Last Update:
November 27, 2024
Gayfield is predominantly made up of terracing which extends around three corners of the ground. However, this gives the stadium a lot of character, especially as terracing is slowly but surely disappearing generally from football stadia. On one side is the Gayfield Main Stand which was opened in 2002 and extended in 2010. This is a covered single tiered, all seated stand, which has a large floodlight pylon protruding from the centre of its roof. The other sides of the ground are all terraces that are of a similar size. Each side has a small covered area, that covers the centre part of the terraces to the rear. There are also a number of small floodlight pylons that run down the East side of the pitch, the bases of which are situated within the East Terrace.
It is interesting to note that Arbroath for over 100 years held the World Record for the biggest victory in a competitive game. 36-0, against Aberdeen Bon Accord in 1885. Former Arbroath player John Petrie also held for sometime the World Record for number of goals scored by one player in a competitive game, scoring 13 of the 36 goals in that match.
Supporters are normally housed in the Seaforth Terrace at one end of the ground. This end is also affectionately known as the ‘Pleash End’ as it has the Pleasureland indoor amusement arcade at the back of it. If demand requires it, then the East Terrace at one side of the pitch can also be allocated. Normally a relaxed and hassle free day out. John Stenhouse adds; ‘make sure you have a pie, they are amongst the best you’ll find’.
Jamie Malley informs me; ”no matter how good the weather forecast is take a coat! and if its anytime between October and March also take a set of thermals. Gayfield is the closest ground to the sea in Britain (and in fact in Europe) and when the wind comes in off the North Sea it gets a wee bit chilly. Also if its really windy don’t stand in the East terrace unless you’ve got an umbrella – the sea may come over the wall and you’ll end up very wet!’
David Lewis informs me; ‘There is a small bar located in the Main Stand, called the 36-0 Lounge, which opens an hour before kick off. Although small it was comfortable with a television showing the latest scores. Away fans are welcome to use the bar, unless segregation is in place for the match.’ Otherwise the nearest bar to the ground is the Tutties Neuk, on Queens Drive, which is just across the road from the ground. The bar is popular with both home and away fans, although it is a little on the small side.
Jamie Malley adds; ‘Tutties is the place to go pre-match. Home and away supporters will freely mingle before the game and the banter is pretty good – I’ve even heard some away fans describe this as the best pre-match boozer in Scotland. Otherwise, within the town itself there are a number of pubs, the best of which is probably the Corn Exchange (a Wetherspoons outlet) for cheap beer ‘n’ food. If you are after a quieter pub the harbour area has a load. For food the pies at Gayfield are so-so and if you want one best go before half time as they usually run out. Remember Arbroath is famous for its fish, so make sure you have some fish and chips before you leave. If there’s a chippie that serves better and fresher fish than Peppos on the harbour, then I’ve yet to find it and I’ve eaten fish & chips all over the country! Also if you are down at the harbour there’s no end of shops selling Smokies’.
The ground is easy to find as it is located on the main A92. If approaching Arbroath on the A92 from the South, you will come to the ground on your right. There is plenty of street parking to be found along the sea front.
Arbroath Railway Station is around a 15 minute walk away from Gayfield Park. From the railway station come out of the main entrance and turn left. Walk down to the bottom of this road and turn right into Millgate Loan. The ground is approximately half a mile along this road – you can’t really miss it.
From the Bus Station – come out of the bus station onto the dual carriageway – turn right and walk away from the town towards the Signal Tower museum. You’ll see the ground ahead of you – its a 10/15 minute walk.
Thanks to Jamie Malley for providing the directions.
Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:
All Areas Of Gayfield Park
Adults £13
Concessions £7
Parent + Child £15
Official Programme £2.
Montrose, Forfar Athletic and Brechin City.
Arbroath FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).
Record Attendance
13,510 v Rangers, 22nd February 1952.
Average Attendance
2018-2019: 951 (League One)
2017-2018: 772 (League One)
2016-2017: 727 (League Two)
If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.
If you require hotel accommodation in Arbroath then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.
Official Web Site: www.arbroathfc.co.uk
Unofficial Web Site: Lichties News
Special thanks to David Linden for providing the photo of the Main Stand at Gayfield Park, Arbroath FC.
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.
