Other things to see and do in Arbroath whilst visiting include the Seafront Spectacular in the summer, which features an air show and the Seafest. Seafest is a celebration of Arbroath’s seafaring heritage. For one weekend a year stalls and amusements line the harbour front, music is played and children’s games take place. There is even a karaoke stall!

Arbroath in Angus makes for a great destination for family UK summer holidays or if you prefer the weather a bit more wild a shorter October half term break!

One thing not to be missed while in Arbroath is a visit or two to the traditional sweet shop, Sugar and Spice, near the seafront. The shop, which was once an old fish shop selling Smokies, stocks just about every form of candy you can think of, as well as traditional ice cream, and towards the rear of the shop, other gifts and trinkets.

The staff wear old fashioned pinnies and caps and there is a tea room attached to the shop to the left.

Arbroath has some lovely holiday cottages and B&B's, book a summer break or a mid week half term holiday in this gorgeous and historic part of Scotland.

Family and community networks are strong in Angus, with everyone working together to maintain the quality of life which Angus offers.

Angus also provides many choices for getting the best out of everyday living, with fun activities and great places to visit for family and group days out.

Angus is an area of outstanding beauty, situated on the east coast of Scotland. The rugged coastline of Angus opens into scenic glens and the fertile Valley of Strathmore.

Known around the world as Scotland's Birthplace, Angus enjoys the benefits of modern living, as well as tangible links with a colourful and historically significant past.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that these Angus Council school holidays are accurate, there are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.

Half Term Dates for Schools in Angus, Scotland

Arbroath, a quiet town in Angus on the east coast of Scotland, was once the setting for a historic occurrence. In 1320 the Scottish parliament met at Arbroath Abbey to write to the pope. The document they wrote that day declared their gratitude to and allegiance with Robert the Bruce who was in dispute with the pope. It also declared the independence of Scotland. This event was so important to Scotland as a nation the town of Arbroath has been known since as the birthplace of Scotland.

On entering Arbroath, look to the left and a statue depicting the Archbishop holding the declaration in the air leaves visitors with no doubt as to how much the declaration means to this area and to the country as a whole. Make sure Arbroath is on your Scotland and UK holiday itinerary.

Today, this historical event is celebrated once a year, on the 6^th April, both in Angus and throughout the world. Arbroath Abbey itself is the setting for a reconstruction and for anybody wanting a true taste of Scottish pride, the reconstruction of the declaration of Arbroath is about as good as it gets.

Unfortunately the abbey is now a ruin, but it is still worth a walk through. Built from local red sandstone by King William the Lion in 1178, but not finished until 1233, after King William was buried within in 1214, Arbroath Abbey might not look like much today, but remembering its history and standing within its ruined walls can still be a humbling and awe inspiring experience.

However, there is much more to Arbroath than its political history. The famous Arbroath Smokies are a must for any holiday traveller to this coastal town. Originally haddock, but now using other fish such as salmon and cod, the Arbroath Smokies are available to buy throughout the UK and online, but are only made in Arbroath and nowhere else. There is a nice little legend that explains the origins of the Smokie.

It is said that one night a fire broke out destroying several barrels of haddock that were preserved in salt. On finding the barrels the next morning, the people of the town tasted the fish and realised they had stumbled on a new way of preparing it with a unique flavor. Whether this is true or not no one knows, but one thing is for sure, the Arbroath Smokie is a delicacy. Walk the small backstreets just off the seafront and you will find various little shops selling and inviting you to try Smokies. You will also encounter the smells and clouds of smoke coming from the smoke houses where the Smokies are being prepared.

Our sponsored links on each page also list events and discounts on school holiday ideas and half term events in England, Wales and Scotland.

You can also use the search box to look up Half Term Dates and School Holiday Events in Scotland and beyond. To return to this website please use the 'Back' button on your web browser.