Arbroath in the County of Angus is the place to visit if you like your seaside port towns mixed with a bit of historical significance. It is a town that has thrived throughout history as the base for importing and exporting all the goods the people in the county needs. No matter which industry thrived at the time – be it flax, jute, steel or iron – all of it had to go through their port. It also has a bit of significance to it where both Scottish and sporting history is concerned and for a culinary delicacy of sorts! Bet this has piqued your interest. Well read on and be curious no more!
The Declaration Of Arbroath
When It comes to historical significance not many Scottish events in the Middle Ages compare to the fabled Declaration of Arbroath! is a letter that was written in 1320 from the nobles of Scotland to the Pope. The letter asked if Robert the Bruce could be made the lawful king of an independent Scotland. The town of Arbroath is a little less complicated and actually a really friendly place.
Arbroath F.C. v Bon Accord 12 September 1885
So besides being a historic centre of mass rebellion that likes to eat fish – what else goes on in Arbroath? Their football team actually hold the world record for the most goals scored in a single match. It was 36. It was also in 1885.
The Famous Arbroath Smokie
The town is also famous around Scotland for the Arbroath Smokie. This type of smoked haddock is only made in this one town. You can find it on cold, frosty nights, at various celebrations across Scotland. Anywhere where the addition of hot food is needed you will find the Smokie. It is the Scottish version of the English pie.
A Bit of History
There is evidence of a settlement here as far back as the Iron age. This was radiocarbon dated to around 3500 BC. Arbroath is old, historically full of rich information, and still sports the ruins of Arbroath Abbey, founded in 1178 by William of Lion. If you came to Scotland for a taste of history, every step you take in this town covers generations of it.
As to clans of Arbroath; the Ogilvies, the Gordons and the Forbes are abundant here. The Crawfords, the Lindsays and the other lowlanders have also made their mark. It is a curious, half-way point in the land where a confluence of all clans came; or remained after the Battle of Arbroath.
So besides the multiple generations of insanely violent history, a world-record-holding football team, a love of smoked haddock, and a Declaration that changed the course of history – what is there to do in modern-day Arbroath?
We took the five minutes to put together a tour of Arbroath… come and learn what the best things to do are in town.
The Best Arbroath Attractions
What are our favourite things to do in this coastal masterpiece? We listed our best things to do in Arbroath below.
Arbroath Abbey
You can’t come to Arbroath without visiting the Abbey. We mentioned it above so we won’t describe it again – but do visit. The Abbey is where the Declaration was signed and sent from. It is well preserved and Historic Scotland could really use tourism money to keep on top of these things.
St Vigeans Museum
It’s really hard to escape the history lessons that are everywhere in Arbroath. This little cottage museum is home to some of the oldest sculptured stones in Britain. Pictish and Medieval works of art are housed here. There are 38 internationally important stones kept here. It’s worth the eager ticket price for access to the past.
Kerr’s Miniature Railway
Looking for something to do in Arbroath with the kids? Kerr’s Miniature Railway is the perfect alternative way to inject their little brains with history. It has been operational since 1935 and runs along the sea front. You can find it every tourist season running a variety of vehicles around the area. It is volunteer-run as a labour of love – so if you live locally and need to get out more – go help out!
As an aside; Kerr’s miniature railway runs through the West Links Park. This is a lovely play area for the kiddies that includes adventure areas as well as flat play areas for sports and games.
Arbroath Harbour
Whether you are rich enough to own a bota or not – the harbour is a great place to pass time. From boat watching to engaging in the morning fish market – this is where it happens. Trawlers come and go from this port, goods are both imported and exported. Some of the Caledonia ferries even stop here.
You can spend a full afternoon here in a sort of grandparent-grandchild-Werther’s-Original kind of way. It’s a nice place.
David’s Hill Alpacas
David’s Hill Alpacas are exactly what they sound like… alpacas, on a hill, that belong to David. This is a trekking and hillwalking experience with the added bonus of lovely, fluffy, cuddly, mostly tame, alpacas… have you ever felt alpaca fur? We have, and it’s exquisite!
Don’t panic either if you aren’t the most active or mobile of people. There is a meet and greet alpaca experience that will take much less effort. If you don’t do another thing today then follow the link to David’s site and smile at those big goofy faces. It always cheers us Scots up.
Other Notable Attractions in Arbroath
The top-rated thing to do in Arbroath on Trip Advisor is actually to take the coastal path walk. Walking from Arbroath to Auchmithie is free and enjoyable, Give it a shot! A second free thing to do in Arbroath is to wander down to Lunan Bay. This sandy stretch of seafront makes for a great place to soak up the sun in summer, find fossils in winter, and pick up plastic if you are feeling generous that day… Let’s Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Finally, you should go and see the signal tower museum, complete with a tour of a working 18th-century lighthouse. You don’t even need to climb it, you can just send the kids up all those stairs with a camera phone…
Got More Free Time?
If you have another spare few minutes then why not read about some of our other Scottish towns? Better yet: use it to learn about consumer rights or test your trivia. When you have Five Minute Spare on your side the opportunities are endless!
