The Scottish capital has glorious stretches of coast right on its doorstep – here are our favourites, picked by locals
Edinburgh is one of the greatest cities in the UK for famous sites, cute pubs and restaurants, and bags of culture, but one aspect of the Scottish capital that’s often overlooked is the litany of lovely beaches.
Whether it’s views across the Forth or the rugged beauty of East Lothian you’re after, there are plenty of beaches on Edinburgh’s doorstep to whittle away long sunny days. It’s ice-cream, fish ‘n’ chips and chilly ice-water-dips galore up here. These are the very best beaches in Edinburgh.
🚂 Best for a day trip by train: North Berwick
👨🏽👩🏽👧🏽👦🏽 Best for families: Silver Sands
🎡 Best for food and attractions by the sea: Portobello Beach
📸 Best for Instagram pics: Seacliff Beach
➡️ READ MORE: Our ultimate guide to Edinburgh
This guide was written by Izzy Gray, a writer based in Edinburgh. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
As cities go, Edinburgh is pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. If you are short on time and looking for an all-rounder spot to give you your beach fix - we’re talking a quick dip, fish & chips, sandy shores and a Mr. Whippy ice cream - head to Portobello Beach on Edinburgh’s East coast, accessible within 30 minutes from the centre of town.
How to get there: Half an hour by train from Edinburgh's Waverley Station
With dramatic coastal walks, the imposing Law hill to climb, and an abundance of shops, restaurants and galleries to explore, it's the perfect place to spend a day escaping the rush of city life. The town is home to two excellent beaches, Milsey Bay and West Beach, both of which offer long stretches of sand, great swimming conditions and views out towards Bass Rock.
How to get there: A short ride on the number 41 bus
Welcome to the quaint hamlet of Cramond, where whitewashed houses overlook the Firth of Forth. The beach at Cramond is vast, and can change dramatically as the tide comes and goes. At certain times of the day, you can walk across the kilometre-long causeway to the mysterious Cramond Island, but just remember to check the tide times first - you don't want to end up marooned with the gulls! The village may be small but it's certainly endearing, and you'll be sure of a friendly welcome at the harbour-front inn.
How to get there: A 30-minute train from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdour, and a 15-minute walk to the beach
The beach at Aberdour, Fife, is as much famous for its silver sands as it is the views out over the Forth and its islands, Inchcolm and Inchmickery. The beach is small but picturesque, and particularly popular with families over the summer months, as its famous bouncy castle opens for business. The beach is also renowned for its water sports, and is a great place to rent a kayak or try your hand at windsurfing.
How to get there: A 15 minute bus ride from the city centre
‘Porty Beach’, as it is fondly known, is one of Edinburgh's nearest and most popular beaches. The traditional seaside town draws in huge crowds on a sunny day, and it's easy to see why; with over two kilometres of golden sands, a lengthy promenade, amusement arcades and even Turkish Baths to explore, there's definitely something to keep everyone happy if the water gets a little nippy. For great food and drink, head to The Espy.
How to get there: A short drive from North Berwick
Seacliff Beach is one of the East Coast's best kept secrets. The beach at Seacliff is privately owned but can be accessed for a small fee of £3, and is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon away from the crowds. With a picturesque redstone harbour and views out towards the ruins of Tantallon Castle, it's a great spot to set up for a picnic, or - if you're feeling brave - why not take part in a pony trek with the nearby Seacliff Stables?
How to get there: A 20 minute train on the East Coast line from Waverley, and an easy walk
A little further afield lies Belhaven Bay, part of the John Muir Country Park. The beach has won numerous awards for its pristine sands, rolling dunes and excellent views out towards the Forth Estuary. It's a popular spot for surfing, and lessons can be booked through the nearby Coast to Coast Surf School.
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