Things to do in Forfar
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Forfar
Glamis Castle
Forfar · 7.4 km from downtown
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands majestically on the volcanic cliffs above the Royal Mile, guarding Scotland for centuries—it once served as a royal residence, military fortress, and prison. Today, you can stand at the exact spot where the One O'Clock Gun fires, stroll through St. Margaret's Chapel, and explore the National War Museum on the west side, which showcases centuries of Scottish military history through uniforms, medals, and weapons, alongside the Crown Jewels displayed beside the Stone of Destiny. The castle esplanade echoes with the sound of bagpipes, the Crown's history predates the Act of Union, and the breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth stretch out before you. This historic British landmark still commands awe from people across the island.Edinburgh · 79.6 km from Forfar
Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.Edinburgh · 79.4 km from Forfar
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.Edinburgh · 78.8 km from Forfar
Aberlemno Pictish Stones
Forfar · 8.5 km from downtown
St Andrews Cathedral
St. Andrews Cathedral is one of the most magnificent medieval buildings in Scotland. The cathedral was built earlier in 1160 and was the focus of pilgrimage until 1559. However, during the Religious Reformation, it was looted, leaving only the ruins in front of it. From the surviving remains today, you can still feel the grand scale of the church back then. The church's museum houses a large collection of medieval sculptures, as well as Celtic crosses and tombstones found on the site at that time. The nearby St. Regulus Church now only has the tower StRule'sTower, and the ancient tower overlooks the panoramic view of St. Andrews.St Andrews · 34.4 km from Forfar
Windermere
Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and is located in the southern end of the Lake District. Its 13 miles long glacial valley runs through the Khumbelian Mountains and offers picturesque scenery of mountains, lakes, and villages. The best season to visit is spring and summer, with activities such as boating, hiking, and cycling available. Windermere town serves as the distribution center, and visitors can pick up maps and brochures at the visitor information center. Boat tours and rentals are popular activities where visitors can also visit the Lake District Aquarium and see different aquatic life. Hiking routes are available for tourists who prefer outdoor activities. Lake Windermere is also home to many animals, including swans. The famous children's writer Beatrix Potter was inspired by the fairy tale world of Peter Rabbit, and visitors can go to Peter Rabbit World, a museum that showcases the story's interesting scenes, to meet Peter Rabbit and his friends. Downstairs is a tea room where visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.United Kingdom · South Lakeland District
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a high vantage point overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, dotted with several neoclassical memorial buildings. Take a walk along the summit trail, and from the top, looking west, you can take in the entire cityscape, with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing in the distance, the vast waters of the Firth of Forth visible to the north, and buildings such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the south. A prominent feature on the summit is the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, and today only a row of massive columns supporting a beam remains. The nearby Nelson Monument was built in the early 19th century and features a time ball on top, which drops promptly every afternoon. It was originally a signaling device set up to calibrate time for ships in the Port of Leith. Not far away is the Dugald Stewart Monument, with several stone columns supporting a circular dome. Its elegant design makes it a classic foreground for photographing the Edinburgh skyline.Edinburgh · 78.7 km from Forfar
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands encompass the majestic mountains and valleys of Great Britain. The region is sparsely populated, with vast stretches of wilderness maintaining a raw and desolate appearance. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, stands in the heart of the Highlands. Its summit is shrouded in mist year-round, and the weather is changeable, attracting many hikers to climb it. The Great Glen divides the Highlands into two, with the Grampian Mountains and the Northwest Highlands on either side, and the area is dotted with numerous lakes and valleys. Glen Coe is famous for its jagged peaks and wild, desolate moors, making it one of the iconic landscapes of the Highlands. Driving along the A82 road, you can see The Three Sisters rising abruptly. Loch Ness is hidden deep in the Great Glen, with the ruins of Urquhart Castle standing quietly on the shore. The Highlands also preserve Scottish Gaelic cultural traditions and whisky distilling techniques, and many distilleries along the route offer tastings of single malt whisky. Driving along wild roads, strolling along mountain trails, visiting ancient castles and lakes, or touring whisky distilleries are all popular local experiences.United Kingdom · Fort Augustus
