Lunan Bay Beach, Angus, Scotland © Lis Burke via Wikipedia Commons
Lunan Bay Beach is located in Angus on the east coast of Scotland. It is home to one of the finest beaches in Scotland offering visitors a secluded haven away from the crowds. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic Angus coastline with cliffs located to the north and south. Over the years Lunan Bay has attracted a number of visitors from Vikings back in the 10th century to generations of tourists keen to see one of the most naturally beautiful beaches in Scotland. The beach recommended by the Marine Conservation Society making it an ideal place to go for the whole family. Lunan Bay does not have the highest profile among Scottish beaches making it a hidden gem for visitors to enjoy.
Quick Facts
Lunan Bay Beach:
Region: Eastern Scotland
Council Area: Angus
Main Settlements close by: Montrose, Arbroath and Dundee.
Attractions
Lunan Bay is noted for its natural beauty providing a great place for visitors to see Scotland at its finest. The fine beach and impressive natural scenery around it offers a place to enjoy a break away from the crowds. Lunan Bay had its northern end close to Boddin Point and goes on for approx two miles to Ethie Haven in the south. The beach is a popular one for families especially in the summer months and surfers, horse riders and for fishing.
Local attractions include water sports including swimming, surfing, fishing and the ruins of the Red Castle that dates back to the 12th century. The Red Castle got its name from the red sandstone used to built it was originally built to repel the Vikings, whilst the castle is currently in ruins it provides a wonderful view over the entire bay and surrounding areas in Angus.
At the northern end of the beach are a number of cliffs that include a number f caves and sea arches that visitors can explore further when the tide is out. The scenic hamlet of Lunan is located close by, the hamlet is known for the 16th century Lunan Church and overlooks Lunan Bay.
St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is located 10 miles to the north of Lunan Bay. The nature reserve is a haven for wildlife including moths, butterflies and wild flowers. The St Cyrus grasslands are protected from the weather by the inland cliffs and sand dunes to create a small area of warmth where wildlife can flourish.
Seasonal highlights include wild flowers and breeding birds in spring, orchids, butterflies and moths in the summer, migratory geese in autumn and otters, redshanks, owls and geese in the winter. Visitors can also see the peregrine falcons flying high above waiting for their prey, famous for their fast hunting stoop reaching in excess of 320 kph (200 mph) making them the fastest members of the animal kingdom.
Location
Location in eastern Scotland Lunan Bay Beach is easily assessable from across Scotland, the Midlands and northern England. From Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland it is 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes by car. From London and much of southern England it is 8 to 10 hours drive by car. From Newcastle, Durham and much of north east England the area is 4 hours by car, from Leeds it is 5 to 6 hours by car, from Birmingham and much of the Midlands it is 6 to 7 hours. From Liverpool and Manchester it is approx 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
From Cambridge and much of the East of England it is 8 to 9 hours by car. From Cardiff and areas within South Wales it is 8 to 9 hours by car.
Tourist Information
The Arbroath Information Centre in Arbroath is located approx 9 miles to the south of Lunan Bay. The Dundee Information Centre is located on approx 27 miles to the south west of Lunan Bay. The VisitScotland information centres provide visitors with useful information, help, advice and tips on the local areas.
The tourist information centres includes knowledgeable staff with valuable local knowledge with information on local attractions, places of interest, things to see and do, along with local advice and tips. A visit to the tourist information centres provides a good first port of call for visitors helping to better plan and organise trips in and around the local area. At the centres visitors can find out about local events, public transport options and accommodation facilities.
Local Accommodation
Local Accommodation includes a choice of hotels that include historic and contemporary hotels, local B & B’s, Inns, Guest Houses, Self Catering houses, holiday homes and cottages. Local accommodation is available in Montrose, Arbroath and Brechin. Towns located in the area including Carnoustie and the city of Dundee provide a choice of accommodation along with good access to local facilities from which to the surrounding local areas.
Local Cities and Towns include the towns of Montrose, Arbroath and the city of Dundee, the local facilities, amenities, transport links and accommodation available mean they are popular places for visitors to base themselves from when visiting Lunan Bay Beach and surrounding areas.
