Newburgh brings together the River Ythan, an open coastal landscape and paths leading from the town to the river, dunes and beach. When planning your trip, you can focus on wildlife watching at the estuary, coastal paths or historic sites. This can help you decide which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.
Coast, Estuary and Wildlife
Newburgh Beach lies at the mouth of the River Ythan and offers a coastal path and wide views across the estuary. The Ythan Estuary beside the beach is an important habitat for diverse wildlife; there are opportunities to watch wildlife at the estuary and along the coast. Around Newburgh, beaches and sand dunes meet the changing habitats of local wildlife. Paddleboarding is one of the outdoor activities along the coast; availability may vary depending on conditions and provider.
Seal watching is especially associated with winter: the grey seal colony associated with the Newburgh area regularly numbers more than 3,500 at that time, though numbers naturally fluctuate. Observe the gathering from Newburgh and do not approach Forvie Spit. The walk from the Newburgh Inn to the best seal-watching spot takes about 15 minutes and includes an accessible boardwalk designed for people of all abilities. Conditions and facilities may change seasonally; check before your visit.
Walking Routes with Different Courses
A walking map of Newburgh shows four walking routes around the town. One waymarked walk starts at Newburgh Village Hall, leads to a viewpoint on the River Ythan and then continues through the dunes to the beach. Another route follows the River Ythan from Newburgh Town Hall towards Knockhall. A third waymarked route starts at the nature reserve car park, leads through the dunes towards Collieston and then returns to Newburgh. The routes described differ in their starting points and courses: they lead to a viewpoint and the beach, follow the river towards Knockhall, or pass through the dunes and return to Newburgh.
If you are planning to visit Forvie National Nature Reserve, the nearest bus service there is the Stagecoach Bluebird X63. Check the timetable before travelling.
Historic Sites and Local History
Knockhall Castle is nearby, and a designated walking route leads there from Newburgh. The listed site consists of the remains of a 16th-century tower house with additions from the late 17th century. The medieval archaeological site of Forvie Church and deserted village is also nearby.
In Newburgh, Holyrood Chapel was originally built as a school in 1838; its clock tower was added in 1892. The Udny Family Mausoleum can also still be seen in Holyrood Cemetery. The town’s history also includes salmon fishing, which Newburgh developed into a centre for. In 1828, Newburgh became Scotland’s first harbour with a lifeboat station, then called the Shipwreck Institution. The Newburgh Lifeboat Station building served as a lifeboat station until it closed in 1961.
Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club has an 18-hole course. It was founded in 1888 as a 9-hole course and expanded to 18 holes in 1994.
Discover more destinations: Balmedie, Insch, Westhill, Pitmedden, Aberdeen, Macduff, St Cyrus, Dinnet.
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