With so many stunning stretches of coastline on its doorstep, Edinburgh makes the perfect base for seaside adventures.
Visiting Edinburgh means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to coastal escapes.
Within an hour or so from the city, you can swap cobbles for coastline and find a selection of sweeping sands, wildlife-rich bays and classic seaside promenades. All you need is a free day, a decent forecast and maybe an ice cream to complete the picture.
Whether you fancy a family picnic, a bracing coastal walk or a lazy afternoon by the water, these beaches are ideal for when you want a day at the seaside.
- Many East Lothian and Fife beaches are reachable by train from Edinburgh in around 40 minutes.
- Always be careful around water and check tide times if exploring rocky areas or causeways.
- Even on bright days, a coastal breeze can be brisk – layers are your best friend!
Portobello Beach
- Getting there: Lothian Buses routes 19 and 26 travel regularly from Princes Street to Portobello High Street.
- Did you know: Portobello was once a separate seaside resort town before becoming part of Edinburgh in 1896.
Edinburgh’s own seaside escape, Portobello Beach delivers traditional charm with its long promenade and wide stretch of golden sand. It’s the go-to for paddlers, joggers and anyone craving fish and chips with a coastal view.
Cramond Beach
- Getting there: Take Lothian Buses service 37 to Silverknowes, then walk the short distance to the beach.
- Did you know: The concrete pillars leading out to Cramond Island are the remains of WWII anti-invasion defences.
At the mouth of the River Almond and running into the River Forth, Cramond Beach offers a quieter coastal wander. It’s more about rock pools and views of the Forth Bridges than sunbathing. The 1 mile tidal causeway leading to Cramond Island adds a sense of adventure (be sure to check the tide times before crossing).
Gullane Bents
- Getting there: East Coast Buses route 124 runs from Edinburgh city centre to Gullane, followed by a short walk to the beach.
- Top tip: Combine your visit with a walk on part of the John Muir Way, which passes by.
A favourite in East Lothian, Gullane Bents combines rolling dunes with expansive sands. It’s popular with families, walkers and windsurfers, and the open views across the Firth of Forth make it a fantastic place to watch the sunset.
Yellowcraig Beach
- Getting there: Take East Coast Buses route 124 from Edinburgh city centre to Dirleton, followed by a short walk to the beach.
- Did you know: The island you see offshore, Fidra, is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
Backed by sandy dunes and woodland, Yellowcraig Beach feels wonderfully tucked away. Families love its gentle shallows and the views across to Fidra Island give it a picture-postcard backdrop.
North Berwick Beach
- Getting there: Scotrail operates a service to North Berwick from Edinburgh. It is then approximately 10 minutes walk to West Beach.
- Top tip: Visit the nearby Scottish Seabird Centre to learn more about the area’s local wildlife, or join one of their seasonal boat trips to see seabirds up close.
Just a 40 minute train ride from Edinburgh, North Berwick West Beach sits beside the pretty town of North Berwick. With Bass Rock dominating the horizon, it’s a scenic spot for sandcastle building, seaside strolls and ice cream.
Longniddry Bents
- Getting there: Take East Coast Buses route 124 from Edinburgh city centre to Longniddry followed by a short walk, or the 20 minute train from Edinburgh Waverley to Longniddry.
- Top tip: this is one of the best spots near Edinburgh for windsurfing, thanks to its coastal winds.
If you’re after space, this is the place. Longniddry Bents shoreline stretches for miles, making it ideal for long walks, kite flying and blowing away the cobwebs. It’s less busy than some neighbouring beaches, which adds to its relaxed feel.
Belhaven Bay
- Getting there: Take the train from Edinburgh Waverly to Dunbar, followed by a 15 minute walk to the beach.
- Did you know: The Bridge to Nowhere becomes surrounded by water at high tide, creating a unique photo opportunity – check tide times if you want to capture the iconic reflection shot.
Close to Dunbar, Belhaven Bay is known for its vast sands and striking bridge backdrop. It’s a hotspot for surfers when the swell is right, but there’s plenty of room for relaxed beach walks too.
Coldingham Bay
- Getting there: LNER trains run between Edinburgh and Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Then take Borders Bus service 235 to Coldingham village, followed by a walk to the beach.
- Top tip: Explore the nearby dramatic cliffs at St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve.
A little further south, Coldingham Bay rewards the extra miles. Framed by green hills, it’s one of the Scottish Border’s most picturesque beaches and a favourite for kayaking and surfing, and exploring rock pools.
Aberdour Silver Sands
- Getting there: Train from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdour (30 minutes), followed by a 10 minute walk.
- Top tip: Wander up to the historic ruins of Aberdour Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest standing castles.
Hop over the Forth into Fife and you’ll find the sandy cove of Aberdour Silver Sands. With good facilities and calm waters, it’s a dependable choice for a traditional seaside afternoon – especially when the sun makes an appearance.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
