Broughty Castle
Dundee City, Scotland
Photo: Euan Nelson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Davidmcintosh7654, CC BY-SA 4.0 · TimVickers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Broughty Ferry, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Free museum operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee
Pinpoint
Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2TF
Telephone 01382 436916
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:30 – 4:00 PM |
A free castle-museum on the Tay estuary at Broughty Ferry, run by Leisure & Culture Dundee, with sea views and a small but well-regarded collection of artefacts and art inside. It sits right by the beach, making it an easy add-on to a wider trip to the village rather than a destination requiring a whole day.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The coastal setting - reviewers consistently rate the sea views from the castle, paired with the beach right outside, above the museum collection itself.
Before you go
Pair it with a wider visit to Broughty Ferry rather than building a day around the castle alone - reviewers say the museum itself is a solid hour, and the village's shops, cafes and beach are what round out the trip.
What visitors say
Broughty Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 1,700 Google reviews
Most reviewers rate Broughty Castle highly, praising the sea views, the small museum's artefacts and art collection, and its position next to the beach and the shops and restaurants of Broughty Ferry.
The one lower-scoring review flags that it's only open in summer - visiting in winter meant the castle was closed and only the outside could be viewed, so checking opening times in advance is worth doing.
“An impressive historic castle set in a fantastic coastal location. The building has plenty of character and is well preserved, with great views over the river adding to the experience. A worthwhile place to visit if…”- Red Hand, visitor review
Within reach of Edinburgh (37 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Andrew, 2nd Lord Gray · 1490
Built in 1490 by the 2nd Lord Gray as a coastal defence fortress at the mouth of the Tay, Broughty Castle saw turbulent ownership changes during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was converted to an artillery fort in 1860 in response to invasion fears and later served as a military installation during both world wars.
Drawn from Historic Environment Scotland's own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Beautiful beach and carparking close.” - Martin Holt
- Facilities
- “Nice cafe close by and the village itself has some great shops and restaurants.” - Martin Holt
Common questions about Broughty Castle
Where is Broughty Castle?
Broughty Castle is in Dundee City, Scotland, at Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2TF.
Do you need a ticket to visit Broughty Castle?
Yes - Broughty Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Broughty Castle?
The coastal setting - reviewers consistently rate the sea views from the castle, paired with the beach right outside, above the museum collection itself.
Is Broughty Castle a ruin or still intact?
Broughty Castle is largely intact - Free museum operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee.
