Redwings Horse Sanctuary Mountain

Milton of Ogil, Glenogil, Forfar, Dundee and Angus, DD8 3SQ, Scotland
1-90 Years

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Forfar? Redwings Mountains offers a brilliant family day out at a popular Scottish horse sanctuary and rescue centre. This outdoor animal attraction lets children and adults encounter rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, set within the scenic landscape of Angus.

General admission to the sanctuary is entirely free of charge, welcoming donations to support ongoing animal welfare work. The centre features accessible walking routes, an on-site nosebag café, and a gift shop structured across various visitor areas.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines educational animal interactions with wide-open rural spaces, this Angus destination delivers a wonderful experience. Its friendly resident animals, informative keeper talks, and welcoming visitor facilities make it a top choice for local parents and animal lovers.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Rescued Equine Collection: Home to dozens of rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules, providing an educational day out focused on animal welfare.
  • Accessible Walking Trails: Smooth paths covering the sanctuary site, ensuring easy navigation for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
  • Adoption Star Meet-and-Greets: Special opportunities for children to meet famous resident animals featured in the charity's national adoption scheme.
  • Outdoor Picnic Areas: Designated green spaces allowing families to enjoy packed lunches surrounded by nature.

Top 5 Highlights

  • The Adoption Star Paddocks: Meet the sanctuary's most famous residents face-to-face, offering endless excitement for young children visiting their favorite sponsored characters.
  • The Stable Yards: Walk past traditional stable blocks to watch daily care routines and see ponies interacting closely with their expert handlers.
  • The Shetland Corner: Observe adorable, small-sized Shetland ponies grazing and playing, which is always a firm favorite for toddlers and younger kids.
  • The Nature and Wildlife Trail: Explore the scenic perimeter paths designed to showcase local Scottish wildlife alongside the sanctuary's pasture fields.
  • The Visitor and Information Centre: Discover interactive display boards and educational exhibits designed to teach kids about responsible horse care and rescue operations.

Facilities

  • Luggage Storage: Not available on-site; visitors should carry personal belongings.
  • Toilets & Changing Facilities: Standard public restrooms and baby-changing amenities are located near the visitor centre.
  • Food Options: On-site nosebag café serving hot drinks, cold refreshments, and snacks, alongside outdoor picnic benches.
  • Buggy Parking: Pushchairs can be taken throughout the main surfaced paths easily.

Pro-Tips:

  • Wear Sturdy Footwear: Rural walking paths can get muddy after Scottish rain, so practical shoes or trainers are recommended.
  • Check Event Schedules: Arrive early or check the daily board for special seasonal events and pony grooming demonstrations.
  • Bring a Picnic: Utilize the outdoor picnic benches to enjoy lunch surrounded by the resident rescue animals.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers love seeing the friendly ponies and Shetlands up close, making it a gentle, low-stress outdoor wildlife trip for young children.
  • How long does a visit take? A standard visit takes between 2 to 3 hours, giving families plenty of time to explore the paddocks, visit the gift shop, and relax at the café.
  • Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the dedicated free visitor car park located right next to the main sanctuary entrance and reception area.
  • How much does entry cost? General entry to Redwings Mountains is completely free of charge, though donations are warmly welcomed to support the charity's rescue work.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

  • Forfar Loch Country Park: Scenic lakeside park nearby featuring walking trails and playgrounds.
  • Glamis Castle: Historic local family attraction situated a short drive away.
  • Bridgend of Lintrathen: Picturesque local nature spots ideal for extended family walks.

What Visitors Love:

  • Parents praise the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the knowledgeable and passionate sanctuary staff.
  • Free general admission makes it an exceptionally cost-effective day out for families on a budget.
  • The opportunity to see rescued horses living in peaceful, safe conditions provides a heartwarming experience for children.
  • Clean facilities and manageable walking distances prevent younger kids from getting exhausted.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Food options at the cafe are limited to light snacks and drinks rather than full hot restaurant meals.
  • Public transport options directly to the rural gates are limited, making car travel much more practical.
  • Certain pasture areas can experience weather-dependent closures during heavy winter seasons.

Attractions and Experiences:

  • Main Visitor Centre: Welcome hub featuring information desks and historical displays.
  • Adoption Star Paddocks: Viewing zones housing prominent rescue horses and donkeys.
  • Pony Paddock Loop: Accessible walking trail circling the primary grazing fields.
  • Stable Block Display Areas: Close-up viewing points for daily care routines.
  • Nosebag Café: On-site rest stop offering hot drinks, snacks, and light bites.
  • Souvenir and Gift Shop: Retail shop stocked with branded merchandise and local products.
  • Outdoor Picnic Lawns: Grass areas outfitted with tables for family lunch breaks.
  • Educational Signage Boards: Interactive zones explaining equine rehabilitation.
  • Equine Care Demonstration Paddock: Open space utilized for seasonal visitor talks.
  • Sanctuary Perimeter Walk: Extended rural trail connecting visitors to wider Angus views.

New for 2026:

  • Expanded Digital Accessibility Maps: Updated digital guides to help families navigate the sanctuary grounds more easily.
  • Refreshed Educational Signage: New interactive boards detailing individual rescue stories and animal health care.
  • Enhanced Path Upgrades: Improved surface dressing across main visitor corridors for smoother pushchair journeys.

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Information: Redwings Mountains focuses primarily on daily public visits and educational outreach rather than private birthday party packages.
  • Inquiries: For specialized group or school educational visits, contact the charity team directly through their central channels.
  • Redwings Mountains is currently open only for private visits on Mondays and Fridays.
  • During open days, Redwings Mountains is open from 10.30am to 4pm, with last entry to paddock walks at 3pm.

Address: Milton of Ogil, Glenogil, Forfar, Dundee and Angus, DD8 3SQ, Scotland

Post Code: DD8 3SQ

Council: Angus

County: Dundee and Angus

  • By Train: Arbroath or Dundee railway stations are located within a reasonable driving distance, requiring a taxi connection.
  • By Bus: Local regional bus services operate near Forfar, though a short local taxi ride is usually required to reach the sanctuary gates.
  • By Car: Located off the main regional routes near Forfar in Angus, Scotland (postcode DD8 3RG).
  • Car Parking: Dedicated free visitor parking spaces are available directly on-site for cars and family vehicles.

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