Ground Layout
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Arbroath v Alloa Athletic
Scottish Championship
Saturday 2nd November 2019, 3pm
Erik Williams (Neutral)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
I'd cobbled together a short holiday in Scotland so that I could see four games in five days: Queen of the South v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (0-2); St Johnstone v Hearts (1-0); Dundee v Morton (2-1) and Arbroath-Alloa Athletic. Gayfield Park is the most northerly British ground I've visited.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I was staying in Dundee and there were plenty of trains. I'd downloaded a map of Arbroath centre, so that I could find my way around.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I had a quick look at the Abbey but couldn't see much from the outside. I had a cold smokie. A hot one would have been nicer. I didn't see any attractive pubs, but they were selling steak pies inside the ground. The Signal Tower Museum, which deals mainly with the Bell Rock lighthouse, is located near the stadium and is worth a visit.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
I thought the stadium was a bit tatty at first, but it's got a character all of its own. I didn't notice which was the away end. I could sit/stand where I liked. I sat in the cramped Main Stand on the landward side of the stadium – not much legroom. There are terraces on the other sides. None of the four structures goes the whole length/breadth of the pitch, so you'd be exposed to the elements standing at a corner. All three terraces looked similarly dusty. Out to sea, it's next stop Denmark.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
A steward let me in so that I could go to the shop. Then I decided I'd better go out and come in again through the turnstile so that I could pay my admission. The attendance was only 921, but the support seemed to be enthusiastic. Arbroath went 2-0 up – a goal by Linn from a left flank attack and one by Donnelly after a cross from the left. However, Alloa weren't playing all that badly and I wasn't surprised when they scored – a goal by Trouten when he was left on his own. The second half was more even in that there were no goals and both teams picked up a yellow card.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
You need to be careful crossing the busy road in the dark. The first train to Dundee was cancelled, but I didn't have to wait long for another one.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
An interesting day out. The rain held off for the game. Things to see in Arbroath and a reasonable game. Overhearing comments by Arbroath supporters, I got the impression that they'd have preferred a more convincing victory. But three points is three points. It's a pity Scottish grounds don't get the crowds English grounds do.
Arbroath v Alloa Athletic
League Cup Group Stage
Saturday 27th July 2019, 3pm
Alister Ryrie (Doing the 42)
Arbroath v East Fife
Scottish League 1
Saturday 16th March 2019, 3pm
Tony Smith (Doing the 134)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
Match rescheduling for TV unexpectedly left a weekend free to choose either St Johnstone or Brechin City from the five Scottish grounds that I have yet to visit to complete the 42 (and in turn the 134 of both England, Wales & Scotland). Staying in Dundee would cover both bases plus there was an excellent ELO tribute band on the Friday night. What could possibly go wrong?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Meticulous planning including guidance from this website was however thwarted at about midday, having arrived in a blizzard at Montrose on a rail replacement bus. Fortunately, I had not caught the local (No. 30) bus to Brechin before learning the match was off. Probably now too late to get to Perth I was resigned to no match but having passed Gayfield earlier checked the fixtures to see Arbroath were also at home.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
A Rail replacement got me back to Arbroath in time to revisit Wetherspoons before raising my brolly and heading to the match.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
My last visit in August 2000 did not leave many lasting memories other than the ‘stadium’ is nearer the sea than Grimsby’s but it is not as run-down/drab as there, nor does Cleethorpes have a Pleasure Land next door. Presumably, the aerodynamics are well understood yet the floodlight pylons looked very spindly but the pitch drainage is obviously excellent as rain continued to pour. Entry to the ground was £15 (£8 concessions) and from a seller wisely keeping dry in the club shop I grabbed a programme. Although glossy/coloured I felt somewhat underwhelmed by just 16 pages for £2. For the same price, I could have bought two small cups of tea or excellent value pie including steak with black pudding. The latter smelled good and seemed popular whereas the former came in a “This is a Kind Cup” referring to cardboard recycling.
There seemed to be little segregation and ample terrace cover at either end or far side. The latter is designed to be split with a tv gantry above the main sponsor advertisement stopping entry or a spectator view from a central section. Many of the 709, however, joined me in the Main Stand where I was able to choose a position near the back but minimising effect of supporting pillars.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The referee who was inconspicuous but effective throughout started the match slightly early. Both teams adapted well to the wind and rain and it would have been hard to tell that the home team have dominated this league so far. Maybe the result was influenced by the East Fife captain needing to be stretchered off after about 25 minutes shortly before a glancing header open the scoring against them. Complacent or not the equaliser quickly followed and the game subsequently teetered out until half time.
We were then entertained by a veterans walking football match where some of the players must have been grateful for the extra insulation that the years/beer had provided. The Red Lichties produced a well-worked winner after 49 minutes which helped motivate East Fife to create a good second half when their captain reappeared on crutches and his armband on one of their three subs. At this level, I fail to see why 7 subs can be included in the squad and not sure how they fitted into the small dug-outs which are not symmetrically placed about the halfway line. I don’t think that any of the few balls that left the ground ended in the sea but there did not appear to be any netting to prevent this.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
I exited by the top of the stand as there was flooding at the bottom and used the adequate toilets. There is no pelican crossing outside the ground but the busy main road does have a central traffic island. I was back to the rail station for a bus before 5pm (repassing the ground a few minutes later) still waiting on my phone an English Football League result of interest.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I was grateful that the ground staff at Arbroath and the vagaries of geography had allowed me to see a decent game in appalling weather. Back in Dundee earlier than planned, last night’s venue had a St Patricks Day themed show but I had the unexpected bonus of seeing an excellent play at the Repertory Theatre. The rail journey home on Sunday was uneventful but evidence of extensive floods near York reminded me again how well the weekend had gone.
