Broughty Ferry

Dundee City

Nestled beneath an historic castle in the former fishing village of Broughty Ferry, now a residential suburb of Dundee, is an extensive sandy beach. The beach is backed by dunes and provides excellent views across the Tay estuary to the North Fife coast. The area has a number of conservation designations due to its importance for nature and importance as a feeding ground for waders in the winter, there is a host of wildlife to be seen including seals, birds and the occasional dolphin or porpoise.

A promenade gives direct pedestrian and disabled access to the beach at several locations. An extensive range of leisure facilities are close by including the Broughty Ferry Castle museum, an excellent play area, and the Green Flag Award winning Barnhill Rock Garden.

History

Evidence exists of a human settlement in pre-historic times, later developing into a prosperous fishing and whaling village, in the 19th century Broughty Ferry became a haven for wealthy jute barons, who built their luxury villas in the suburb. As a result, Broughty Ferry was referred to at the time as the "richest square mile in Europe".

In 1495 Broughty Castle was built and remained in use as a major defensive structure until 1932, playing a role in the Anglo-Scottish Wars and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The castle stands on a shallow tip projecting into the Firth, alongside two beaches, one of sand, the other of pebbles.

Natural Space

A sandy beach flanked by dunes, the beach boasts lovely views across the Tay Estuary to the north coast of Fife. It is home to a nature conservation site where a remarkable array of wildlife can be found including birds, seals and even the occasional porpoise.

Setting

Situated four miles east of the city centre on the north bank of the Firth of Tay. The area was a separate burgh from 1864 until 1913, when it was incorporated into Dundee.

Getting There

Car: From Dundee follow the A930 (Monifieth / Carnoustie road) to Broughty Ferry. At the Queen Street / St Vincent Street junction turn right and follow the signs to Broughty Ferry beach.
Bus: Broughty Ferry has a frequent bus service from which it is just a short walk to the beach, see the Dundee Travel Info website (below) for local bus information.
Cycle: The Dundee Green Circular Cycle Route, Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 1 and EuroVelo 12 North Sea Cycle Route pass by Broughty Ferry beach. The Dundee Cycle Map can be viewed here.
Rail: Broughty Ferry railway station is a short walk from the beach, please note that not all trains will stop at this station.
Please see the Dundee Travel Info for further Dundee public transport information.

Lifeguard

RNLI Beach Lifeguard Cover is in place 18 June to 4 September 2022, 10am - 6pm. Please check safety notices before entering the water.

Water Quality Information

This beach is a designated bathing water site. Further information about water quality at this site can be found on the SEPA website. Please observe local signage and only swim where it is safe to do so.

Toilets

The toilets are open daily except for the Christmas and New Year public holidays, the approximate opening times are from 9am to 3pm in winter and 8.30am to 6pm in summer.