Top Things to do in Montrose
What to do and see in Montrose, Scotland: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Montrose, United Kingdom including Elephant Rock, Langley Park Gardens, Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Dunninald Castle and Gardens, House of Dun, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Montrose Beach, Seafront Splash.
Restaurants in Montrose
1. Elephant Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Langley Park Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
4 Beautiful Walled Gardens in the grounds of a historic Georgian Mansion. There are fabulous views over Montrose Town and Montrose Basin. A 20 acre Wildflower Meadow with its abundance of Wildlife, has tracks mown through to give access to the WildLife Pond and Standing Stone. Ancient Trees add to the beauty of the natural landscape.
Reviewed By paddyfloss - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful gem of a garden and a great tribute to the owners' very hard work and enthusiasm. We were there at the start of August and the herbaceous borders and beds were in full bloom. Lovely touches here and there hidden throughout the four walled grdens. The view of the Montrose Basin across the fields enhances the experience. Would most certainly recommend to those interested in their gardening. The pool at the front of the property and the fish are impressive too .
3. Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Montrose Basin is the enclosed estuary of the South Esk River. The reserve includes a 4-star visitor centre along with four remote bird hides. Covering 750 hectares, Montrose Basin is home to thousands of migratory birds including pink-footed geese, common terns, knots and sedge warblers. Highlights include telescopes, binoculars and live footage of migratory birds. Children will love the interactive toys and games such as microscopes, wildlife portal and puzzles. Children's activities and themed events are held regularly, as well as formal and informal educational groups run throughout the year. Fairtrade tea and coffee can be enjoyed with panoramic views across the Basin, and a range of wildlife gifts are available from the gift shop.
Reviewed By tlpWetherby
We'd been intrigued by the Montrose basin and wanted a closer look. The visitor centre is so well set up with telescopes and binoculars to make you feel incredibly close to the creatures on the reserve- seals, herons and osprey in particular had our whole family engrossed for a couple of hours. The current covid set up gives each household their own booth to watch from which was great. Interesting and engaging displays, a lovely little shop and helpful staff- we were so glad we visited. The centre gave us a good panoramic view of the basin before we then went and explored some of the hides. At the Shelduck hide we were lucky enough to see a sparrowhawk fly right past the window and down the ditch line!
4. Dunninald Castle and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Visit our 2acre walled garden set within 100 acres, of wild garden, policies and woodlands. 2miles of paths. Disabled parking and toilets.
Reviewed By douglasb5
This was a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The beautiful walled garden of fruit, vegetable, lawns and flowers is immaculately kept, with lots to look at and it was good to see the owners working on a variety of tasks. There is also a woodland walk, through the grounds of the historic castle to amble through at your leisure. The castle was closed to visitors due to current restrictions, but the garden admission fee of £5 was well worth it. Take your own coffee and note that some parts of the path are a bit muddy, but don’t let any of that put you off. What a hidden gem.
5. House of Dun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
The House of Dun is more than just a historic house, the Dun Estate boasts some wonderful walks, lively nature and fantastic views over the Montrose Basin. The Estate has amassed some fascinating features from over the years including an icehouse, the family mausoleum, the ruins of Dun Castle, a Neolithic monument and two walled gardens. During a tour of the house you will find out what life was like for the people living there, both above and below the stairs. One of the keynote features of the property is the astounding plasterwork in the salon. The plasterwork is a real statement by the family, and is teaming with detail and symbolism. With most of the collection on display being original to the house, you can be guaranteed an authentic view of how the people of the house lived. The property also has an excellent cafe and a separate gift shop. The cafe serves cakes and meals that will be suitable for almost anyone’s dietary needs.
Reviewed By CMA94 - London, United Kingdom
We visited House of Dun as part of a journey up to Aberdeen and were surprised by how lovely it is and how much there is to see in the house. Our tour guide was Karen who was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We enjoyed the chance to look around the rooms independently and ask questions (and dress up as servants!). The gardens are also very beautiful and full of wildlife. We were able to access the property for free due to the reciprocal arrangement between the National Trust (England) and National Trust for Scotland, so it was an excellent value afternoon out and we would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historic properties and gardens.
6. St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By NaomiFran - Sunderland, United Kingdom
Parked for free at The Old Lifeboat Station/Nether Warburton, Montrose, DD10 0AQ, which allowed for a short walk to the beach rather than other available routes which would require a walk down the steep hillsides. The toilets were open which was an added bonus. The walk to the beach takes you over a wooden bridge where you can observe lots of lovely greenery and then you’re on the beach and met with amazing views. You can see a waterfall in the distance, large expanse of the beach, rocky hill sides with greenery providing the backdrop and of couse the large expanse of the sea. On a sunny day it would be great for a relaxing spot. My family and I visited to walk the beach and were in awe of how beautiful a place it is. There were harmless jelly fish on the beach, rock pools where we spotted crabs, rocks that could be climbed, a cave to explore and of course look at the fab waterfall. Definitely a must see when in this beautiful part of the world!
7. Montrose Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Ennie123 - Scotland, United Kingdom
Montrose Beach is one of my most favourite beaches on the north east coast of Scotland. I have been visiting this beach since I was a child. Easy to walk or drive too from the centre of Montrose. Ample parking near the beach, toilet facilities available but limited depending on the time of year you go. Play park and paddling pools available, cafe and shop too. The beach itself is easy to access but for those with mobility issues the steps too and from the main part of the beach this might cause some issues. The beach is always popular with those wanting to walk along the sands, dog walkers, families, couples etc. It is kept clean and tidy. Obviously with being on the North Sea you have to watch when paddling or swimming and keep your wits about you. A beautiful beach in a stunning setting and well worth a visit at any time of the year!
8. Seafront Splash
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Nilindy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visiting Montrose on a spectacular Scottish winter day we returned from the golf course via the esplanade, observing the coastal erosion and enjoying this fabulous local resource. We were especially taken by local artist William Lamb’s “Montrose minesweeper” which celebrates those who patrolled the dunes during WW2 watching for mines. We learned that in June 2010 the statue was a victim of coastal erosion that led to the collapse of part of the seawall. Miraculously undamaged it was returned to its present location. What impact might climate change have on our coastline during the next few years, let alone decades?