Pitmuies Gardens
Forfar · 11.2 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Forfar
Featured Food & drink in Forfar
View all Food & drink
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMXN1,157.42
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN1,142.85MXN1,203
4.8/5
· 3.3k reviews· 288 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95% of travelers recommend
FromMXN1,221.81
4.9/5
· 707 reviews· 34 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
99% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN583.15MXN613.85
Featured Cultural experiences in Forfar
View all Cultural experiences
4.4/5
· 1.1k reviews· 54 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromMXN498.78
113 booked
Free cancellation
81 travelers saved
FromMXN1,727.48
5.0/5
· 1 review· 23 bookedBook now for today
FromMXN270.4
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
FromMXN2,052.15
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN132.64MXN165.81
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
FromMXN207.53
Featured Day tours in Forfar
View all Day tours![[Optional 12h Chinese/English private charter] Edinburgh round-trip + Glamis Castle + St. Andrews](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351j12000sh7zb1yED4E_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
FromMXN13,790.43
FromMXN2,435.22
FromMXN1,614.36
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
FromMXN2,380.5
Featured Outdoor experiences in Forfar
View all Outdoor experiences
5.0/5
· 3 reviewsFree cancellation
FromMXN1,614.36
FromMXN2,134.24
FromMXN1,942.7
FromMXN2,435.22
Free things to do in Forfar
Glamis Castle
Forfar · 7.4 km from downtownEdinburgh Castle
Edinburgh · 79.6 km from ForfarEdinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh · 79.4 km from ForfarPalace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh · 78.8 km from ForfarAberlemno Pictish Stones
Forfar · 8.5 km from downtownSt Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews · 34.4 km from ForfarWindermere
United Kingdom · South Lakeland DistrictCalton Hill
Edinburgh · 78.7 km from ForfarScottish Highlands
United Kingdom · Fort AugustusPitmuies Gardens
Forfar · 11.2 km from downtown
What travelers say about Forfar
M54***71October 8, 2026
5.0
The magnificent castle embodies the history, culture, and glory of Scotland. The visitor pathways and signage were well-organized, and there was even an audio guide in Mandarin, which allowed tourists like us who don't speak English to gain a deeper understanding of the castle. The staff at the visitor center were warm and attentive, and the police officers in the square outside the castle were friendly and responsible, helping me find my lost wife.
Edinburgh Castle
M AhemMay 3, 2025
5.0
Awesome place! Had an amazing experience—highly recommended for everyone to visit!
Edinburgh Old Town
Anonymous userSeptember 24, 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
西溪老翁April 11, 2021
5.0
St. Andrews Cathedral was once known as the greatest building in medieval Scotland. Due to wars and the invasion of time, there are only ruins left here. Only some broken walls allow us to vaguely see the splendor of hundreds of years ago. The two spires of the church ruins have become the landmark of St. Andrew. Although it is a relic, it is backed by the North Sea and has a beautiful scenery.
St Andrews Cathedral
Dreamer2002September 17, 2026
5.0
Windermere is such a beautiful place to visit, surrounded by peaceful scenery and incredible views. Walking near the lake was especially relaxing, and there are plenty of lovely spots to stop and enjoy the landscape. I’d recommend taking a boat trip if you have time, as it gives you a completely different view of the area. A wonderful destination for a relaxing day in the Lake District. 🌿⛵🏞️
Windermere
苏河家园July 14, 2025
5.0
卡尔顿山是爱丁堡标志性景点，其以新古典主义建筑群、360度城市全景和丰富的文化活动而闻名。设计灵感以雅典帕特农神庙为蓝本，山顶上希腊式立柱恢宏雄伟，像一座被时光凝固的神庙骨架，静静守护着爱丁堡。
Calton Hill
jackyauJanuary 31, 2023
5.0
I traveled to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in early January. I saw that the souvenirs from the same tour had the appearance of this cow, so I searched where I could see the real thing!
This highland cow is really cute
The long hair covers both eyes, Taiwanese also call it "Jay Cow" 😂😂
Scottish Highlands
