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.
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.