Hospitalfield photo credit Louise Coupar
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Hospitalfield House and Garden

4.7
·243 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Flowers in bloom, ideal for garden strolls

CrowdLow
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Hospitalfield photo credit Louise Coupar

Hospitalfield House and Garden

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Flowers in bloom, ideal for garden strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(243 reviews)

"Spectacular food at the cafe, beautiful building and gardens, great friendly service."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nigel Dunnett's Arts Garden

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

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

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

The Cafe Experience

Cafe

Spectacular food, friendly service, and delicious cakes and scones. A perfect spot for lunch or a treat.

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Planning Your Visit

Garden Delights & House Tours

Explore the stunning contemporary arts garden designed by Nigel Dunnett and the historic Arts & Crafts house. Check tour times in advance, as house access is limited. The garden is a haven for pollinators and offers beautiful seasonal blooms.

Cafe & Accessibility

Enjoy delicious food at the cafe, which is dog-friendly outside and caters well for dietary needs. Parking is ample. While the gardens are generally accessible, house tours have specific schedules.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Flowers in bloom, ideal for garden strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Thursday - Sunday afternoons
Why
House tours available, cafe open
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Finally visited Hospitalfield House and Gardens in Arbroath, and it was amazing. The garden design by Nigel Dunnet was beautiful, and the tour of the house and artwork was inspiring. Great to see so many pollinators busying themselves around the flowers. #terraforas #landscapedesign #gardendesign #gardendesigneruk #gardeninspiration #gardening #garden
terra.foras
21 likes • 543 views

🎯 Check House Tour Times

House access is via guided tours on specific days. Book ahead or check the schedule to avoid disappointment! Instagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Garden

Bring your furry friends! The gardens are dog-friendly, but they might need to be on a lead. Reddit

Introducing Hospitalfield Arts and their work - the inspiration for, and partner of, The Hospitalfield Arts Garden at this year's #rhschelsea Supporting artists at crucial and pivotal points in their practice. The garden is generously funded by Project Giving Back. #projectgivingback #rhschelsea #gardendesign #landscapearchitecture #plantingdesign #arbroath
nigel.dunnett
3.5K likes • 38.6K views
Hospital Field House is in fact not haunted, but a stunning early Arts & Crafts Scottish Baronial country house, left in trust in 1890 to support artists. The house is situated in Arbroath, Angus and is a place to work, study, learn and visit. The walled garden is open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Visitors are asked to pay a modest ticket price for entry into the lower walled garden, excep...
lauraslens_scotland
431 likes • 14.1K views

🍰 Delicious Cafe Treats

Don't miss the cafe! Reviews rave about the spectacular food, cakes, and scones. Great for lunch or afternoon tea. Reddit+1

📸 Garden Photo Ops

The garden, especially Nigel Dunnett's design and the Fernery, offers stunning photo opportunities. Instagram+1

I started today a mini residency at @hospitalfield and in between art making and wandering in their beautiful garden I found myself lost in the old house and made a little tune... I was probably haunted by a ghost with a broken heart that inspired me to promptly write this and play an instrument I haven't played before: an old out of tune harp: I gave my heart to you I don't know what to do My ...
songs_and_illustrations
77 likes • 768 views

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! Instagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Garden

Bring your furry friends! The gardens are dog-friendly, but they might need to be on a lead. Reddit

🍰 Delicious Cafe Treats

Don't miss the cafe! Reviews rave about the spectacular food, cakes, and scones. Great for lunch or afternoon tea. Reddit+1

📸 Garden Photo Ops

The garden, especially Nigel Dunnett's design and the Fernery, offers stunning photo opportunities. Instagram+1

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking on-site, so no need to worry about finding a spot. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(243 reviews)

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

Beautiful gardens
Delicious cafe food
Friendly service

What People Dislike

Limited house tour access

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit+2

Absolutely! The cafe is a popular spot for lunch, with visitors praising the 'spectacular food' and 'pretty and delicious' meals. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

The cafe is dog-friendly for outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy refreshments with your pet by your side. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hospitalfield House and Garden offers a refreshing change of pace for families. While there aren't dedicated play areas, the expansive gardens provide ample space for children to explore and discover. The visual appeal of the historic house and the vibrant planting in Nigel Dunnett's garden can spark curiosity. Consider visiting on a day when the weather is pleasant to make the most of the outdoor spaces. The cafe is also a great spot for a family-friendly lunch or snack, with options that cater to various tastes. Reddit+1

🐶 Dog Lovers

For those traveling with their canine companions, Hospitalfield is a fantastic choice. The gardens are explicitly dog-friendly, allowing your pets to join you on your exploration. It's a wonderful opportunity for dogs to stretch their legs in a beautiful and safe environment. Remember to keep them on a lead where appropriate and always clean up after them. The outdoor seating at the cafe also means you can enjoy a treat with your dog nearby. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers

This destination is a dream for anyone passionate about art and horticulture. The contemporary arts garden by Nigel Dunnett is a highlight, showcasing innovative planting designs that are both visually stunning and ecologically minded. Instagram+1 Complementing this is the historic Arts & Crafts architecture of Hospitalfield House, which has a deep-rooted connection to artistic legacies. Instagram+1 Exploring the house offers insights into its past as an artist's hub, while the gardens provide a living canvas of horticultural artistry. The on-site cafe is also a perfect place to reflect on your visit over a delicious meal. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Vision Behind the Garden

Hospitalfield House and Garden is not just a beautiful space; it's a living testament to artistic innovation. The contemporary arts garden, designed by renowned garden designer Nigel Dunnett, is a key feature. Dunnett's approach emphasizes naturalistic planting, creating a dynamic and evolving landscape that teems with life, particularly pollinators. Instagram+1 This garden feels 'new and a bit weird' to some visitors, but its beauty lies in its bold planting choices and its harmonious integration with the historic surroundings. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

A Legacy of Art and Hospitality

Hospitalfield House itself is a significant piece of architectural and cultural history. Built as an early Arts & Crafts Scottish Baronial country house, it was left in trust in 1890 by Patrick Allan Fraser to support artists. Instagram+1 This generous bequest transformed the house into a vital centre for artistic practice, study, and learning, making it a unique destination for both visitors and resident artists. The atmosphere within the house is often described as transporting visitors 'back to a different time,' offering a sense of peace and inspiration. Reddit

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. Instagram+1 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. Reddit+2 This dedication to providing a welcoming and enriching experience for everyone is a cornerstone of Hospitalfield's enduring appeal.

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