With over 40 miles of stunning coastline, East Lothian is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. From family-friendly sands and dramatic cliffs to hidden coves and world-famous wildlife, there’s a beach for every visitor to enjoy.
Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a longer holiday, here are some of the very best beaches to discover.
Just a short walk from the town centre, West Beach is one of North Berwick's most popular stretches of sand.
Perfect for:
Why visit?
Located beside the harbour and the Scottish Seabird Centre, Milsey Bay is ideal for families with younger children.
Highlights:
Facilities:
Often described as one of Scotland's hidden gems, Seacliff Beach combines spectacular scenery with complete tranquillity.
You'll love:
A small parking charge helps preserve this beautiful private beach.
One of the things that makes North Berwick's beaches so unique is the stunning island backdrop.
From almost every beach you can admire:
Boat trips from North Berwick Harbour provide unforgettable opportunities to see these incredible islands up close.
5 minutes
One of East Lothian's best-loved beaches, Yellowcraig sits just outside Dirleton.
Why visitors love it:
A fantastic choice for families and nature lovers alike.
10 minutes
A huge stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.
Ideal for:
With plenty of space even during the summer months, it's one of East Lothian's favourite beaches.
20 minutes
Hidden behind woodland, Tyninghame feels wonderfully secluded.
Expect:
It's one of those places visitors often return to again and again.
25 minutes
Near Dunbar, Belhaven Bay is famous for its vast sandy beach and rolling dunes.
A favourite for:
Look out for the iconic "Bridge to Nowhere", one of East Lothian's most photographed landmarks.
25 minutes
A quieter alternative with plenty of space to relax.
Popular for:
With dunes, woodland and easy access, it's well worth a visit.
20 minutes
More than just a beach, Aberlady Bay is Scotland's first Local Nature Reserve.
It's perfect for:
Bring your binoculars—you never know what wildlife you might spot.
Whether you're looking for family fun, peaceful walks, incredible wildlife or breathtaking scenery, East Lothian's coastline has it all.
From the golden sands of North Berwick and the dramatic beauty of Seacliff to the dunes of Gullane, the woodland trails of Yellowcraig and the expansive beaches of Belhaven, every stretch of coastline offers something different.
Staying at Gilsland Park puts you within easy reach of some of Scotland's finest beaches, making it the perfect base for exploring everything this spectacular coastline has to offer.
Book a lodge, a caravan or a glamping pod on the hill above the beach.
One mile from North Berwick’s beaches, harbour and High Street.
