Where is Montrose in Scotland?
Montrose is a busy coastal town in the north of Angus, which is on the north east coast of Scotland. Lying between the mouths of the North and South Esk Rivers, surrounded by the Angus Glens and miles of beautiful beaches. It is an ideal destination for hiking, snow sports or relaxing.
Montrose offers a lot of open space, there are so many walking routes at Kinnaber; Broomfield; Montrose beach and around the basin; to the lighthouse and elephant rock, and that’s just in the town!
In its long history, Montrose has been ransacked by Vikings, played a role in the final chapter of the Jacobite rebellion, and was bombed by the Nazis in WWII.
Montrose harbour is an important commercial port and has been for centuries. This has helped build the town up to what it is today.
You’ll find the Bamse and the Seafarer statues on Wharf Street, looking out to the harbour. Bamse was a much loved St Bernard dog on a Norwegian ship stationed in Montrose/Dundee during WWII. He would round up his crew from the local pubs and make sure they all got back safely. Bamse died in Montrose and was buried with full military honours in the sand dunes on the banks of the river.
What to do in Montrose, Scotland
There’s a lot on offer in this town, good rainy day activities and loads of nice open air experiences too! Here is everything you need to know about what to do in Montrose.
House of Dun
The House of Dun is located just 4-miles west of Montrose. It’s a stunning Georgian mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland. We love coming here for walks as there are so many routes to take. There is a lovely cafe too, offering lunches and cuppys.
Montrose Beaches
Montrose Beach stretches 3-miles from the inlet of the River North Esk to the River South Esk. There is the Seafront Splash play park for the kids and a beach cafe. The sandy dunes have unfortunately suffered from coastal erosion but are still a fascinating sight along the beach.
South along the coast is Lunan bay beach, with a lovely cafe for you to stop for a cuppy or some lunch. Stand-up paddle boarding is available through Sup2Summit.
North of Montrose beach, on the other side of the River North Esk, is St Cyrus with its towering volcanic cliffs standing tall over the beach.
Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Scottish Wildlife Trust
Montrose Basin is home to thousands of birds. In the summer months you might be lucky enough to see osprey or a kingfisher. And in winter there is the amazing sight of around 20,000 migrating geese flock to the basin. The Basin is the largest inland salt water basin in the UK, approximately 3 miles in diameter. The visitor centre has loads on offer, including high-powered telescopes, four remote bird hides, and regular guided walks. It’s a great place to take the kids.
If you like long walks or have a bike with you, you can get all the way around the basin, along the River South Esk, to the Bridge of Dun and back into Montrose.
Montrose Air Station
The Air Station was established in 1913 and was the first operational military air station in the UK. The Heritage Centre is a great showcase of the air stations history featuring photographs, memorabilia and replica aircraft. Fun fact – during WWII, Montrose was a training base as well as an operational airfield. This is a great activity for families.
Montrose Museum and Art Gallery
The Montrose Museum and Art Gallery was built in 1842 and is a lovely neo-classical building, located across from Montrose Academy. It is one of Scotland’s first purpose built museums and you’ll be able to discover all about the local wildlife and see ancient artefacts found in Montrose and surrounding areas.
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse has been in operation for almost 150 years and still guides boats and ships today. You can walk to Scurdie Ness via Ferryden. You also get a superb view of it from the beachfront, it looks particularly amazing at sunrise and sunset.
Golf Links
The Montrose Golf Links have a rich history, with golf being played here since at least the early 16th century making it the fifth oldest course still in play in the world. The Montrose Golf Links comprises three courses: the Medal Course, the Broomfield Course, and the Short Course making the complex suitable for golfers of all skill levels and is open to both members and non-members. The course is set along the picturesque Angus coastline, providing breathtaking views of the North Sea. The coastal location can also make for challenging play due to the sea breeze. The clubhouse offers amenities including a pro shop, bar, and restaurant, allowing visitors to relax and socialize after a round of golf.
Angus Glens
The five Angus glens sit on the outskirts of the Cairngorms National Park and include 10 munros (mountains over 3,000 feet). They are Glen Esk, Glen Doll, Glen Clova, Glen Prosen and Glen Isla and are all within a 30-60 minute drive from Montrose. The glens are known for their stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Shopping in Montrose
Montrose has one of the widest High Streets in Scotland and although it has its fair share of charity shops, like all British towns these days, there are a few independent retailers worth checking out. The standout, iconic feature in the High Street is the 220ft (67m) steeple of Old and St Andrews Church which was built between 1832 and 1834. As you walk around, look out for all the closes (alleys) off the High Street and the beautiful houses and gardens that sit behind.
If you’re looking for clothes, No 10 Boutique and Chique Boutique have a great range of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. For gifts, jewellery and Scottish souvenirs, there’s Buth Tabhartas (Gaelic for gift shop), Highland Scene and a new Scottish gift shop on George Street.
For the kids there are a few sweet and ice cream shops on offer! Scoops of Moo and Rosie’s Sweet Shop is on the High Street, and Megs is on Murray Street. Great to go on a summers evening or to get some nice sweets before the cinema! If you’re looking for kids clothing there’s the Children’s Boutique on John Street.
Montrose also has a few chain stores such as Peacocks, M&Co, Home Bargains and Argos.
Where to eat
Montrose has a lot of good food on offer! If you’re after a cuppy on the High Street, the Coffee House is a favourite. The Pavilion Cafe is also lovely, located next to the Town Hall and Academy. Charleton Farm is on the outskirts of Montrose and is great for a cuppy or lunch. See my Cuppy of the Week from Charleton Farm.
Candy’s is a favourite among locals, offering amazing salad boxes and sandwiches, soup, stovies, and a selection of traybakes.
For a nice meal out in Montrose there’s a choice of worldly cuisine! Roos Leap has a large Australian inspired menu, with a great wine list and is a popular restaurant in the town. Ma Yom Thai has a warm, intimate setting and the food is absolutely delicious.
How to get to Montrose, Angus
Montrose is located almost exactly halfway between Aberdeen and Dundee. Montrose train station has regular services running north and south and is on the main Aberdeen – London line. Since we’re all about the history – Montrose train station was established in 1850. Aberdeen Airport is the closest airport to Montrose.
There are bus routes to the nearby villages. It’s easy to get to by car as it’s just off the A90 dual carriageway. There is plenty of parking, free and paid around the town. Be sure to watch out for the 30 minute spots in most High Streets in Scotland!
Jacobite history in Montrose
There was a castle on the south end of the High Street (Castle Street) and in 1297 the castle, which was manned by an English garrison, was destroyed by William Wallace.
The final chapter of the ill-fated 1715 Jacobite rebellion was also played out in Montrose. Towards the end of the uprising (which had lasted nearly six months, from September 1715 to February 1716) James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender; formerly James, Prince of Wales) arrived in Montrose, where he spent his last night in Scotland, on 4 February 1716. He sailed from Montrose to exile in France. The town was held for his son, Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie; the Young Pretender), 30 years later and in February 1746 the largest naval battle of the war was fought in Montrose Harbour.