10 Things to Do in Montrose That You Shouldn't Miss

NOVEMBER to MARCH - OPEN SATURDAY 10am-4pm and SUNDAY 12-4pm (weather permitting). Children get FREE ENTRY - must be supervised by an adult at all times. Britain's first operational military air station was established in Montrose by the Royal Flying Corps in 1913. The heritage centre's collection of photographs and artefacts tell the story of RFC/RAF Montrose and the men and women who served here through two world wars. The award-winning heritage centre is an accredited museum run entirely by volunteers and was proud to receive The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2014.

This beautiful Georgian house was built in the 18th century for David Erskine, a judge of the Scottish Court of Session. House of Dun is just 3 miles from Montrose and its picturesque unspoilt Beaches and around 45 minutes’ drive from Aberdeen. Set amongst the splendid Victorian Gardens and woodlands, this elegant home has a truly spectacular setting. The house sits in its own formal Gardens with parkland and woodland beyond. You can explore and enjoy the Victorian walled garden and wooded den, before venturing further afield to the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. We have moved away from the traditional tour where we would be describing in detail the family, house and collection, our tour now centres on the key players in the history of the house, and the part they played. There will be many opportunities during the tour to discover for yourself the architecture and hidden gems within the house. The first tour starts at 10.45 and thereafter every 45 minutes, the last tour is 3.15pm During April, May, June and September the last Sunday of each month we open the house to freeflow, where you can visit the house and at your leisure take time to enjoy the marvelous collection of ceramics, needlework, plasterwork, artwork and of course grand architecture In July and August every Sunday is freeflow. What to See and Do You’ll hear about the trials and tribulations faced by William Adam in designing and building the house, discover the ornate plasterwork – originally the work of Joseph Enzer, who had made a name for himself with decorative plasterwork in a number of grand Scottish houses – and unearth eccentric period equipment such as the ‘boot bath’ from the 1800s. However, a visit to the House of Dun is about more than just the house. To the east of the house is a rectangular walled garden and there are more Gardens to the south, separated from the surrounding countryside by a ha-ha, a vertical drop intended to allow for open views while keeping the sheep out.

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.

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.

A family home with lovely Gardens. Open to the public at advertised times. We welcome groups througout the year by prior appointment.

Formerly the studio of sculptor William Lamb, this museum was paid for by the commission the artist received for his sculptures of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.