Hospitalfield
30 minute walk from Arbroath station · Dundee, Aberdeen and North East
Hospitalfield House in Arbroath is a stunning historic house and residential arts centre. Regarded as one of Scotland’s finest country houses, the site originated as a 13th-century hospice before becoming the nation's first school of fine art. Its rich heritage includes a visit by Sir Walter Scott, who used the house as a model for his novel, "The Antiquary."
The building is a Gothic masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement, featuring red sandstone, ornate gables, and a five-storey bartizan. Inside, visitors can explore interiors of international importance, including a picture gallery, a hammerbeam roof, and a library with books dating back to the 16th century. The house also displays a significant collection of Victorian paintings and sculpture.
Visitors can enjoy the site during dedicated open weekends, events, and monthly afternoon tours. You can experience the inspiring spaces where many prominent Scottish artists have worked, including the historic studios and grand public rooms adorned with historic tapestries, wood-carvings, and chandeliers.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Historic house
- Good for
- Architecture, Art & galleries, Historic houses, Literature & writers
- Characteristics
- Arts and crafts, Gothic, Medieval, Nationally significant, Victorian
- Admission
- Paid admission
- Facilities
- Guided tours available
- Region
- Dundee, Aberdeen and North East
Stations within walking distance
- Arbroath station — 30 min walk, 2.4 km
Other places near Arbroath
- Arbroath Town Trail — 6 min walk from the station
- Signal Tower Museum — 8 min walk from the station
- Arbroath Abbey — 8 min walk from the station
- Webster Memorial Theatre — 8 min walk from the station
- Abbey Theatre — 11 min walk from the station
- St John's Methodist Church — 11 min walk from the station