House of Dun Montrose Scotland
Explore a grand 18th-century Georgian mansion, stunning gardens, and scenic woodlands with a rich family history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
House of Dun Montrose Scotland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a grand 18th-century Georgian mansion, stunning gardens, and scenic woodlands with a rich family history.
"The House of Dun offers a wonderful blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty."
🎯 Book House Tours Ahead
Guided house tours are essential and fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring extensive grounds and potentially climbing stairs. Comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Georgian Mansion Architecture
House of Dun
Admire William Adam's 18th-century Georgian masterpiece, a blend of baroque extravagance and natural beauty.
The Walled Gardens
Gardens
Explore the stunning walled gardens, bursting with flowering plants and offering a peaceful escape.
Woodland Walks & Wildlife
Estate Grounds
Wander through scenic woodland trails, keeping an eye out for Highland cows and other wildlife.
+1
Erskine Family History
House Interior
Discover the rich history of the Erskine family, who lived here for centuries, through fascinating tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your House Tour in Advance
Navigate with Care
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book House Tours Ahead
Guided house tours are essential and fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring extensive grounds and potentially climbing stairs. Comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Use Official Directions
Avoid Google Maps detours; follow signs for House of Dun to prevent ending up on farm tracks. :world_map:
☕ Cafe Caters to Diets
The cafe offers excellent food and drink, even accommodating gluten-free needs. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book House Tours Ahead
Guided house tours are essential and fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring extensive grounds and potentially climbing stairs. Comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Use Official Directions
Avoid Google Maps detours; follow signs for House of Dun to prevent ending up on farm tracks. :world_map:
☕ Cafe Caters to Diets
The cafe offers excellent food and drink, even accommodating gluten-free needs. :coffee:
📸 Capture the Symmetry
The Georgian architecture offers stunning symmetry, perfect for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the House of Dun for its beautiful Georgian architecture, engaging guided tours, and stunning gardens. The knowledgeable and entertaining guides, along with the friendly staff and pleasant cafe, contribute to a highly recommended experience. Some minor points of feedback include the need to book tours in advance and potential navigation issues with GPS.
"Had a wonderful short break in the North Stables apartment at House of Dunn. The accomodation was well furnished and lovely and warm and I'd recommend a stay there but only if you can handle the 20 stairs up to the apartment 🙂
While there we explored the wonderful gardens and managed to join a tour of the fantastic house. The guide was entertaining and very knowledgeable and managed to answer a variety of questions relating to the history of the property. Well worth a visit. There is also a cafe and they even catered for my gluten free requirements."
James Gilmour
"This place is amazing. The walled gardens are incredible. The Tour Guide, Colin, was so entertaining and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend booking in advance to explore the house, which is by guided tour. There is ample parking. The cafe serves some excellent food and drink at very reasonable prices ."
Peter Stevens
"Lovely place. Beautiful NTS house and lovely grounds. Nice cafe and all the staff were friendly and helpful. The 3.30pm tourguide was very knowledgeable."
tiger feet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House of Dun is located near Montrose, Scotland. While Google Maps can sometimes be unreliable, it's best to use the official address or follow road signs for the National Trust for Scotland property. Ample parking is available on-site.
Information on direct public transport links can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from Montrose if you are not driving.
Visitors have reported issues with Google Maps leading them astray. It's recommended to use the official address or look for signage directing you to the National Trust for Scotland site to ensure you arrive correctly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, house tours are by guided visit only and booking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, as they can fill up quickly.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust for Scotland website for the most up-to-date information on opening times for the house, gardens, and estate.
Entry to the grounds and gardens is often free for National Trust for Scotland members. Non-members may need to pay an admission fee for house tours and potentially for access to the grounds. Check the NTS website for current pricing.
The house itself is only accessible via guided tours. However, the extensive gardens and estate grounds are generally open for exploration without a tour.
National Trust for Scotland members typically receive free entry. Look for potential family tickets or group discounts on the NTS website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Georgian mansion, explore the beautiful walled gardens, walk through the woodlands, and spot Highland cows. There's also a cafe and playpark.
Absolutely! The walled gardens are a highlight, featuring abundant flowering plants and offering a serene atmosphere.
Yes, the estate offers a playpark, woodland walks, and children's trails, making it a great day out for families.
Photography is generally permitted in the grounds and gardens. Inside the house, check with your guide about any restrictions on photography.
Keep an eye out for the resident Highland cows, which are a popular attraction. The woodlands also offer opportunities for birdwatching.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves food and drinks. They are known to cater to dietary requirements, including gluten-free options.
The cafe offers a selection of food and drinks at reasonable prices, with positive mentions of their offerings.
While there's a cafe, picnicking in designated areas might be possible. It's best to check with the venue directly for their policy on outside food.
📸 📸 Photography
The symmetrical Georgian architecture of the house, the vibrant walled gardens, and the scenic woodland paths offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography rules inside historic houses can vary. It's advisable to ask your tour guide for permission before taking photos within the mansion.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful effects on the architecture and gardens. Consider the weather for dramatic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Children can enjoy a dedicated children's trail and the excitement of spotting the resident Highland cows. The guided house tours, while informative, are also designed to be engaging, and the friendly staff are often happy to answer questions from younger visitors. The cafe also caters well to families, with options that appeal to children. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 The guided tours offer deep dives into the Erskine family history, their connections to Jacobite movements, and even royal links. 🌿 Nature Lovers & Garden Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including the charming Highland cows, which add an extra layer of appeal for nature lovers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Gem: William Adam's Design
+1 Adam's design masterfully blends baroque extravagance with a sense of informality and comfort, creating a home that is both grand and welcoming. The house is celebrated for its perfect symmetry and the meticulous attention to detail evident in its construction and interiors. Visitors often remark on the house's striking appearance, noting its elegant proportions and the way it sits harmoniously within its natural surroundings. The interiors showcase a wealth of artworks, documents, and historic household items, offering a tangible connection to the Erskine family's long history.
The informality in spite of its beauty is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, suggesting that the House of Dun feels like a lived-in home rather than a sterile museum. This approachable atmosphere, combined with the architectural brilliance, makes for a truly memorable visit.
Exploring the Grounds: Gardens, Woodlands, and Wildlife
The woodland walks are another significant draw, offering a chance to immerse yourself in nature. These trails provide scenic routes with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Notably, the estate is home to Highland cows, which are a charming and popular attraction for visitors, especially families.
+1 The combination of manicured gardens and wilder woodlands ensures there's something for every nature enthusiast. These grounds are not just for strolling; they are an integral part of the House of Dun experience, offering a beautiful natural counterpoint to the architectural grandeur of the mansion. Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk or a chance to encounter Scottish wildlife, the estate grounds deliver.
The Erskine Legacy and Historical Significance
The current mansion, built for David Erskine, the 13th Laird, represents a significant shift from their earlier medieval dwelling, reflecting a desire for greater comfort and a more fashionable lifestyle. +1 The family's deep roots in the region and their involvement in Scottish history are palpable throughout the house. Visitors can explore a fabulous stock of documents and artworks dating back to the 14th century, offering a rich tapestry of the family's lineage and influence.
The transition of the House of Dun to the National Trust for Scotland in the 1980s ensured its preservation for future generations.
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