Between Dundee And Aberdeen Is A Charming Coastal Town With A Sandy Beach, Family Fun, And Fishing

Many travelers planning a trip to Scotland tend to focus on big city attractions in Edinburgh and Glasgow, or the castles and lochs of the Highlands. While those are some of Scotland's favorite spots for a reason –- think history galore, culture, and endless stretches of nature –- there are areas that make it to visitors' radars less frequently. One such place is the Angus coast, which stretches about 40 miles between the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee. According to the nation's tourism authority, Visit Scotland, while less than 25% international visitors come to Angus, about 80% of total visitors tend to return. If small-town, coastal charms are what tempt travelers to come back to the region, the town of Montrose is a perfect example of that -– with family-friendly, sandy beaches, fishing opportunities, and an overall vibrant coastal atmosphere.

A seaside town of little more than 11,000 people, Montrose is distinguished by its maritime heritage spanning centuries. Born as a small market town and fishing hub, and then turned into a busy industrial trading port, today Montrose is still using its historic seaport for North Sea oil commerce. Visitors can learn more about its history at one of the many heritage sites around town, or explore its wildlife and ecosystem by visiting its internationally-recognized birdwatching reserve.

Montrose can be easily reached both by road and rail. Sandwiched almost exactly between Scotland's artsy "Silver City by the sea", Aberdeen, and Dundee further south, it is approximately one hour (between 30 and 40 miles) from either city. Montrose is also a railway stop along what is arguably one of the UK's most scenic train rides, from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.

Many embarking on Scotland's "ultimate road trip" are after the coastal villages, beaches, and mountains it crosses. Though the North Coast 500 (NC500) is a popular route, it requires a commitment of about seven days to drive through some of Northern Scotland's most remote sections. Whether you want to add a quick seaside getaway to your exploration of Scotland's top cities, or you want a trip combining coastal charms and fishing, Montrose is a great option. Montrose Beach's golden, firm sands earn it a place among the best beaches on the Angus shore. Its three-mile stretch of beach is popular for swimming in summer and scenic walks during all seasons, especially following the curve of the sand dunes that divides the beach from the car park. As you walk, you can catch a glimpse of the white and yellow silhouette of Scurdie Ness Lighthouse, further south along the coast.

Montrose Beach has plenty of family-friendly amenities and general facilities. The young ones can paddle in the pool within the kids' playground area, known as the "Seafront Splash" zone. The area is suitable for kids up to 12 years of age and is built on the beach premises. Visitors can also find public restrooms, picnic tables, and a cafe by the beach pavilion.

Travelers who wish to learn more about Montrose's heritage can head to the House of Dun, a well-kept 18th century laird's residence with imposing Georgian structures and sprawling gardens, or visit the Montrose Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibitions feature objects and artworks from regional collections, with a special focus on maritime artifacts, archaeological finds, and paintings by local artists. Both venues have family-friendly events, exhibitions, and dedicated displays suitable for kids of all ages.

One of Montrose's most famous features is its basin. This peculiar natural feature, due to the town's position at the estuary of the South Esk river, is what makes it a great environment for fish and avian species –- which include rare pink-footed geese, redshanks, and ospreys. While keen wildlife observers and birdwatchers will want to head to the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Montrose Basin reserve, keen anglers will find good spots to fish right on and around Montrose Beach. The beach is a good spot for Atlantic species including cod, pollock, and mackerel –- which are among the most populous fish in the North Sea. Get near the town's golf course, where it meets Montrose Beach's 30-ft-tall dunes, for a shot at catching the elusive bass, especially during the warm months of summer.

You can enjoy recreational sea fishing from the shore in Scotland without requiring a license. Bear in mind that some exceptions apply, including forbidding unlicensed fishing along waterways that border England, and in specific environments -– for example, when it comes to the highly controlled salmon fishing. When in doubt, it's always best to refer to the Fisheries Management Scotland or Angling Scotland official websites. 

To fish for salmon near Montrose, you can head to privately-owned Kinnaber Fishings, whose position on the North Esk makes it ideal for bank fishing at a strategic point of the tide, where the river flows into the sea, creating the right environment for salmon swimming through the saltwater flats. As most places require you to bring your own gear, make sure to pack your vacation-ready fishing equipment before you head to Montrose.