Newport-On-Tay combines a rich local history with cultural attractions and walking trails along the Tay. When looking for a hotel, you could consider whether you want to focus your stay more on historic sites, arts, or walking.
Local history on the Tay
St Fillan’s was built in 1886. The chapel is a rare surviving, largely unaltered example of a building made from corrugated iron and timber. It is also one of the few corrugated-iron churches in the country still used for its original purpose. Its continued use is part of its history; in itself, it says nothing about general public access.
Newport-On-Tay’s conservation area also reflects the importance of local history: it was designated in 1984 because of the special historic and architectural interest of this part of town. Another strand of development dates back to the 19th century. After Thomas Telford’s new steamboat pier was built in 1823, Newport-on-Tay grew considerably as a Victorian seaside resort for Dundee. The town’s history and its connection with Dundee are therefore central to a visit focused on architecture and local development.
The landscape around the conservation area includes views of the River Tay and Dundee. Woodland and green spaces on the steep slope form a natural backdrop. This combination of waterside views and greenery complements the historic perspective on the town, without reducing the two themes to the same experience.
Arts, events and local heritage
Forgan Arts Centre is on the edge of Newport-On-Tay. Its programme includes arts and crafts classes, workshops and public events. If you want to include a particular class or event in your stay, check the dates in advance. This lets you plan a visit around your interest in art or crafts, rather than assuming a particular programme will be available.
Tatha Gallery aims to make art accessible and to be a welcoming, entertaining and informal place where families and friends can spend time together. This is the gallery’s stated aim, not a guarantee of a particular offering or experience. This gives visitors different cultural options: classes and workshops at Forgan Arts Centre, and the art-focused Tatha Gallery.
Newport Library & Heritage Centre combines historical exhibitions with the library and serves as a cultural hub for Newport. It displays objects and photographs relating to the history of Newport and Wormit. Exhibition themes also include how transport across the River Tay has changed over time. As exhibition themes may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before planning a visit specifically around them. This can complement the town’s history with concrete insights into people, images and transport routes.
Blyth Hall is a venue for weddings, parties and ceilidhs, as well as dance and fitness classes. The hall can be reached on foot or by bike. Well-used walking and cycling routes link Newport-on-Tay with Tayport and Dundee via the Tay Bridge. Alongside cultural attractions, the routes are another option to focus on.
Walking trails and terrain along the Tay
On the Fife Coastal Path, a stretch of gentle terrain is followed by a climb: the first two and a half miles of the final section follow a gentle path along the north bank of the Tay. After Balmerino Abbey, the path gradually becomes steeper. When planning the walk, you can take this sequence into account when choosing a suitable section; trail conditions may vary.
Bert’s Tay Wander is an 11 km coastal and countryside walking route. It leads into Newport-On-Tay and passes under the Tay Road Bridge. The two distance figures refer to different lengths: on the Fife Coastal Path, two and a half miles refers to the beginning of the final section, while eleven kilometres is the length of Bert’s Tay Wander. It is worth checking the details of this route again before setting off.
Discover more destinations: St Andrews, Crossford, North Queensferry, Cowdenbeath, Burntisland, Inverkeithing, East Wemyss, Newburgh
For the broader travel overview: Fife.
