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Quaint streets, windswept landscapes and more than a dram of Scottish whisky.
Sound familiar? Nope, we’re not talking about Edinburgh or The Highlands.
Head around 15 miles north of Dundee and you’ll find Arbroath, a small fishing town on Scotland’s east coast.
While it might get overshadowed by the country’s more popular tourist spots, Arbroath is well worth a visit. It was even included in Visit Scotland’s list of the 10 most photographed sunset locations, and visitors say the views in Arbroath are ‘stunning’ and ‘gorgeous’.
One commenter even called the shoreline a ‘completely deserted paradise.’
Still need convincing? Here’s everything you need to know about your next trip north of the border.
How to get to Arbroath, Scotland
The good news is Arbroath is well connected and easy to get to, whatever your mode of transport.
For those travelling a long distance, you might choose to fly. Loganair offers daily return flights from London Heathrow to Dundee Airport, starting at £153 return. The flight takes around 1hr 50 minutes – it’s then a 30 minute car journey to Arbroath.
Alternatively, Arbroath train station has a direct line to Edinburgh (Waverly), which takes about an 1hr 40mins.
Edinburgh (Waverly) is easily accessible via the train network across the UK. There are direct trains from Manchester, London and Birmingham available.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind you’re bedding down for a long train trip. The total journey time from London Kings Cross to Arbroath can take around six hours.
What’s the weather like in Arbroath, Scotland?
Let’s face it, you don’t go to Scotland for a sun tan.
Summers are fairly cool in Arbroath, with the average high in July and August hitting just 15°C.
The coldest months are January and February, with highs of 5°C. Winters also tend to be fairly windy.
Things to do in Arbroath, Scotland
The beaches in Arbroath are stunning, with long expanses of sand and sandstone cliffs.
Arbroath beach is a popular choice in the summer, with a designated area for swimming. The cliff-top walk above the beach offers coastal views, perfect to spot an array of seabirds. There’s also a children’s play area and the nearby Kerr’s Miniature Railway – the oldest miniature railway in Scotland.
Another favourite beach is Lunan Bay, described by visitors as ‘heaven’ and ‘the stuff of dreams’. One traveller who visited in June 2024 wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘The place feels as if it is out of dreams – pristine sand, clear blue sky, ice cold water – what more a wanderer can ask for?’
You can also walk the Arbroath Cliffs or, for those who don’t mind donning a wetsuit, you can book onto a kayaking tour, and explore the sea caves, hidden beaches and marine wildlife (you might even spot some dolphins).
A two hour ‘quickie’ tour with Abroath Cliff Tours start at £60 per person, with discounts for groups.
For views that take a little less effort, head to the harbour and watch the boats arrive. There’s lots of shops and cafes for a mooch around too. From here, wander over to Fit O’ The Toon, the old part of the town where fisher families use to live and work.
It’s here where the river, Brothock Burn, meets the sea, and the crashing waves are why the area got the name ‘Danger Point.’ You’ll also find authentic smoke houses here (more on the famous Arbroath Smokies later) as well as plenty of pubs to quench your thirst at.
For some history, Arbroath Abbey is not to be missed. Admission to the medieval site, founded in 1170, is £10 for adults and £8 for children. It was originally founded by William I as a tribute to his murdered friend, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
It’s perhaps most famous for being the site where the Declaration of Arbroath was written, a document sent by 39 Scottish nobles to Pope John XXII. The letter asked the Pope to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s king.
And, after a day of sight seeing, take the weight off your feet at The Pageant, a popular pub close to the Abbey, which hosts live music at the weekends.
Or if you’re after a more traditional beverage, book a tour at the Arbikie Farm Distillery which produces a range of spirits including gin, vodka and, of course, whisky. A guided tour through the distillery is £25 for 60 minutes.
Arbroath’s top 5 attractions, according to TripAdvisor
- Lunan Bay
- Arbroath Abbey
- Arbroath to Auchmithie Coastal Path
- Signal Tower Museum
- Arbroath Cliffs
What’s the food like in Arbroath, Scotland?
Arbroath might be small, but it’s culinary offerings are pretty mighty.
Arbroath’s most famous dish is the Arbroath Smokie, a type of line-caught haddock that is smoke-cured over oak chips.
You can only get it in Scotland as, much like fizz from Champagne, it can only be called an Arbroath Smokie if it was produced within a five mile radius of the town.
There are still several family-run smokehouses in the harbour area, where you can usually smell the Smokies as you wander around.
Perhaps the most well-loved spot to buy the fish from is fishmongers M&M Spink, which has been in business since the 1960s. This is where celebrity chef Rick Stein sampled one from, calling it a ‘world-class delicacy’.
Back in 2018, Lonely Planet even included the Arbroath Smokie on their Ultimate Eatlist, which celebrates and ranks the world’s top 500 food experiences. Visitors can follow the Arbroath Smokie Trail, which stops at five points around the town, where you can learn about the history of the famous haddock.
If smoked fish isn’t quite to your liking though, never fear.
Peppo’s Harbour Chip Bar is a beloved fish and chip shop that’s done a roaring trade in the town since the late 1940s. While the original owners, brothers and local celebrities Frank and John Orsi, sold the business in 2021, the chippy is still an important – and delicious – fixture in Arbroath.
Another institution is Pie Bob’s which has been serving pies and cakes to customers since 1925. It recently opened an on-site cafe, serving up loaded fries, burgers and cooked breakfasts.
There’s also fine dining to be had at The Old Boatyard, which also garnered a mention from Lonely Planet’s Eatlist.
And, a 12 minute drive north of Arbroath will take you to Gordon’s, in Inverkeilor, which is included in the Michelin guide. The eatery offers modern fayre using locally sourced ingredients. Their eight course ‘menu experience’ is £95 per person.
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