rare and endangered species. Drive from Kirriemuir and cross the fringes of the National Park to immerse in its towering Caledonian forests and snowcapped peaks.
Wander the Gardens of Scone Palace
The former capital of the Pictish kingdom, Scone Palace exudes history. Enveloped in 1,500 years of culture, politics and royal chapters, it claims a unique place in Scotland’s fascinating past. Uncover the crowning place of 42 kings and the distinct Stone of Scone and explore the spaces where everything from council and coronations to banquets and balls were held. Secure your admission tickets to the palace and admire the extensive array of artefacts, artworks, and antiques. Outside, meander through the beautifully presented gardens past brightly coloured peacocks and clipped topiary and make the most of the 100 acres of estate for alfresco escapades.
Day Trip to Dundee
Turn your attention to Dundee for a dose of city living. Set on the banks of the River Tay on Scotland’s east coast, this UNESCO City of Design is within 20 miles of Kirriemuir and perfectly placed for day trips. Historically famed as the city of ‘jute, jam, and journalism’, it is today admired for its beautiful waterfront, vibrant art scene, charming cafés, boutique shops, and independent markets. Put time aside to visit its museums to learn about the ‘City of Discovery’ and its rich cultural and naval heritage, ensuring that Discovery Point, The McManus, Verdant Works, HMS Unicorn, and the V&A Dundee are top of the list. For a novel way to explore the city, you can also enjoy a boat seafari for coastal inspiration, or spend time wandering the University of Dundee’s Botanic Garden for botanical bliss.
Feeling inspired for a dreamy Scottish staycation? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in the Highlands.
