Pitmuies Gardens are situated just to the south of Guthrie, in the heart of the Lunan Valley, some 7 miles east of Forfar. The Vinny Water, which runs past the gardens, joins the Lunan at Friockheim, which flows into the North Sea at Lunan Bay. Lunan Bay, which is just 7 miles away, is an award winning beach.

Further north, St Cyrus beach is a Nature Reserve. In addition there are red sandstone cliffs at Arbroath, home of the famous smokie. The nearby Balgavies Loch is a Nature Reserve. Other attractions in the area include House of Dun and Barry Mill (National Trust for Scotland), Glamis Castle, Brechin Castle Garden Centre, Trumperton Forge tea room at Letham, Edzell Castle and Gardens, Murton Trust and tea room, Dunninald Castle and Gardens and the beautiful Angus Glens.