Dunninald Castle and Gardens

You'll find Dunninald Castle sitting quietly on the Angus coast, about four miles south of Arbroath. It's a proper 19th-century baronial pile with towers and turrets that look like someone's Victorian fantasy of what a Scottish castle should be. The grounds are what make it worth the trip - there's a walled garden that's been restored with some care, and the coastal setting means you get decent views across farmland toward the sea.

The castle itself isn't open to the public in the traditional sense, but you can walk the grounds if you time it right and ask permission at the gate. The gardens are the real draw, especially if you're into horticulture or just fancy a peaceful wander. It's not a major tourist crush like some of the bigger Highland properties, which is honestly a relief.

If you're staying at The Grange Glamping just up the road, this makes an easy half-hour detour during a park holiday. You won't spend more than an hour here unless you're really into Victorian gardens or taking photographs. Families with young kids might find it a bit quiet for a full afternoon - there's no café, no gift shop, no interactive bits.

Summer's the obvious time, when the gardens are properly maintained and the light lasts longer in the evening. It's the sort of place that appeals to walkers and garden enthusiasts rather than thrill-seekers. Absolutely worth knowing about if you're exploring the Arbroath area, but don't make it your only stop.