The six best beaches near Edinburgh to head for a sunny day out this summer

Whether you live in Edinburgh, or are just looking for a day-trip destination, the Scottish capital is a great place to head on a summer afternoon.

Famous across the world for its iconic castle, historic cobbled streets, and one-of-a-kind architecture, it is one of those places you need to visit at least once. One aspect of the city that is often overlooked is its easy access to a variety of gorgeous sandy beaches.

When the sun is shining, there is nothing quite like a trip to the coast. Whether it is the peaceful views you love, or a classic seaside chip supper, you have plenty of options near the Scottish capital.

As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, travel experts at Condé Nast Traveller have rounded up a list of the top beaches near Edinburgh. If you’re in the capital when the mercury rises, any of these would be a perfect spot to soak up some sun.

Read on for six of the best beaches near Edinburgh. Meanwhile, more information can be found on the Condé Nast Traveller website.

Portobello

Starting with the most obvious choice, Portobello is situated just three miles east of Edinburgh’s city centre and has recently become a creative hotspot. Enjoy a walk along the promenade, stopping at charming bakeries and cake shops along the way (Bross Bagels and Twelve Triangles come highly recommended).

The sands are beautifully golden, and on sunny days, it’s the ideal spot for a picnic. Civerinos is a delightfully quirky pizza joint serving deliciously cheesy slices and frozen margaritas.

Gullane

One of the most picturesque coastal stretches in east Scotland, Gullane boasts a beautiful curve of golden sand that hugs the country’s wild waters. In the summer months, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun and watch wind and kite surfers ride the waves — with the beach being a favourite amongst water sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, don’t miss out on a stroll through the labyrinth of sand dunes.

North Berwick

A popular day trip destination from Edinburgh, North Berwick has evolved from a small fishing village into a trendy city getaway for the weekend.

Spend your day meandering along cobbled streets lined with charming coffee shops and boutique clothing stores before exploring some of the beaches — Broadsands is ideal for bird watching, while Milsey Bay offers picture-perfect views. Also, make sure to visit The Lobster Shack for a serving of lobster and chips smothered in garlic butter to savour by the sea.

Seacliff

Just a stone’s throw away from North Berwick, you’ll find Seacliff — easily one of the region’s most attractive beaches. It feels more secluded than most beaches near Edinburgh, like a tiny hidden treasure.

Most visitors are locals walking their dogs or savvy travellers seeking stunning landscapes. From here, you can enjoy unobstructed views of Bass Rock, an island in the Firth of Forth renowned for its large gannet colony. Elsewhere, from the harbour, the ruins of the 14th-century fortress Tantallon Castle are visible.

Cramond

If you ask a local in Edinburgh for a suggestion for a fun day trip, many will recommend a visit to Cramond. This village boasts a history that dates back to the Bronze Age and is now home to an array of picturesque houses, all white-washed and overlooking Cramond Island.

Do remember to check the tide times before your visit, as the island can only be reached via a kilometre-long causeway that vanishes when the tide is high. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach before settling down at one of the local pubs or inns for a hearty roast and a pint.

Yellowcraig

This beach is rumoured to have been the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island.

A charming cove perfect for a quiet seaside getaway, Yellowcraig is renowned for its views of Fidra Island — an RSPB Scotland nature reserve that is home to a growing population of puffins — and a late 19th-century lighthouse waiting to be explored. You can also take a walk along Yellowcraig Beach and venture into the nearby forests to follow a series of nature trails.

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