Kinblethmont House

A rather grand 17th-century mansion sits quietly on its estate just a couple of miles from Arbroath, though you'd be forgiven for missing it entirely if you weren't looking. Kinblethmont House is one of those places that rewards curiosity - the sort of spot where history types will spend a good hour poking around the stonework and imagining the lives lived within these walls. The house itself dates back to around 1630, which makes it genuinely old by Scottish standards, and it's still got character despite the inevitable wear that four centuries brings.

What draws people here is less about grand tours and more about atmosphere. You're looking at a working historic property rather than a museum - no velvet ropes or audio guides, just the building itself. The architecture speaks volumes: steep rooflines, period windows, the sort of proportions that tell you the people who built this took themselves seriously. It's worth the short detour from Arbroath if you're into Scottish Baronial style or simply fancy seeing how the gentry actually lived rather than how they wanted to be remembered.

For families, it's honestly bit of a mixed bag. Kids won't find much to occupy them for long unless they're genuinely interested in old buildings. But if you're staying at The Grange Glamping just down the road - and frankly, that place looks excellent - a morning poke about here adds context to the landscape without demanding much time. Allow 45 minutes if you're thorough, half that if you're just having a look. Check ahead for access, as opening times aren't always straightforward for privately-held properties like this one.