Newburgh Seal Beach
Hundreds of grey seals gather year-round on the sandbanks at the mouth of the River Ythan. You can watch them from across the river, making this a popular wildlife spot near Aberdeen.
Newburgh Seal Beach lies in the village of Newburgh, about 25 km north of Aberdeen, where the River Ythan meets the sea. On the north bank of the estuary, the sandbanks of the Forvie National Nature Reserve are a haul-out for grey seals and harbour seals, where hundreds or even thousands often gather. From the golf course car park on the Newburgh side, walk about 20 minutes over the dunes to the south bank of the estuary. Watch across the channel, as the seals often swim curiously closer. To avoid disturbing them, never cross the river or approach the seals, and do not take dogs near the water. Admission is free and the beach can be visited at any time of day. Seal numbers peak at low tide. November to December is the grey seal pupping season. The dunes on the north side of Forvie are also good for terns and eider ducks. It can be combined with Slains Castle for a northern half-day route.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Slains Castle
- Brig o' Balgownie & Seaton Park
- Bullers of Buchan
- Aberdeen Beach
- St Machar's Cathedral
- Torry Battery
- King's College & Old Aberdeen
- Footdee (Fittie)