Scotland is a great location to visit for an adventure holiday, a UK getaway or a weekend road trip. You have so many wonderful cities bustling with plenty to see and do and let’s not forget the famous NC500 driving route, the Scottish Islands and Highlands and the fabulous lochs that you can explore.
However, there is a different sort of water location that is worthy of a visit to Scotland and that is the beaches. While it may be a surprise to you, the Scottish coastline has some of the best beaches you can find in the UK. Many of them are family-focused or perfect for couples to escape to, you will find something that will suit whatever escape you are wanting. So with that in mind, here are some of the best beaches in Scotland to visit and explore.
You might also be interested in the best beaches in Wales and the best beaches in England.
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Top Beaches in Scotland
While we can’t guarantee warm beaches in Scotland, thanks to the unpredictable weather! It is totally possible to see white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at these stunning Scottish beaches in the summer.
Use this list to add some beach days to your Scotland itinerary.
St. Ninians Isle
Ever wanted to feel like you cross the ocean on foot? Then here you can. Shetland is one of the most Northern Points you can get in Scotland, and while there is always a beach close by on the island, there is nothing quite like St. Ninians.
Here you will be able to cross a natural sand bar between the Shetland mainland and the small tiny island of St Ninians. Only at specific tidal times can you do this, but it is fascinating and stunning, worthy of a visit for sure. Check the tide times here to reach the island safely.
The water is a spectacular turquoise blue, especially in the summer months, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on a tropical island!
There are daily flights to the Shetlands from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Manchester and Bergen, Norway!
Tolsta Beach
A great location that is popular with holidaymakers is to head to the Outer Hebrides. The Isle Of Lewis is a popular spot for many reasons, and one, in particular, is Tolsta Beach.
Tolsta itself is a cute little village not far from the main town of Stornoway, and here you will find a peaceful cove, one of the most stunning sandy beaches in Scotland, and a quiet and quaint location to explore the local surroundings.
If you are looking for a picturesque beach then this is the one to visit. This place is also popular with surfers, so you may find that you can catch a big swell perfect for any water sports fans.
Aberdeen Beach
Heading to the mainland we have one of the iconic cities of Aberdeen, that make Northern Scotland a worthy place to visit.
A city beach really is something quite special as you not only get that coastal feeling but the major benefits of being in the city with the fabulous shops, bars, and restaurants. The golden coastline of the beach here in Aberdeen stretches for over 3km and is regularly voted as one of the best beaches in east Scotland.
In the summer, you may even catch a glimpse of some bottlenose dolphins, and in the winter months, it is the ideal spot to enjoy water sports. With beautiful white sands, this beach really does have it all.
Coldingham Bay
If you’re looking for nice beaches near Edinburgh, then an hour’s drive away you will reach Coldingham Bay in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland.
It is one of the most pristine beaches that you will find in Scotland and it is a fabulous location to visit. The beach is popular with families and water sports enthusiasts and it is the ideal place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenic views. There are also some amazing rock pools to explore when the tide goes out.
Alongside the beach, you will find pretty beach boxes in an array of colours. The perfect picturesque seaside town and one of the best beaches you will find in Scotland.
West Sands Beach
West Sands Beach has made a few famous film and TV debits including the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire, and while it may have a famous background, it is still one of the most stunning beaches that you will find in Scotland and it’s just an hour and a half from Edinburgh.
St Andrews is a lovely coastal resort that is famous for its fantastic golf course and university, but the beach is worthwhile to visit all on its own as one of the most beautiful beaches east coast Scotland has to offer. With a large expanse of white sands, you can take your time exploring the coastline and seeing what it has to offer.
Seilebost Beach
Found on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally stumbled into a tropical destination like Thailand or the Philippines! The turquoise blue water and white sand beaches are simply stunning and well worth the slightly tricky access to get there from the main road. If you want to enjoy this beach for longer, there’s an idyllic campsite right next to the beach with amazing views of the bay vista.
Head up to the nearby village of Seilebost for amazing views along the road here too.
Balnakeil Beach
Heading back north again you will find some of the most romantic and breathtaking beaches in the highlands, and Balnakeil Beach is just one of them. Located north of Durness, it’s one of the best beaches north west Scotland has to offer and is also easily located on the famous North Coast 500 route, making it an ideal spot if you are doing a road trip.
The mountain of Suilven is in the background, and the large expanse of white sands and crystal blue oceans means this beach will captivate your imagination. For quiet beaches, Scotland has plenty to offer and this is one of the more secluded beaches Scotland has that isn’t frequented too often by tourists.
It’s very much unspoiled and has a lot of natural beauty. The perfect spot to explore and enjoy.
Calgary Bay
You can’t go wrong by heading to some of the islands off the coast of Scotland and the Isle of Mull has one of the best beaches on the Scottish Islands that just had to be added to this list.
Calgary Bay is a scenic and picturesque bay of sands and beautiful blue seas. The Isle of Mull has many rocky beaches along the coast, which makes Calgary Bay stand out as being one of the only sandy ones on the island.
Here, if you keep a lookout, you may be able to spot a family of white-tailed sea eagles who have been successfully breeding on the island for over 30 years.
Langamull Beach
Another option for Isle of Mull beaches, Langamull Beach is a much more secluded spot and one of the most hidden beaches Scotland has.
The small bay area is calm with beautiful blue water and white sand. It’s a small beach area but that’s perfect considering what a hidden gem it is!
The best way to get to the Isle of Mull is on the ferry from Oban which run daily and take just 45 minutes.
Ayr Beach
For beautiful coastal areas in Scotland that are family friendly, Ayr Beach is the perfect option.
This is one of the best beaches west Scotland has for family-friendly beaches that have fine white sands and safe waters. It really has families at the heart of this place with a play area and other activities perfect to keep the whole family occupied.
As well as the beautiful beach, it’s also one of the nice beaches near Glasgow, being just 45 minutes drive away it’s ideal to visit if you are staying close by or in the city of Glasgow itself. The beach is the ideal day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Oldshoremore Beach
One of the most spectacular Scottish Highland beaches, for a second you might think that you’re on a Mediterranean Island with pristine white sand and turquoise blue waters in this stunning bay.
This beach is uncrowded, secluded and the perfect spot if you’re looking to find secluded spots in Scotland to relax and soak in the peace and quiet of nature.
This is off the main NC500 route, but it’s a great extra stop to add to your road trip if you’re planning to stop on the north west coast, this might just be the nicest beach in Scotland.
Summary: top 10 beaches in Scotland
There are countless Scotland beaches and beautiful coastlines to explore in Scotland, hopefully this list of the top ten beaches in Scotland will help you plan your perfect Scotland getaway.
If you are looking for a great beach that’s family-friendly or perfect for a quiet coastal walk, Scotland has some of the best beaches around.
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