Arbroath v Airdrieonians
Competition Scottish League 1
Saturday 23rd February 2019, 3pm
John Boynton (Neutral)
Arbroath v Bolton Wanderers
Pre-Season Friendly Match
Tuesday 11th July 2017, 7:30 pm
Barry Gore (Bolton Wanderers fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
I was just looking forward to seeing Bolton Wanderers play in Scotland
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Having arrived in Arbroath at around 2:30 pm (5 hours before kick off) to make a day of it, we were able to park at the side of the ground. Gayfield Park was very easy to find, just follow the coast road.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We for a walk around town. Arbroath is not very big, but very clean. We had a venture into a Wetherspoons pub called the Corn Exchange, where the beer was £1.99 a pint. Had a good laugh with some locals.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
I found Gayfield Park fascinating. It is old and full of character. It reminded me of a real football ground, before the new all seating stadiums came in.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
It was a friendly game all the supporters got behind both teams strangely enough. Facilities were decent. Loved the location. So close to the sea, that when the tide is in your slippers get wet.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the match had ended we were away within five minutes.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Absolutely a brilliant day out at Gayfield Park. For location alone the best ground I have visited. There wasn't a single fault. Apart from the five hour drive each way. I would love to visit again.
Arbroath v Edinburgh City
Scottish Football League Two
Saturday 15th April 2017, 3pm
Brian May (Edinburgh City fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
I was a first-time visitor to Arbroath and number 35 of the 42 Scottish League grounds for me. With things tightening up at the top and bottom of the league, this was a crucial game for both teams.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We travelled by train and found the Gayfield Park ground really easily. It didn't look as though there was that much car parking available at the ground though.
Gayfield Park
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
As usual, when going to a game with my kids, we try to make a day of it and explore the towns we visit. We had arrived in Arbroath around midday and made our way to Arbroath Abbey and then the Signal Tower Museum, both of which are well worth a visit. We even had time to visit the indoor funfair behind one end of the ground! The home fans milling around the ground were friendly enough.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
Gayfield Park is a great little ground. Terraces make up three sides with a tidy main stand on the other. The terraces are mainly open but each side has a small roof and there are fences that can be closed if segregation is in force, but were open when we visited. The ground is right by the sea, and we had a typical Scottish spring day alternating between sunshine and heavy showers including hail, but there was more than enough room under cover. I can imagine that a midweek game in winter could be a very different experience!
That's The Sea Over The Back There!
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The stewards were friendly and helpful and pointed out the 'parent and child' gate which was a few pounds cheaper than going through the separate 'Adult' and 'Concession' gates. There is a small club shop just inside the gate and a supporters bar built into the Main Stand. Having been warned that the pies sell out quickly, we headed straight for the refreshment stall and I have to say that the steak and black pudding pie was possibly the best pie I have had at a football ground!
The game started with Arbroath predictably on top given the relative league positions but City kept them on their guard with some good chances on the break. The Arbroath fans were singing and creating a lively atmosphere throughout the game – changing ends with the small band of City supporters at half time. Scorelines elsewhere meant that the result was becoming increasingly important for City and deep into injury time bundled home a corner to snatch the points and edge closer to survival.
Looking Towards The Seaforth End
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the game, the sun was out again so we took a stroll along to the harbour and had some excellent fish & chips (locals queuing out of the door is always a good sign) before walking back up to the train station.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
We had a great day out at Gayfield Park. Arbroath is certainly an interesting and friendly town to visit and a last gasp winner always puts a bit of gloss on any football game! I would definitely visit again. But not in January!
Arbroath v Montrose
Scottish Football League Two
Saturday 25th March 2017, 3pm
Angus Robertson (Montrose fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
I was looking forward to the atmosphere and the intensity of the Angus Derby.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Gayfield Park is very easy to find. Parking is not the best, on the grass either side of the ground.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Came straight from work in a hurry. Arbroath fans are mostly friendly, although there is a rivalry between our two clubs, which has led to a few problems in the past, but I noticed a more family friendly environment compared to recent years.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
Gayfield Park is fine and well kept. The old ancient stands with the low roofs are quaint looking!
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The pies are the best I've tasted from any game, a great credit to the people of Lichtie SmokeyVille. Stewards were very friendly and helpful. Atmosphere was a little tense, owing to the rivalry between the two clubs. I made sure the Montrose Tammy was hidden in the pocket whilst leaving the ground, though to be honest I generally find the Arbroathers friendly enough. The Montrose fans and team seemed to be more on form than the Smokeys.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It's was a bit of a nightmare to get away with cars coming from all directions, will take the train next time.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Great entertaining football, friendly stewards, pies were magic. A very enjoyable afternoon at Gayfield Park for what is always a lively entertaining fixture. I think this derby is becoming more family friendly than before.
Arbroath v Clyde
Scottish League Two
Saturday 12th November 2016, 3pm
Arthur Morris (Neutral fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
I went with a mate who is a Grimsby Town fan. I support Chester and we have recently started visiting the odd Scottish ground. We decided on a visit to Gayfield Park as it is the scene of the famous 1885 36-0 win against Bon Accord. I not keen on bucket lists but a trip to see the Red Lichties at Gayfield would have been high on my list if I had one. A further point if interest is that Arbroath have been playing at Gayfield since 1880 so that in itself is a good enough reason to go.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We stayed overnight in Edinburgh and enjoyed a brilliant train journey up the East Coast to Arbroath.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
The Millgate, the Pageant and Tutties Neuk pubs, were all visited before the match and a return visit to the Pageant to collect a "left behind scarf" after the match. Finally a visit was made to the West Port Bar whilst waiting for a train back to Edinburgh. "Tutties" is a fine pub, with Clyde and Arbroath fans happy to drink alongside one another and friendly bar staff.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
Gayfield Park is a "proper" old lower league football ground with standing on three sides and a Grandstand along the West side if the pitch. The weather was fine which is relevant here as the ground is only 20 or so yards from the North Sea. I particularly liked the post and rail perimeter fence, the old fashioned terracing and the freedom to stand anywhere we wanted to as there was no segregation of supporters.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
A cracking game which Arbroath won by 4-0. However Clyde had three clear cut chances in the second half and the game was by no means as one sided as the score suggests. My mate had two pies so it is safe to assume that they were at least okay!
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Having travelled into Arbroath by train it was a ten minute walk back to the station although the detour to the Pageant and the West Port Bar added a few more minutes.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
This was a fantastic day out, Arbroath itself is a friendly town with a picturesque harbour and sea front, good pubs and the best football ground I have visited in years.
Arbroath v Clyde
Scottish League Two
Saturday 12th November 2016, 3pm
Brian Scott (Neutral fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Gayfield Park?
Before this game I had 19 clubs still to visit in Scotland, and I want to do four per year. Two down this season, so two to go. East Fife and Berwick are planned next.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I had a good journey up from Suffolk and arrived at my B&B in Kirkcaldy dead on time on the Friday, sadly my journey home on the Sunday was extended by three hours due to problems on the East Coast Mainline. I had an easy onward journey up to Arbroath on Saturday morning. The ground was very easy to find, thanks to the directions on this site.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I had ample time to look around Arbroath, and thankfully it was a lovely sunny autumn day. I first had a walk around the harbour and saw lots of fishing boats. It was high tide so the sea was breaking over the tall sea wall. I was very lucky not to get soaked as a wave came over just ten yards in front of me! I visited the chip shop at the harbour mentioned in the guide and sat by the harbour. I then visited the Signal Tower Museum and learnt a lot about the lighthouse 11 miles out at sea on a rock, and also how lighthouses were made. As this is only a few hundred yards from Gayfield Park, it is well worth a visit. At the ground all were friendly as I would expect. There were only a small number of fans who had journeyed from Clyde.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Gayfield Park?
The Gayfield Park Round transported me back many years to when crumbling concrete terraces were common. What struck me was the closeness to the sea and the views of the sea when in the ground. I spoke to some locals and they told me that it was a mild day, but on a cold day it can get very cold indeed. Nobody should visit Gayfield Park without a coat (or two) and a wooly hat under your hood! The Main Stand is adequate, but it took me some time to realise that the only way in was through a small door at the top of some steps. I suppose the door helps to keep the west wind out! The toilets were good and it looked as though one I went in upstairs was brand new. The other three sides of the ground were pretty much all the same with semi-crumbling old concrete terracing and three roofs. As is traditional at this level, and with no segregation in place, fans changed ends at half time. Indeed I moved from the seats at half time and watched the second half from various places, including right by the sea as this was so novel for me. Looking out to sea as well as watching the match was special.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The opening stages were fairly even with Arbroath scoring one goal in the first half. However, in the second half they added three more and by the time the second one went in the result was in no doubt. It ended 4-0. Apart from when the goals were scored the atmosphere was pretty flat, but there were only 615 people there, in quite a large space.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
I left early for the 10 minute walk to the railway station to catch the 16.55 back to Kirkcaldy. I noted that there were several Clyde fans who left early and were on the same train, causing the train guard much bother!
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I had a good weekend in this area of Scotland.