Best beaches in Scotland: a guide

Scotland’s stunning coastline stretches for thousands of miles and is arguably home to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. Wild sands mix with dramatic dunes and rugged backdrops to create something truly special.

In this guide to the best beaches in Scotland, we’ll take you through our favourites by category, from accessible places to the most scenic spots in the whole country.

Best Scotland beaches close to UK Club campsites

1. Yellowcraig Beach, Yellowcraig

Type: sandy

A truly rural masterpiece, Yellowcraig Beach is surrounded by grassland and is a matter of minutes away from our UK Club campsite of the same name. There are great views from the sand out to Fidra Island, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

Less than 1 mile from Yellowcraig Club Campsite

2. New England Bay Beach, New England Bay

Member photo by Rachel Shears

Type: sandy, shingle

A calming beach on the quiet Rhins of Galloway peninsula in southwest Scotland. You’ll be spoiled with peace and quiet here in a location close to the southernmost point of the country. Tie in a visit with a wider adventure in the region.

Less than 1 mile from New England Bay Club Campsite

3. Stonehaven Beach, Stonehaven

Member photo by Jon Zigmond

Type: shingle

You’ll enjoy excellent views of Stonehaven Bay from this quiet coastal spot just a short stroll north from the town it takes its name from. A popular area for watersports, fishing and walking, Stonehaven also has all the amenities and refreshment spots needed for a great day out.

1 mile from Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Club Campsite

Best scenic beaches in Scotland

1. Lunan Bay Beach, Lunan

Type: sandy

The accompanying rockfaces give Lunan Bay Beach something extra. This rural location is characterised by huge amounts of sand, especially when the tide is out. One big great breath of fresh air awaits all who visit.

17 miles from Forfar Lochside Club Campsite

2. Brora Beach, Brora

Photo by Gordon Milne

Type: sandy

A hidden gem if ever we saw one. Running alongside the local links golf course, Brora is an unspoiled stretch of sand that offers a fantastic view of the sunset over the surrounding hills. Wildlife is here in abundance - you’ll have a chance to see seals, otters and even dolphins out at sea.

2 miles from Brora Club Campsite

3. Port Logan Beach, Port Logan

Member photo by Jonathan Downing

Type: sandy

If Port Logan Beach was in a more populated location, it would surely be spoken about more. Its home is the west coast of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, looking out at the island of Ireland. You may recognise your surroundings: the BBC TV series 2000 Acres of Sky was filmed here.

3 miles from New England Bay Club Campsite

Best dog-friendly beaches in Scotland

1. Gullane Beach, Gullane

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all year round

A vast beach for any furry friend to have a run around. There are stunning views out onto the Firth of Forth from here, and the beauty ties in perfectly with the wide range of facilities in the nearby town. You might also like to bring your kite - the wind often picks up some serious speed here.

4 miles from Yellowcraig Club Campsite

2. Nairn Central Beach, Nairn

Photo by Shirley Calder

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all year round

This is one to tick off if you’re tackling the NC500 as a family. Handily close to Inverness, the vast sand makes this a brilliant stomping ground for the canines tagging along. There are fantastic views over the Moray Firth and a picturesque marina that links the River Nairn with the sea.

11 miles from Culloden Moor Club Campsite

3. Thurso Bay, Thurso

Type: sandy, rocky

Dogs allowed: all year round

Another great option in the Scottish Highlands. Whilst Thurso Bay may be more substance than style, it’s a convenient stop off point for a ramble. There’s a range of dog-friendly pubs and restaurants nearby and a great connection via ferry to the Orkney Islands.

8 miles from Dunnet Bay Club Campsite

Best family beaches in Scotland

1. Ayr Beach, Ayr

Type: sandy

Spacious sand combines with classic seaside staples to make Ayr Beach one of the best in Scotland for families. There are lovely coastal views along the whole beach, which stretches from the town down to the historic ruins of Greenan Castle.

2 miles from Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Campsite

2. West Beach, Leven

Type: sandy

This sandy stretch is backed by a promenade that’s ideal for a stroll or a family bike ride, taking you along a scenic section of the 150-mile long Fife coastal area. The vast beach ties in perfectly with the range of amenities in Leven for a great family day out.

7 miles from Balbirnie Park Club Campsite

3. West Bay, North Berwick

Type: sandy

A quaint option if ever we saw one, West Bay is backed by houses that are right on the sand, complete with great views of the Firth of Forth and the 12th-century North Berwick Harbour. The Scottish Seabird Centre is also nearby and well worth a visit.

3 miles from Yellowcraig Club Campsite

Best surfing beaches in Scotland

1. Dunnet Bay, Dunnet

Photo by Claire Wild

Type: sandy

Head the northernmost point of Scotland and mainland Britain to find a real surfer’s paradise. The area is wild, generating decent wind speeds amongst spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs. You may also spot the Orkney Islands to the north on your surfboard.

Less than 1 mile from Dunnet Bay Club Campsite

2. Belhaven Beach, Dunbar

Type: sandy

Being located within John Muir Country Park gives this beach the feeling of a real escape from the hustle and bustle. Get out into the waves and make the most of the rural surroundings. There are surfing schools for beginners and advanced skill levels here too.

12 miles from Yellowcraig Club Campsite

3. Pease Bay, Cockburnspath

Type: sandy

The exposed position of Pease Bay makes it one of the best surfing beaches in Scotland. A stunning location, you’ll be flanked by sandstone cliffs on both sides. Pease Dean Wildlife Reserve is a short walk from here and adds to the area's allure as a natural paradise.

20 miles from Yellowcraig or Berwick Seaview Club campsites

Best accessible beaches in Scotland

1. Silverknowes Beach, near Edinburgh

Type: sandy, pebble

A refreshing coastal sea breeze awaits at Silverknowes Beach. Given the spacious setting, it’s so easy to forget its proximity to Edinburgh, yet this is what makes it one of the best accessible beaches in Scotland. There’s a long promenade to enjoy the Firth of Forth view from too.

1 mile from Edinburgh Club Campsite

2. West Sands Beach, St Andrews

Type: sandy

As handy as it is historic, West Sands beach combines scenery with heritage to make it a great spot to explore on any day out in St Andrews. You’ll be close to the famous golf course here, as well as a range of amenities and convenient accessible parking.

20 miles from Balbirnie Park Club Campsite

3. Coldingham Bay, Eyemouth

Type: sandy

This beautiful spot is designed with specific features to make step free access easy. The North Sea is stunning here, with the arc shape of the beach combining with the grassy areas it’s backed by to create a rural feel. There’s a free beach wheelchair loan scheme and plenty of accessible parking.

15 miles from Berwick Seaview Club Campsite