The town of Montrose is located 5 miles to the north of Lunan Bay, on the eastern coast of Scotland. Over the years the seaside coastal town has expanded and is an important regional port known for its architecture. The High Street is located in the heart of the town and is home to a number of historic buildings including the Town House, Library and Montrose Old Church that is noted for its 220 foot spire dating back to the 19th century.
Local attractions include Montrose Basin an estuary that is approx 3 miles in diameter where the North Sea and the River South Esk meet. The Montrose Basin Nature Reserve was created back in 1981 and includes a wildlife centre, wildlife enthusiasts can see some great views in the area of migratory birds and other wildlife including kingfishers, ospreys and geese.
Montrose Beach includes a 3 mile long sandy beach that has blue flag status. Local attractions in the area include the Traill Pavilion and Seafront Splash that includes a playground, arcade, cafe and more making it a popular place among visitors.
The city of Dundee is located 25 miles to the south west of Lunan Bay. The city is the forth largest in Scotland by population, the city expanded rapidly during the 19th century due to the jute industry and is a regional employment, retail and education centre. The city is home to two universities including the University of Dundee. The city includes an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants serving a choice of cuisine including local Scottish and international.
Local Attractions include St Mary's Tower and Claypotts Castle dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries respectively. Cultural attractions include the Whitehall Theatre, Gardyne Theatre, The McManus: Dundee Art Gallery and Museum and Dundee Contemporary Arts mean there is plenty to see and do for fans of culture and history.
Shopping facilities are available in the city with a range of individual shops along with well known high street names and the Wellgate and Overgate Shopping Centres. The local facilities, amenities and accommodation choices mean Dundee is a popular destination for visitors to base themselves from when exploring the east of Scotland.
The town of Arbroath is located 9 miles to the south of Lunan Bay. The town was settled back in the 12th century and includes and attractive harbour and long stretches of sandy beaches along with sandstone cliffs providing an inspiring sight for visitors. Arbroath is famous for the Arbroath Smokie; that is line caught haddock that is smoke cured over oak chips, it is still made today by a number of small family run smokehouses that are located around the harbour area.
Historically the town of Arbroath expanded during the industrial revolution and became an important fishing port. Local attractions include Arbroath Abbey dating back to the 12th century noted for its architectural design. Kerr's Miniature Railway is the oldest miniature railway in Scotland dating back to 1935; there are umber of historic locomotives on site and visitors can enjoy the short return ride dating back to he golden age of the railways.
The Signal Tower Museum building dates back to the 19th century; inside visitors can learn more about the history of Arbroath and the surrounding areas over the years with a range of exhibits, documents and artefacts. The Arbroath Information Centre managed by VisitScotland and alongside being a tourist information centre there is a gift shop, restaurant and a multimedia experience for visitors that explains more about the maritime and fishing history of the town.
How to Get There
Lunan Bay Beach is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
Lunan Bay Beach is located approx 500 miles from central London via the A40, M40, M6, A74(M), M74, M73, M80, M9, A9, M90, A90 and A92. The approx journey time is 8 hours to 9 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic, route and time of day. From Edinburgh, Lunan Bay is 86 miles via the A90, M90, A90 and A92. The approx journey time is 2 hours.
By Train:
From London Kings Cross station there are regular services to Edinburgh train station from Virgin Trains. The journey time is approx 4 hours 20 minutes depending on service, connections and time of day. From Edinburgh there are train services to Arbroath train station with First ScotRail, the journey time is approx 1 hour 30 minutes. From Arbroath there are bus services to Lunan taking approx 30 minutes provided by Stagecoachbus.
By Bus/Coach:
There are regular coaches available from London Victoria Coach station to Dundee. The approx journey time is 10 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours depending on connections, time of day and traffic. From Dundee there are bus services available to Arbroath via Stagecoachbus route 39 and then route 30A to Lunan; the approx time is 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Coach services to Dundee are provided by National Express
Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Lunan Bay Beach Map
Tips & Other Considerations
The weather and climate can be unpredictable across the UK, there can be elements of all four seasons in one day. Ensure you check the weather forecast before you travel and have the correct clothing and footwear including appropriate footwear, raincoat and umbrella.
Follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Lunan Bay in Scotland ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions. Check traffic updates before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking in and around the beach and surrounding areas, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
