North Berwick's beautiful coast
Feel the sand between your toes and the fresh sea breeze in your hair on North Berwick’s beautiful beaches.
Head for the West Beach for glorious sands, to Milsey Bay for the children’s paddling pool and rock pools teeming with marine life or enjoy a ramble along the rugged cliff-tops, taking in the stunning views of the Bass Rock. You can follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson in your search for Treasure Island at Yellowcraig or enjoy the quieter life at the private beach of Seacliff. Belhaven Bay and Gullane Bents have extensive sandy bays with wonderful views across the Firth of Forth.
This coastline forms a significant part of the John Muir Way which offers visitors a huge choice of walks from gentle one hour strolls to week long hikes.
North Berwick doesn’t only offer visitors an amazing coastline – you can also climb North Berwick Law or Traprain Law or venture out into the Lammermuir Hills.
Milsey Bay
An expansive sandy beach with splendid views of the Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth across to Fife. It is a popular family beach that is ideal for sun bathing, bird watching, picnics, walking and exploring rock pools. There is a boat pond built into the rocks which holds the water when the tide is out, providing a safe place for children to sail boats and paddle. The beach is very close to the picturesque harbour and the Scottish Seabird Centre.
West Beach
The West Beach has a long stretch of sand with views to the island of Craigleith and the Bass Rock. An ideal location for families for sunbathing, bird watching, paddling, picnics and dog walking. Behind the beach is a putting green that is open during the summer months. It is close to the Lifeboat shed and also within walking distance of the Scottish Seabird Centre.
Yellowcraig
Yellowcraig is a natural cove beach with spectacular views to the 1885 lighthouse on Fidra Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It’s a popular family beach, which offers a nature trail, barbecue site (which must be pre-booked with the council) and a network of footpaths through the sheltered woodlands and extensive grassland. There is also an adventure play area located next to car park and a dog walk away from the beach where dog bins are provided. Yellowcraig beach is also ideal for horse riding.
Gullane Bents
Gullane Bents is a glorious sandy beach from which there are extensive views of the Firth of Forth. A popular family beach ideal for sunbathing, walking, kite flying, picnics, windsurfing and canoeing. The sea buckthorn and the extensive back dune system is also a haven for small birds.
Belhaven Bay
A glorious, extensive beach within the John Muir Country Park. Belhaven Bay stretches to the north of the River Tyne. It is fringed by low, sheltering sand dunes, rich salt marsh and colourful grasslands. The beach is ideal for walking, picnics, sunbathing and affords splendid views across the Forth Estuary. There is a cliff top walk by Dunbar which passes the harbour and ruined castle.
Seacliff Beach
Seacliff beach is entered through a private road off the A198 at Auldhame. Note there is a coin operated entry barrier which is £2.00. On the north side of the beach is a sheltered spot containing Seacliff Harbour, said to be the smallest in the UK. There are fantastic views out to Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle which looms on a cliff overlooking the beach. Sandy beach ideal for families and water sports.