
Hospitalfield House and Garden
A historic Arts & Crafts house and a stunning contemporary garden, fostering art, learning, and community.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, ideal for garden strolls

Hospitalfield House and Garden
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, ideal for garden strolls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Arts & Crafts house and a stunning contemporary garden, fostering art, learning, and community.
"Spectacular food at the cafe, beautiful building and gardens, great friendly service."

🎯 Check House Tour Times
House access is via guided tours on specific days. Book ahead or check the schedule to avoid disappointment!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Garden
Bring your furry friends! The gardens are dog-friendly, but they might need to be on a lead.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nigel Dunnett's Arts Garden
Walled Garden
A contemporary masterpiece with vibrant, pollinator-friendly planting. Feels new and a bit wild, yet beautifully executed.

The Fernery
Garden
A unique and historic fernery, one of the last of its kind. A lush, green escape that transports you to another time.

Arts & Crafts House Architecture
Hospitalfield House
An inspiring early Arts & Crafts Scottish Baronial country house with a rich artistic legacy. Offers a glimpse into the past.

The Cafe Experience
Cafe
Spectacular food, friendly service, and delicious cakes and scones. A perfect spot for lunch or a treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Delights & House Tours
Cafe & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check House Tour Times
House access is via guided tours on specific days. Book ahead or check the schedule to avoid disappointment!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Garden
Bring your furry friends! The gardens are dog-friendly, but they might need to be on a lead.
🍰 Delicious Cafe Treats
Don't miss the cafe! Reviews rave about the spectacular food, cakes, and scones. Great for lunch or afternoon tea.
📸 Garden Photo Ops
The garden, especially Nigel Dunnett's design and the Fernery, offers stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check House Tour Times
House access is via guided tours on specific days. Book ahead or check the schedule to avoid disappointment!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Garden
Bring your furry friends! The gardens are dog-friendly, but they might need to be on a lead.
🍰 Delicious Cafe Treats
Don't miss the cafe! Reviews rave about the spectacular food, cakes, and scones. Great for lunch or afternoon tea.
📸 Garden Photo Ops
The garden, especially Nigel Dunnett's design and the Fernery, offers stunning photo opportunities.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking on-site, so no need to worry about finding a spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hospitalfield House and Garden for its exceptional beauty and welcoming atmosphere. The gardens, particularly Nigel Dunnett's contemporary design and the historic Fernery, are a major draw, alongside the delicious offerings at the cafe. While the house tours are limited, they are highly recommended for those interested in its rich artistic and architectural history.
"What a lovely place. The gardens and cafe are exceptional and highly recommended. We were made very welcome.
We will definitely be back to tour the house. The architecture and atmosphere takes you back to a different time. So relaxing. Arbroath is very fortunate to have this place."
Chris Wilson
"Absolutely delightful! Much better than visiting a museum or art gallery. And the food was delicious too. Catered for gluten free very well."
Kym McCormick
"Lovely garden Limited access to the house: tour on certain days and time (can’t remember when). Good cafe, dog friendly outside gets busy, you can book"
Chris Blakeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hospitalfield House and Garden is located in Arbroath, Angus. If driving, there is ample parking available on-site. For public transport, you can take a train to Arbroath station and then it's a short taxi ride or a longer walk to the house.
Yes, you can reach Arbroath by train. From Arbroath station, it's a few miles to Hospitalfield. Local bus services might also be an option, but checking local timetables is recommended.
Many visitors travel from Dundee. Driving is the most convenient, taking approximately 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Dundee to Arbroath.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The walled garden is typically open Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. House tours have specific days and times, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information.
There is a modest ticket price for visitors to the garden. House tours may have a separate or included fee. Check their website for the latest admission prices.
Access to the house is primarily through guided tours on specific days and times. It's recommended to book these in advance or confirm the schedule.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets or tours in advance is advisable, especially during peak season or for specific house tours, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
Yes, there is a modest entrance fee for the garden. This helps support the ongoing maintenance and artistic programs at Hospitalfield.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautiful walled garden, including Nigel Dunnett's contemporary arts garden and the historic Fernery. Guided tours of the Arts & Crafts house offer insights into its history and artistic legacy. The cafe is also a popular spot.
Yes, the gardens are dog-friendly, making it a great place to visit with your pet. However, dogs may need to be kept on a lead.
While there aren't specific children's play areas, the gardens offer space to explore, and the visual appeal of the house and grounds can be engaging for older children interested in art and history.
Hospitalfield is a contemporary arts centre that supports artists. You might encounter exhibitions or residencies, and the house itself is a work of art with its Arts & Crafts architecture.
Photography is generally permitted in the gardens and public areas for personal use. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, you may need to seek permission.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hospitalfield has a highly-rated cafe serving delicious food, including lunch, tea, cakes, and scones. They are known for catering well to dietary requirements like gluten-free.
Absolutely! The cafe is a popular spot for lunch, with visitors praising the 'spectacular food' and 'pretty and delicious' meals.
While specific menus can change, the cafe is known for being accommodating to dietary needs, so it's likely they offer vegetarian and potentially vegan options. It's always best to inquire directly.
Yes, the cafe is well-regarded for its cakes and scones, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon tea experience.
The cafe is dog-friendly for outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy refreshments with your pet by your side.
📸 📸 Photography
The contemporary arts garden by Nigel Dunnett is a prime spot for vibrant, textural photography. The historic Fernery offers unique, atmospheric shots. The Arts & Crafts architecture of the house also provides excellent photographic opportunities.
For personal photography, tripods are usually permitted. However, for professional or commercial photography, it's best to contact Hospitalfield in advance to confirm their policy and potentially arrange permissions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and any specific areas where photography might be restricted, such as during private events or within certain parts of the house tour.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both landscapes and architectural details. A macro lens can be useful for the intricate planting in the garden. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for the house interiors.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful, soft light for photographing the gardens and house. Overcast days can also be excellent for capturing the lush greens of the garden without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Lovers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision Behind the Garden
The garden's design is deeply connected to Hospitalfield's mission as a contemporary arts centre. It serves as an inspiration for artists and a space for creative exploration. The planting is designed to be resilient and beautiful throughout the seasons, reflecting a modern approach to garden design that values ecological principles alongside aesthetics. Visitors often remark on the abundance of flowers and the busy activity of bees and other insects, highlighting the garden's success in supporting local biodiversity.
Beyond Dunnett's contemporary vision, the grounds also feature historic elements like the unique Fernery, described as one of the last of its kind. This adds another layer of historical and horticultural interest, offering a contrast to the modern garden design and providing a cool, verdant retreat.
A Legacy of Art and Hospitality
The house has a rich history of hosting artists, including many Scottish Modern Painters in its early days. This legacy continues today, with Hospitalfield functioning as a contemporary arts centre that provides residencies and opportunities for artists to develop their work. Visitors can experience this artistic spirit through tours of the house, which reveal its architectural beauty and the stories of the artists who have passed through its doors. The blend of historic architecture and contemporary artistic endeavor creates a unique and compelling visitor experience.
The commitment to hospitality is evident not only in the artistic programs but also in the welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The on-site cafe is frequently praised for its delicious food and friendly service, making it a perfect complement to exploring the house and gardens. This dedication to providing a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone is a cornerstone of Hospitalfield's enduring appeal.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit