Us Scots are not scared by a little rain, so a day out to the beach can happen rain or shine. Even though glorious sunshine is obviously preferred, it is no secret that Scottish weather can provide us with all the seasons in one day. The beautiful vistas the shore brings can be easily admired in and around Edinburgh, so we’ve put together a list of the very best beaches near the capital city.
1. Cramond Beach
Cramond has its own charm, with white wee houses overlooking the Firth of Forth, and Cramond Island ready to be explored during low tide. What is more, the beach offers plenty of space to enjoy the most of what it has to offer without having to squeeze next to other people. Enjoy a day of walking, responsible barbecuing and just chilling out on Cramond Beach, or check out the Cramond Falls waterfall walk nearby.
2. North Berwick
We absolutely love North Berwick, and it is also number one on our ‘Prettiest Villages and Towns‘ list. North Berwick is a quaint seaside town accessible both via car and train, located only 25 miles away from Edinburgh. The town boasts two excellent beaches, Milsey Bay and West Beach, with plenty of sandy stretches and stunning views. Indulge in a wild swimming sesh, kite surf, walk along the beach or simply enjoy a nice day on the sand at North Berwick, as well as explore the quaint coastal town.
3. Seacliff Beach
Seacliff Beach can only be described as a hidden gem and deserved a spot on the best beaches near Edinburgh list, as it is privately owned but can be entered for £3 with a car. Located near North Berwick, it’s just as easy to get to and offers solace from the crowds. With views of Bass Rock and the ruins of Tantallon Castle, the beach is the perfect backdrop for picnics, surfing, dog-walking and relaxing on the sandy stretch.
4. St Abbs Beach
While St Abbs Beach is not a white sand beach, its picturesque cliffs give it an enviable wow factor set to surprise and delight most visitors. Well, unless you have something against stunning cliffs overlooking the sea… Located around an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, St Abbs also boasts a harbour and a visitor centre. To start your marine adventure, just head to the harbour, where you can find many rocky areas to explore along the coast with plenty of birdwatching opportunities at St Abbs Head National Nature reserve.