The Best of Scotland’s East Coast Beaches For Families
Which Are The Best Beaches To Visit On Scotland’s East Coast?
Scotland’s East Coast has an incredible selection of beaches, from remote golden sands to easily accessible shingle shores.
Whether you are looking for a walk in nature, a rock pool, an open-water dip, or just somewhere for fun activities, there is a perfect beach for your family day out.
As an outdoor-loving British family that has lived on the East Coast of Scotland for over a decade, we know which beaches are worth a visit. We’ve explored them with our kids as they’ve grown from toddlers to teenagers. Take a trip to Scotland’s East Coast and you may be surprised by what you discover!
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Top 3 East Coast Beaches In Scotland
🌟Lunan Bay
🌟St Andrews
🌟St Cyrus
Golden Sand ~ Rock Formations ~ Dunes ~ Wildlife ~ Activities
Best East Coast Beaches For Families In Scotland
Each of Scotland’s East Coast beaches has its own unique landscape and plenty of opportunities for fun, whatever the age of your children. The East Coast offers a much drier climate compared to the West and boasts some of the sunniest regions in the UK, making it a comfortable destination to visit at any time of year.
Here are some of our favourite beaches for you to consider for your next family adventure:
Lunan Bay, Montrose | Angus
Lunan Bay shines as a true hidden gem and stands out as our most visited beach. Situated on the Angus coastline, it has a long stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, cliffs, and caves. The ruins of the 15th-century former royal residence, Red Castle, overlook the bay.
Families can explore the rock formations, play amongst the large dunes, or enjoy a walk along the beach.
The waves here are ideal for bodyboarders and beginner surfers, making it a fantastic spot for adventure seekers. Keep an eye out for trains travelling over the nearby bridge from Aberdeen to Dundee.
Lunan Bay also has a café that serves delicious snacks and light lunches – a great place to hide from the changeable Scottish weather! You’ll also find a campsite, perfect for a holiday by the sea.
Combine a day at the beach with visiting the nearby House of Dun, Montrose or ride a themed train on the heritage Caledonian Railway.
St Andrews And East Neuk | Fife
Famous for its historic university and seven world-class golf courses, St Andrews is also home to a castle, cathedral, harbour and several beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for family outings!
West Sands Beach has an expansive stretch of sand and shallow dunes and is featured in the film Chariots of Fire. It’s a great walk and an excellent location for a leisurely day of beach games, paddling, and picnicking. You may also find yourself sharing the beach with horses, land yachts, and surfers, all added entertainment for the kids!
It is also worth checking out Castle Beach and St Andrews East Sands Beach. These coved areas offer sandy play areas for kids and are well positioned for a post-beach treat in town.
St. Andrew’s is on the Fife coastline, making it an easy day trip from Edinburgh or Dundee. By car, take advantage of other award-winning beaches along the East Neuk and discover quaint fishing villages that hark back to the past.
St Cyrus | Aberdeenshire
Another perfect coastal spot for adventurous families is St. Cyrus Beach and Nature Reserve. Our family have visited in all weathers, from chilly Hogmanay in winter to sunny spring or blustery autumn days, with summer being the best time for a dip.
The long sandy beach, framed by cliffs, provides coastal family walking routes and features volcanic rocks on the Beach Trail. Our kids love spotting seabirds nesting on the cliffs and exploring the caves, waterfalls, and rock pools along the shore.
Follow the path past the old fishing houses, ruins, and Ecclesgreig graveyard to learn more about the area’s history. Spot otters, humpback whales, and dolphins from the beach—a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts and an unforgettable encounter.
The summer months bring more opportunities for kids to get closer to nature, and what better way than by bodyboarding in the shallows!
After visiting St Cyrus Beach, explore the 12-arch Kinnaber Viduct for stunning views over the River North Esk.
Stonehaven Beach And Harbour | Aberdeenshire
Stonehaven is a great stop for families exploring Scotland’s East Coast. This seaside town offers a rich history, family-friendly charm, and stunning natural surroundings, creating the perfect setting for a day out.
The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, with plenty of space for children to play and explore. Walk along the boardwalk looking out onto the North Sea. One of Stonehaven’s many highlights is its fishing harbour, which has its own sheltered beach. Kids love watching the boats while playing on the sand or paddling.
