Beaches
East Lothian
Tyninghame beach
Tyninghame Links, otherwise known as Ravensheugh Sands, is a hidden gem and is regarded as one of the finest beaches in the south of Scotland. Many paths wind their way through the forest, emerging onto the huge sandy unspoilt bay with dramatic views of the Bass Rock.
Car parking
45 spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site "pay and display" machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
No
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Belhaven Bay
Belhaven Bay is a glorious extensive beach within John Muir Country Park. It is fringed by low sheltering sand dunes, rich salt marsh and colourful grasslands. The beach is excellent for walking, having picnics and sunbathing with splendid views out onto the Forth Estuary.
An ideal place to sit and watch surfers and take in the natural beauty. At low tide, you can walk across the iconic Bridge to Nowhere to access the beach and beyond.
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Car parking
160 spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site "pay and display" machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
Yes
Seacliff
North Berwick, East Lothian
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The hidden gem of Seacliff Beach is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds. This unspoilt private beach is home to the UK's smallest harbour with spectacular views of the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle. The beach attracts surfers, dog walkers and picnickers all year round.
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Car parking
120 spaces
There is a small fee for car parking controlled by a coin-operated barrier.
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Toilets
Yes
Yellowcraig
North Berwick, East Lothian
Yellowcraig Beach is a natural cove with spectacular views over to the 1885 lighthouse on Fidra Island which is said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's book Treasure Island. It's very popular with families, with an adventure playpark and a great network of nature trails.
In the middle of the woods, you will discover a 'Disperse' a piece of sculpture designed in conjunction with local people representing the dispersal of seeds. As the years pass, the sculpture is intended to change and slowly be reclaimed by the natural environment.
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Car parking
400 spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site "pay and display" machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
Yes
​Gullane Bents
Gullane, East Lothian
The wide sandy bay at Gullane Bents is one of the most popular beaches in the east of Scotland, attracting locals and visitors alike. It's a super family beach ideal for sunbathing, walking, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
There are plenty of places to walk including a path behind the beach which leads you through the sand dunes. To the west, you can walk to Gullane point where you can see spectacular views over the bay and the Firth of Forth.
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Car parking
300 spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site "pay and display" machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
Yes
Aberlady Bay
Aberlady, East Lothian
Aberlady Bay was the first Local Nature Reserve, established in 1952. If you arrive at low tide, you will see the remains of two midget submarines lying in the sand, though be careful as Aberlady Bay has a reputation for fast-moving incoming tides! Visitors are asked to keep to the good quality paths that cross the Reserve. The Reserve is not suitable for dog walkers due to the potential disturbing of birds and other wildlife.
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Car parking
24 spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site pay and display machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
Yes
Longniddry
Bents
Longniddry, East Lothian
Longniddry Bents is a long beach with a mixture of sand and rocks. The combination of coastline and its location in the Forth makes this a popular area for all watersport enthusiasts, particularly kite-surfers, canoeists and windsurfers. As it is close to nature reserves, there are lots of birds to be seen feeding when the tide is out. The coastal grassland is a great spot for wildflowers.
If you're feeling peckish you can pick up some tasty street food at the car parks of bents no.1 and 3.
Car parking
Bents 1 80 spaces
Bents 2 60 spaces
Bents 3 300 spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site pay and display machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
yes at all 3 car parks
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Lothians with Littles tip
Don’t forget to stop by The Picnic Box at Bents No. 2 carpark, a converted horse box offering coffee, hot drinks, sweet treats, snacks ice cream. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page as they regularly hold family events on the beach such as kite flying and games.
John Muir Country Park
Dunbar, East Lothian
John Muir Country Park is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of the East Lothian coastline and offers a range of wildlife habitats that people of all ages enjoy. The Park is dedicated to naturalist, explorer and conservationist, John Muir. It's a great place to explore with the kids and there is a large outdoor play area and picnic tables.
Car parking
250 car parking spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site pay and display machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
Yes
​Thorntonloch
Dunbar, East Lothian
Almost hidden behind the rock outcrop at Torness Point, this beautiful sandy beach runs south for about 400m, backed along its length by amazing dunes. From here, you can take a stroll along the John Muir Link which runs from Dunbar to Cockburnspath and see many fascinating geological features such as the sandstone arches and waterfall at Bilsdean.
Thorntonloch Beach is popular for fishing, surfing and spotting wildlife.
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Car parking
15 parking spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site pay and display machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
No
​Whitesands
Dunbar, East Lothian
Whitesands is an attractive stretch of fine golden sand flanked on either side by rocky areas and low-rise cliffs. Barns Ness Lighthouse is just a few minutes walk away.
It's an ideal place for an early-morning swim or a walk amongst the dunes and grassland. Families can take part in the geology trail and enjoy coastal walks and wildlife spotting. If you visit at low tide you will find a series of rock pools where little ones will love seeing how many creatures they can spot!
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Car parking
200 car parking spaces
£2.50 for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased from the on-site "pay and display" machines or using RingGo
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Toilets
Yes
Milsey Bay
North Berwick, East Lothian
A popular family beach with amazing views of the Bass Rock and across the Firth of Forth. Ideal for sunbathing, bird watching, picnics and rock pool exploring.
There is a boating pond built into the rocks which holds the water when the tide is out, providing a safe place for children to paddle.
The beach is next to The Scottish Seabird Centre and picturesque harbour.
Car parking
There are a number of free car parks located in North Berwick town centre.
Toilets
Toilet facilities are located at the harbour and Quality Street which has accessible toilets.
Edinburgh
​Portobello
Dunbar, East Lothian
Car parking
Parking can be found on streets nearby
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Toilets
Yes
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This award-winning beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially during good weather. Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the many bars and cafes, or head to Portobello's bustling high street for even more options, including independent restaurants and gift shops. And don't miss the market in Brighton Park on the first Saturday of every month, where you can fresh local produce and crafts.
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Cramond
Edinburgh
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Car parking
There are a number of free car parks located in North Berwick town centre.
Toilets
Toilet facilities are located at the harbour and Quality Street which has accessible toilets.
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Discover the charming Cramond Beach, a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Take aly stroll or bike ride along the beachside paths and enjoy the stunning views of Firth of Forth Don't miss the chance to explore the area's rich history, including one of the longest periods of human settlement. And if you're feeling adventurous, walk over the causeway to the island at low tide - just be sure to check the safe crossing times by texting CRAMOND to 81400.