8 Best beaches near North Berwick

We are very fortunate that many of the best beaches in Scotland are close to Leuchie, including two beautiful sandy bays in North Berwick, just two miles away.

While there may only be a limited number of days when you can get a tan, you can take the children crabbing or have a bracing walk along the shore at any time of the year.

The water quality is excellent, so the swimming is refreshing, and there is also scope for kayaking, paddle boarding and (kite)surfing.

During the summer months, North Berwick Beach Wheelchairs (www.beachwheelchairs.org) means that even those whose mobility is impaired can enjoy the experience.

Here are eight of my favourite local beaches:

Seacliff Beach
A hidden gem with spectacular views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock. It’s known for its tiny harbour (the smallest in Scotland), golden sands, and excellent rock pools. View Seacliff Beach on Google Maps

Yellowcraig Beach
A beautiful, expansive beach with rolling dunes and views of Fidra Island, which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It’s perfect for walking, picnicking and kite surfing. View Yellowcraig Beach on Google Maps

Milsey Bay Beach North Berwick
Located in North Berwick, this family-friendly beach with its own boating pond offers soft sand, calm waters, and plenty of seating. It’s a great spot for swimming, dog-walking, and enjoying fish & chips or a Luca ice cream from the van next to the Harbour. View Milsey Bay Beach on Google Maps

North Berwick West Beach
A less crowded but equally beautiful beach, ideal for rock pooling, shell collecting, and sandcastle building. On New Year’s Day it is the location for the town’s annual Loony Dook. View North Berwick West Beach on Google Maps

Canty Bay
A quiet, picturesque beach with golden sand and grassy dunes, covered in primroses and cowslips in April. And after your walk, you can have coffee and cake from the Drift café located above the bay. View Canty Bay on Google Maps

Tyninghame Beach
A wild and rugged beach with dramatic dunes and forested surroundings. It’s perfect for long walks and bird watchers. View Tyninghame Beach on Google Maps

Belhaven Bay
A vast, sandy beach near Dunbar, known for its surfing, scenic beauty, and tidal causeway leading to the famous Bridge to Nowhere. View Belhaven Bay on Google Maps

Gullane Bents
Another great beach for kite surfing. After an hour on the beach, you have earned the right to retire to one of Gullane’s excellent restaurants for a long lunch. View Gullane Bents Beach on Google Maps

Each of these beaches offers something special, whether it’s history, scenery, or a peaceful retreat.

And they are all within 15 minutes of Leuchie Walled Garden.