Stonehaven is well known for its delicious fish and chips, ice cream, and the infamous deep-fried Mars bar!
After visiting the beach, allow time to walk 1.5 miles from Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle. The historic ruined fortress housed the crown jewels and featured in Game of Thrones and Hamlet filming. Alternatively, head to Stonehaven’s heated open-air swimming pool.
Other Family-Friendly Beaches Along the East Coast
The East Coast of Scotland has dozens of beaches, and whether you are visiting for history, exploring nature in the sea air or picnicking with family, there will be one for you.
- Coldingham Bay, Scottish Borders: A sheltered sandy bay with rock pools and waves for beginner surfers.
- Portobello Beach, Edinburgh – Close to the city, with a lively promenade.
- Lossiemouth Beach, Moray – A long, sandy stretch perfect for beach games, paddling, and dolphin spotting.
- Findhorn Beach, Moray – Soft golden sand, dunes and a lush green forest. You’ll also be able to spot dolphins, seals, and occasionally whales in the Moray Firth.
- Hopeman Beach, Moray – With rock pools, sandy beach, and colourful huts, Hopeman Beach is great family adventure for kids to explore.
- Dornoch Beach, Highlands – Dornoch Beach’s golden sand is backed by dunes.
- Nairn Beach, Highlands – A long golden sand beach, perfect for families.
Most Beautiful Beaches in Scotland
While many of Scotland’s East Coast beaches are easy to visit from Edinburgh or Glasgow, some of the most stunning require a road trip.
- Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris: Ranked one of most beautiful beaches in the UK. Luskentyre Beach in the Outer Hebrides rivals the Caribbean with white sand and crystal clear water… just don’t expect it to be quite so hot!
- Achmelvich Beach, Sutherland: A pristine cove ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and camping with kids in summer.
- Silver Sands of Morar, West Coast: Famous for its white sands, this beach is a popular destination when exploring Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan, and the Isle of Skye.
Places To Stay On The East Coast Of Scotland
There’s plenty to do on Scotland’s East Coast beyond the beaches. We’ve spent many a happy weekend exploring some of the hundreds of historic castles and charming towns, hiking scenic trails and spotting wildlife.
Whether you are hiking the coastline, venturing inland, or enjoying a mix of both, here are our recommendations for some great places to stay with kids:
- Edinburgh – Stay near Portobello Beach for easy seaside access, or choose a central location if travelling the East Coast by train or bus.
- Dundee – An excellent base for exploring East Coast beaches from Broughty Ferry to Aberdeen.
- Stonehaven – Consider The Ship Inn by Stonehaven Harbour or Arduthie House B&B for a charming stay in the beach town.
- St Andrews & Fife – Stay in an apartment close to St Andrews beaches or along the Fife Coastal Path for easy access to beautiful shoreline.
Best Beaches To Visit In Scotland FAQ’s
With white sands and clear waters, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris is often considered Scotland’s prettiest. While it is outstanding, many other Scottish beaches also have breathtaking scenery without the trek.
There are many reasons to visit Scotland’s East Coast, including beaches, castles, scenic spots and wildlife. Whether you stick to the coast or head inland, there is plenty to explore and many family adventures to be had.
It depends on what you are looking for! The West Coast has white sandy beaches and rugged landscapes, whereas the East Coast offers historic towns, golden beaches, castles and more predictable weather.
With award-winning beaches and a fascinating history, St Andrews could be the best seaside town in Scotland. Further north near Aberdeen, Stonehaven is another fantastic option with family-friendly sandy beaches and ruined castle.
Final Thoughts | Best East Coast Beaches To Visit In Scotland
Scotland’s East Coast has some of the country’s best family-friendly beaches. Its diverse array of golden sands, stony bays, scenic coastal walks, and charming seaside towns provide plenty of opportunities for families to explore and spot wildlife.
Often overlooked in favour of the West, Scotland’s East Coast is a true gem and easily accessible from Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.
Read More About Scotland
Best Castles To Visit In Scotland
One Day Itinerary In Edinburgh
Family Friendly Hikes In Scotland
A Family Hike Up Ben Nevis
