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A stone tower with battlements stands on a small tidal promontory between two harbour walls, calm water reflecting the overcast sky.
Dundee

Broughty Castle

A castle of 1490 guarding the mouth of the Tay at Broughty Ferry, rebuilt as a Victorian fort, now a free museum.

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Welcome

Broughty Castle stands on a rocky point at Broughty Ferry where the Tay narrows before it meets the sea, a tall tower house ringed by low stone gun batteries, and it has watched over the river for more than five hundred years.

It was built in 1490 by the 2nd Lord Gray, on a charter from James IV, to defend the Tay against a growing English navy.

Its history has been eventful. The English took it in 1547 without firing a shot, and it was won back two and a half years later; it fell to the English again in 1651, and by the 1800s it was a ruin. Then, in 1860, fear of a French invasion saw it rebuilt as a modern artillery fort, and it was altered again for both world wars. Today it is a free museum: climb through the tower for displays on the history of Broughty Ferry, its wildlife and its volunteer soldiers, historic Scottish paintings, and wide views over the Tay.

Before you go

Open from April to 25 October, Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 12.30pm to 4pm; closed Monday and Tuesday, and closed through the winter.

Free. Last entry 15 minutes before closing. Free parking at the front. Access inside is restricted for people with limited mobility. Only guide dogs are allowed.

Wed to Sat
10:00 to 16:00, Apr to Oct.
Sun
12:30 to 16:00.
Winter
Closed 26 Oct to March.

Opening hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10am–4pm
Thursday
10am–4pm
Friday
10am–4pm
Saturday
10am–4pm
Sunday
12.30pm–4pm

Did you know

A stone tower with battlements stands on a small tidal promontory between two harbour walls, calm water reflecting the sky and a person visible on the shore path.
Did you know

Built against the English navy.

The 2nd Lord Gray built the castle in 1490, on a charter from James IV, to answer growing English naval activity.

A rendered stone tower castle with battlements and corbelled turrets rises behind a fortified curtain wall.
Did you know

Taken without a shot.

In 1547 the English took the castle without firing a shot; the Scots won it back two and a half years later.

A rendered stone tower castle with battlements and a projecting stair turret rises behind a fortified curtain wall.
Did you know

Rebuilt against the French.

In 1860 fear of a French invasion turned the ruin into a modern artillery fort.

A rendered stone tower castle with battlements rises behind a fortified curtain wall, a low building standing beside the water in front.
Did you know

Ready for two world wars.

The fort was altered again to meet the German threat in both world wars.

A rendered stone tower castle with battlements and corbelled gables rises behind a fortified wall, a flock of birds flying past.
Did you know

A provost's paintings.

Inside hangs a collection of historic Scottish paintings gathered by James Guthrie Orchar, a former provost.

A stone tower with battlements stands on a small tidal promontory between two harbour walls, calm water reflecting the sky around it.
Did you know

Wildlife of the Tay.

The museum has displays on the wildlife that thrives around the coast at the mouth of the Tay.

Hidden Scotland

From our guide to Dundee

Broughty Castle stands on a rocky point where the Tay narrows towards the sea. The 2nd Lord Gray built it in 1490 to guard the river, and it has had an eventful life. The English took it in 1547 and again in 1651, and by the 1800s it lay in ruins. Then fear of a French invasion saw it rebuilt as an artillery fort in 1860. Today it's a free museum. Climb the tower for displays on Broughty Ferry's history and wildlife, a gallery of paintings and wide views over the estuary to Fife. Keep an eye on the water for dolphins.

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A stone tower with battlements stands on a small tidal promontory between two harbour walls, calm water and pale evening sky around it.
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New places, news and stories, as we find them.

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Where it is

Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2TF.

Close byAt Broughty Ferry.
  1. Broughty Castle's tower and battlements overlook the water beside a stone harbour wallTravel back in time to the Coastal Fort of Broughty CastleUnder a mile1 min by road
  2. The Bookhouse's grey shopfront, its window dressed with birch trees.The BookhouseA family-run independent bookshop in Broughty Ferry, with signed editions, eight book clubs and author events.Under a mile1 min by road
  3. Bruach BarBruach BarUnder a mile1 min by road
  4. Pretty Fly WorkshopPretty Fly WorkshopA jewellery workshop and shop on Brook Street, Broughty Ferry, selling handmade work by Scottish art school graduates.Under a mile1 min by road
  5. Broughty Ferry beach curving along the Tay under a big sky.Broughty Ferry BeachA long sandy beach backed by dunes beside Broughty Castle, looking across the Tay to Fife, with seals and wading birds.Under a mile2 min by road
  6. Broughty FerryBroughty FerryThe old fishing village east of Dundee where the jute barons built their villas, with a castle, a harbour and a long sandy beach.Under a mile3 min by road
Directions
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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the castle, and when each is next free.

The black timber cabin's exterior, with a chimney above the roofline and a freestanding bath standing on the decking below.Airdit
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Dundee
  • 7 miles from Broughty Castle
Free 25–27 OctGuests raise wine glasses at a long candlelit table in a stone barnGuardswell Farm
  • Sleeps 10
  • In Inchture
  • 14 miles from Broughty Castle
Check datesA stone and timber house with a dark slated roof and roof windows sits on a lawn, a hot tub and picnic table on the patio.Lindores Lodge
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Dundee
  • 15 miles from Broughty Castle
Free 23–26 OctThe long timber-clad side of the house runs under a slate roof with solar panels, white chairs on the terrace and a clear blue sky.The Glasshouse
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Dundee
  • 15 miles from Broughty Castle
Free 19–22 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in DundeeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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