The Top 5 Best Beaches in East Lothian
It’s no secret that East Lothian has some of the best and bonniest beaches in all of Scotland, but there are still hidden gems to discover here. Whether you’re after rock pools, peaceful stretches of sand or opportunities to spot sealife, you’ll find it in our guide to the top 5 best beaches in East Lothian.
Browse outdoor accommodation in Lothian or look for Lothian campsites near the coast.
Yellowcraig beach
Yellowcraig beach, which is also known as Broad Sands Bay, is a spacious beach backed by woodlands and open fields. Here, visitors have spectacular views out to nearby Fidra Island and its Victorian lighthouse on a stretch of sand within easy walking distance of the small village of Dirleton.
There's a pirate-themed adventure playground here for the kids, while active explorers and dog walkers will find a rich array of paths running along the shoreline and into the countryside beyond.
While the beach doesn't have a café, there is a barbecue area that can be booked in advance. Just up the road, Dirleton village centre has a number of places to stop for food and drink, including an ice cream parlour.
After exploring trails around Yellowcraig and Dirleton, find more footpaths with this list of our favourite places to walk in Lothian.
Seacliff beach
Seacliff beach is a real East Lothian hidden gem with an excellent outlook over Tantallon Castle and a tiny harbour plus views of Bass Rock, a steep-sided volcanic island out in the Firth of Forth.
Seacliff is actually a private beach, so you'll have to pay a few pounds at an automatic barrier to access the small on-site car park. At low tide, the red-coloured rocks at the eastern end of a beach can be seen sweeping northwards to form St Baldred's Boat, a rugged rocky outcrop topped with a cross.
There are no facilities on or around the beach, so be prepared to pack drinks and snacks in advance.
Tantalised by Tantallon? Check out more of the best castles to visit in Lothian.
Belhaven Bay
Sitting within John Muir Country Park, this beach to the north of the river Tyne has stunning views out to sea as well as sand dunes, salt marshes and grasslands to explore.
Belhaven Bay, a striking stretch of sand near the village of West Barns, also has a surf school where you can learn how to handle a board in a gorgeous natural setting. The village centre has a pub and a small independent brewery, plus a bike path that can take you to the country park's other facilities around a mile away, including public toilets and a kids' play farm.
Looking for more outdoor activities? Discover mountains, beaches and trails all around Scotland with our Ultimate Scottish Camping Guide.
North Berwick
North Berwick is a smart little resort that can be reached by train from Edinburgh city centre in just over half an hour. Sitting in a scenic spot surrounded by the lush East Lothian countryside, the town is a popular destination for families, who will find ample space for sunbathing, swimming or birdwatching on its spacious West Beach.
North Berwick's West Beach has far-reaching views of the islands of Craigleith and Bass Rock. It's also a short walk from the Scottish Seabird Centre, where you can learn all about the gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes that can be seen soaring over the east coast of Scotland.
Explore camping and glamping accommodation near North Berwick.
Aberlady Bay
Aberlady Bay became Britain's first local nature reserve back in 1952, protecting around 1,500 acres of sand and marshland on the southern side of the Forth Estuary. Head here for a wild expanse of coastline, impressive views over Edinburgh’s landmarks and the Pentland Hills and to see the wrecks of two submarines once used as target practice by the RAF.
This isn't your typical bucket-and-spade day out, with the primary focus of the place being the more than 500 species that make their home along this stretch of coastline. Help do your bit by taking any litter home with you and by keeping to the well-maintained paths that crisscross the reserve to avoid disturbing Aberlady’s resident wildlife.
Impressed by what you’ve seen so far? There’s more where that came from – click here to start exploring more of the best places to visit in Lothian.