Arbroath Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Arbroath Abbey featuring heritage elements and building ruins
Arbroath Abbey which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and interior views
Arbroath Abbey which includes heritage elements and building ruins
Arbroath Abbey featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture
Arbroath Abbey featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

Find yourself amid medieval Scottish history in this heritage harbour town, where you can wander around pretty seaside cottages and try delicious smoked haddock.

Arbroath is a pretty town along the North Sea in the scenic area of Angus. Uncover some of Scotland’s fascinating history as you meander down the town’s wide streets, enjoying the scent of smokehouses and salty air. The town, dating back to the 1100s, is a heartland for the historic declaration of Scottish independence.

Stroll around the compact town, taking in its architectural highlights. North of the centre of town, find the Arbroath Abbey, a ruined monastery built in 1178. Admire the enduring red sandstone walls and investigate the on-site visitor centre, where you’ll learn about the abbey’s history.

Wander south toward the sea and spot Arbroath’s historic buildings. See the heritage-listed Arbroath Town House, the Corn Exchange and Webster Theatre. High Street is lined with charming old façades of shops and cafés. The Declaration of Arbroath Statue is dedicated to the historic document that declared Scotland’s independence in 1320. Catch a local soccer match at Gayfield Park or play a round of golf on a picturesque seaside course.

Arbroath Harbour is located at the southern end of town. See clusters of cosy seaside cottages and the tall masts of boats moored in the harbour. You might be able to smell Arbroath Smokies, which are whole haddocks smoked with oak chips, a town specialty. Grab a snack of Arbroath smokies from a family-run smokehouse. Check out the historic red-painted Lifeboat Station and the distinctive turret of the Signal Tower Museum. Wander through Victoria Park to the stunning red sandstone cliffs of Whiting Ness. You’ll find a sandy beach and pretty cliffs stretching out from either side of the harbour.

Reach Arbroath by bus, car or regional and intercity train. The nearest airport is in Dundee, a 30-minute drive away. Major international airports are located in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Stay in pleasant cottage accommodation or a hotel in the heart of town. Include Arbroath on your road trip along the North Sea coast.

Lunan House
Lunan House
3.5 out of 5
Lunan Farms, Lunan Bay, Arbroath, Scotland
The price is £94 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£94
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Arbroath. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Lunan Bay and Arbikie Distillery are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
Highly recommend
"My father in law is disabled and the staff went above and beyond for him. They were very considerate about his needs which was just so thoughtful and kind. It was a family trip and they placed us all right next to each other. It was the perfect time away and the room was huge, very clean and just ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Lunan House
Brucefield Boutique B&B
Brucefield Boutique B&B
5 out of 5
Brucefield House, Cliffburn Road, Arbroath, Scotland
The price is £152 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£152
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury B&B in Arbroath. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions St Vigeans Museum and Signal House Museum ...
"I like how nice and quiet it was a close to the Arbroath train station and many options for breakfast.urs and Anita are very nice host and it was very nice getting to know Urs. Sherry Rice"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Brucefield Boutique B&B
Balnabrechan Lodge
Balnabrechan Lodge
4 out of 5
Inverkeilor, Arbroath, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Arbroath. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Lunan Bay and Arbikie Distillery are located nearby.
"Lovely place, host extremely friendly and gave plenty of instructions/guides to local area. Very quiet, lovely lovely little place! Highly recommend for getting off the grid but not too far off the grid!"

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Balnabrechan Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stylish and Luxury Beach Cottage Located at the Award Winning Lunan Bay Scotland
Stylish and Luxury Beach Cottage Located at the Award Winning Lunan Bay Scotland
Lunan Bay, By Inverkeilor
Stay at this cottage in Arbroath. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Lunan Bay and Arbikie Distillery are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
Lovely Stay
"Absolutely beautiful place, friendly locals, with a stunning beach view"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Stylish and Luxury Beach Cottage Located at the Award Winning Lunan Bay Scotland
Luxury Apartment with Sea Views Balcony
Luxury Apartment with Sea Views Balcony
Arbroath
Stay at this apartment in Arbroath. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tidal Harbour and Signal Tower Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Perfect place
"A great place to spend a weekend by the sea close to the cliffs"

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2025

Luxury Apartment with Sea Views Balcony
Central 3-bed Seaside Apartment - Sleeps 5
Central 3-bed Seaside Apartment - Sleeps 5
3 out of 5
Arbroath, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arbroath. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and in-room deep-soaking baths. Popular attractions Arbroath Abbey and Resin Art Gallery are located ...
Central 3-bed Seaside Apartment - Sleeps 5
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Arbroath

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely and interesting working harbour, strong fishing culture, proud and significant history, spectacular coastline, friendly people. Old Boatyard restaurant exceptional cuisine and setting.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Went on a very short visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Arbroath is a simple limited town. Though it is friendly, full of fish and the Abbey is lovely with great history.

Cities near Arbroath