TOP BEACHES NEAR EDINBURGH
A stroll along a sandy beach is a relaxing and pleasurable experience for all. When you are visiting Edinburgh, if the hustle and bustle of the city gets too much, then its nice to know you are never too far away from a beach. We have listed all of the beaches around and outside of Edinburgh. Each beach is worth a visit and has its own unique features, all of these beaches are great places to enjoy a day in the sun or take leisurely strolls.
PORTOBELLO BEACH
Portobello beach is a sandy beach located just a few miles from Edinburgh City Centre. The area the beach is around is called Portobello, this is in memory of the capture of “Porto Bello” in Panama during the Austrian Succession in 1739.
The beach hosts a number of events including, international volley ball and triathlon events. This stunning beach is home to Portobello Kayaking and sailing club as well as an impressive Victorian period swimming pool with Turkish baths.
CRAMOND BEACH
Cramond beach is a small sandy beach that is located near the village of Cramond. This beach is a popular choice for residents of Edinburgh and can be accessed be walking or cycling.
One unique feature of Cramond beach is the small island called Cramond Island. This island is accessible when the tides are low. It is not advised to venture onto the island as there is a real danger of getting trapped on the island when the tides begin to rise.
YELLOWCRAIG BEACH
Yellowcraig Beach is a natural cove located outside of Edinburgh near North Berwick. This beach has views out to Fidra island, standing proud on Fidra is a lighthouse built in 1885.
Fascinatingly yellowcraig beach is said to have been the inspiration of the Scottish novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1882 book Treasure Island.
The beach has lots of amenities including bbq site, nature trails, dog walks and sheltered woodland.
TYNINGHAME BEACH
Tyninghame beach is known as one of the finest beaches in Scotland. This long sandy beach has a long expanse and sand dunes bordering its edges. The beach itself is very popular in the summer months but almost deserted out with these months. The beach is perfect for a quiet stroll.
Like Yellowcraigs beach, Tyninghame Beach also boasts an offshore island with a lighthouse. Bass rock, as its known, is an ancient volcanic plug and also home to a colony of gannets.
WHITESANDS BAY – EAST LOTHIAN
Whitesand Bay Beach – Torpoint Edinburgh, is a fantastic beach with smooth sand around the bay. Sunrises and early morning sun are best enjoyed at this beach as it enjoys an east facing direction.
This fairly secluded beach is rarely busy. There is also accommodation in the form of a campsite nearby. Dunbar is the closest town located around 2 miles away offer offering attractive trails along the rocky coastline.
SEACLIFF BEACH
Located in East Lothian near Edinburgh, Seacliff beach offers a perfect hideaway beach to escape any crowds. Seacliff is a private beach with carpark. In order to use the private beach there is a coin machine at the cark park.
Seacliff is a tiny natural sandstone harbour, in fact, it is well regarded as the smallest sandstone harbour in Scotland and the UK. Like the well renowned Tyninghame beach, Seacliff beach also features views out to Bass rock.
GULLANE BEACH – LOTHIAN
Another beach not to far from Edinburgh, located in East Lothian is Gullane Beach. This impressive sandy beach is located near to wonderful nature trails.
The village adjacent to the beach is called Gullane and is well known for its golfing history. Gullane is one of the most beautiful and interesting looking villages in Scotland, surrounded by golf courses and featuring many impressive looking villas.
BELHAVEN BAY
Situated a short drive outside of Edinburgh close to Dunbar is the vast beach of Belhaven Bay. The beach is great for long walks and features low lying sand dunes that change depending on the tide.
The beach is situated in the John Muir national park. John Muir was an early conservationist in Scotland and is claimed to be the “Father of the national parks” in Scotland.
SILVERKNOWES BEACH
A mix of sand and pebbles, Silverknowes Beach is located close to Edinburgh to the north of the city outskirts. The beach is backed by a golf course and has view out to Cramond island.
The beach boasts a 3 mile long promenade that runs parallel to the sand. Taking this route takes you into Cramond village which gives you access to shops and cafes.
SILVER SANDS BEACH
Across the bridge from Edinburgh you will find a magnificent Blue Flag beach called Silver Sands. Silver Sands is located next to Aberdour which is a stunning looking historic Village well worth a walk around.
From the beach you can enjoy views of 2 islands, Inchmickery and Inchcolm. Both islands played key defensive roles in world war 2, protecting Edinburgh and the ships in the Forth waterway it sits in. Inchcolm also boasts an impressive cathedral on its shores which is a must see attraction for those who are interested.
MUSSELBURGH BEACH
Also known as Fisherrow Sands beach, Musselburgh Beach is one of many beaches along the Musselburgh seafront. The two beaches of Fisherrows feature lone sandy stretches perfect for walking the dog.
Musselburgh is the largest inhabited area in East Lothian which is near Edinburgh., a full range of hotels and amenities can be found here.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE BEACH AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN EDINBURGH
We operate a luxury chauffeur service for Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland. We would love to ferry you away to any of the beaches above for a quick break from the city. Please Contact Us to find out more.
If you liked this article you are sure to like our article on Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh.