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Broughty Ferry beach curving along the Tay under a big sky.
Dundee

Broughty Ferry Beach

A long sandy beach backed by dunes beside Broughty Castle, looking across the Tay to Fife, with seals and wading birds.

Welcome

Broughty Ferry Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand beside Broughty Castle, where the River Tay opens out towards the sea, backed by grassy dunes and looking straight across the estuary to the coast of Fife.

It lies below the old fishing village of Broughty Ferry, now part of Dundee, and on a fine day it is a popular place to walk, paddle or sit by the water.

The beach and the dunes are protected for nature: in winter the sands are an important feeding ground for wading birds, and you may see seals, and now and then a dolphin or porpoise, in the estuary. A promenade gives easy access, including for wheelchairs, at several points, and close by are the castle museum, a good play area and Barnhill Rock Garden. West of the castle is a smaller beach of pebbles by the harbour. Walk east along the sand and the city soon feels far away.

Close byThe BookhouseA family-run independent bookshop in Broughty Ferry, with signed editions, eight book clubs and author events.2 min by roadSee itThe Bookhouse's grey shopfront, its window dressed with birch trees.
Before you go

Open at any time; free.

Promenade access at several points.

Open
Any time; free.
Access
From the promenade, step-free.
Where it is

Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2EL.

Close byAt Broughty Ferry.
  1. Bruach BarBruach BarUnder a mile2 min by road
  2. Broughty CastleBroughty CastleA castle of 1490 guarding the mouth of the Tay at Broughty Ferry, rebuilt as a Victorian fort, now a free museum.Under a mile2 min by road
  3. 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 mile2 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 mile2 min by road
  5. 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
The Bookhouse's grey shopfront, its window dressed with birch trees.ShoppingThe Bookhouse0.6 miles
Gracie's On The Go window sign, takeaway and juice bar, striped awning aboveRestaurantsGracie’s0.8 miles
Duck leg with a rich sauce at Daisy Tasker.RestaurantsDaisy Tasker4.1 miles
White food trailer selling donuts, coffee and bagels outside V&A DundeeCafeHeather Street Food4.6 miles
The tiered, ribbed concrete walls of a modern museum building curve toward a domed glasshouse and a ship's mast visible along the waterfront.AttractionsV&A Dundee4.6 miles
Five bronze penguins on the low wall outside the Steeple Church on the Nethergate, Dundee.AttractionsThe March of the Penguins4.6 miles
A tall ship with rigged masts sits in dry dock beside a domed building, a red life ring mounted on a stone bench in the foreground.AttractionsDiscovery Point and RRS Discovery4.7 miles
A plate of food at the Bach, Dundee.AttractionsThe Bach4.8 miles
Fisher and Donaldson's pink shopfront with chocolaterie and patisserie signs.AttractionsFisher & Donaldson, Dundee4.8 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the beach, 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
  • 8 miles from the beach
Free 25–27 OctGuests raise wine glasses at a long candlelit table in a stone barnGuardswell Farm
  • Sleeps 10
  • In Inchture
  • 14 miles from the beach
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 the beach
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 the beach
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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