Dundee’s best-known beach comes with a seasonal dog ban, so this is as much a guide to what not to do as where to go. We have checked Dundee City Council’s own pages and said where we could not confirm something. Please look out for signs when you arrive.
1. Broughty Ferry Beach – Broughty Ferry
Address: The Esplanade, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2EL
Google rating: 4.5 (731 reviews)
View on Google Maps
The council’s Open Spaces Management Rules (rule 4.2) prohibit walking a dog within the designated area at Broughty Ferry Beach from 1 May to 30 September (council rules). The council’s beach page says animals are not allowed on the beach from May to September. The council’s dog walking leaflet says the eastern beach is open all year, but we could not confirm exactly where the boundary lies, so follow the on-site signs. SEPA rates the bathing water “Excellent” for 2026 and advises against bathing around heavy rain because of a storm outfall at the western edge. It also asks dog owners to clear up any fouling, and the council warns of boats and jet skis. Outside the ban dates, keep your dog close and check tides and currents.
2. Riverside Nature Park – Riverside
Address: Wright Ave, Dundee DD2 1QE
Google rating: 4.3 (232 reviews)
View on Google Maps
This is a walk by the water, not a swim. The council’s rules (4.3) ask for dogs to be on a lead and on paths from 1 April to 31 July. Estuary views, no paddling.
Where not to let your dog swim
Clatto Reservoir: the council leaflet says recreational swimming is not recommended, that dogs must be under close control or on a short lead, and the dog walking leaflet warns that blue-green algae there is toxic to dogs. Please also follow any signs in the area. At Trottick Mill Ponds, the leaflet asks you to keep your dog under control, and the council rules prohibit swimming or wading in ornamental or wildlife-managed water without permission. We could not confirm whether that covers Trottick, so we would keep dogs out.
Monifieth, just along the coast, is in Angus Council’s area. Keep Scotland Beautiful shows a dog restricted area icon but gives no dates or location, so check with Angus Council first.
General advice
See the Dundee Dog Walking Code and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Not sure your dog should swim? Speak to your vet.
Before and after your outing
Rinse and dry your dog. For everyday extras, Calmshops has a range, though your vet should have the final word. See our Dundee vets guide, the Dundee City dog services hub and our UK dog swimming guide. Details come from Google and the council and can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Broughty Ferry Beach?
Not in summer. Dundee City Council’s Open Spaces Management Rules prohibit walking a dog within the designated area at Broughty Ferry Beach from 1 May to 30 September. The council’s dog walking leaflet says the eastern beach is open all year, but we could not confirm exactly where the boundary lies, so follow the on-site signs.
Can my dog swim at Clatto Reservoir?
We would keep dogs out. The council’s leaflet says recreational swimming there is not recommended, and its dog walking leaflet warns that blue-green algae at the reservoir is toxic to dogs.
What are the dog rules at Riverside Nature Park?
The council’s rules ask for dogs to be on a lead and on paths from 1 April to 31 July. It is a walk by the estuary rather than a place to paddle.
What about the beach at Monifieth?
Monifieth is in Angus Council’s area, not Dundee’s. Keep Scotland Beautiful shows a dog restricted area icon but gives no dates or location, so check with Angus Council before you go.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
