Heritage
If you don't visit any other landmark in Scotland, the one place you cannot miss is Broughty Castle. The castle, built in 1496, sits at the mouth of the River Tay on a rocky promontory. It's seen a number of battles and sieges, and today the castle is home to a magnificent museum, covering several floors of displays that show off the life and times of Broughty Ferry, the environment, wildlife and the people. Claypotts Castle in Dundee is also worth checking out, dating from the 16th century and featuring unusually designed cap houses on top of circular towers. To get a feel for the area's strong maritime heritage, the HM Frigate Unicorn in Dundee is one of the oldest surviving ships in the world, dating from 1824.
Shopping and Entertainment
Whether you prefer to spend the day shopping high street stores or independent boutiques, there is plenty to do for everyone. The cobblestone streets are lined with a variety of galleries and traditional shops, from Scott Brothers butchers to the award-winning Clementine of Broughty Ferry greengrocers.
Some of the traditional festivals in the area include Lomond Real Ale Festival, held near Loch Lomond towards the end of each May. This is one of the favourites for the locals as well as tourists. The event hosts a variety of independent Scottish breweries and a wide variety of music, including folk, rock and jazz. If you are a fan of anything and everything water related, Arbroath Seafest is the perfect festival for you. Some of the events at the festivals include street entertainment, races, contests and plenty of seafood dining.
There are also several excellent golf courses within minutes of the centre of Broughty Ferry, such as the Monifieth Links and the Ballumbie Castle Golf Club. If you prefer a more serene way to spend the day, grab a pole and cast your line to spend the day fishing from the bank of the Tay River.
Food and Drink
Whether you want to grab a cup of tea, sip a pint with the locals or enjoy a delicious dinner, Broughty Ferry has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit include The Glass Pavilion for great views and The Royal Arch Tavern for mouthwatering food in the centre of town. When it comes to nightlife, the clubs, bars and pubs in the centre of Dundee are all within easy walking distance.
