Yahoo Finance 9 best beaches in Scotland and where to stay nearby
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9 best beaches in Scotland and where to stay nearby
It might not be the first place you think of in the UK for a seaside escape but the best beaches in Scotland boast sands as soft as icing sugar, turquoise waters and wild backdrops that make for an excellent trip to the coast.
In fact, if you're after sandy beaches, Scotland has plenty to explore, from the hidden gem that is Hackley Bay in Aberdeenshire to the Caribbean-like stretches of the isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides.
You'll find hidden coves, surfers' paradises, city beaches and remote shores that seem to stretch for miles - a break on Scotland’s coastline offers something for everyone.
With the UK open for travel and restrictions on entering the country, we practically have Britain to ourselves and a trip to one of Scotland's best beaches is the perfect staycation idea for summer.
You could combine your trip to the beach with visits to pretty villages or lively days out in the city or experience fully immersing yourself in Scotland's nature and wildlife on a secluded escape. Another way to see Scotland's glorious coastline is by hopping from island to island, with various cruises available, such as Prima's east to west coast sailing.
Keep scrolling to discover some of Scotland’s exceptional beach locations and the conveniently close accommodation to book for a holiday, including those offering last-minute availability.
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1) Pettycur Bay by Kinghorn, Fife
This sandy beach backed by dunes is located only 10 minutes from Kinghorn Railway Station and offers stunning views across the Firth of Forth towards Edinburgh and The Lothians.
On a clear day it’s possible to see Edinburgh Castle in the distance, making this beach perfect for calm reflection. At low tide, visitors can enjoy a costal walk from Pettycur over to beautiful and family friendly Burntisland Beach.
Where to stay: The Bay Hotel is a family run hotel with views over Pettycur Bay and the Firth of Forth.
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2) Ganavan Bay, Argyll & Bute
This sheltered, sandy beach in Scotland offers beautiful views over the Isle of Mull and is perfect for shallow swimming, rock pooling and paddleboarding. Close by is the seaside town of Oban, the perfect location to enjoy fish and chips after a day of watersports at the beach.
Where to stay: Barriemore B&B, which overlooks Oban Bay, is situated between Ganvan Bay and Oban, allowing you to easily enjoy the benefits of the restaurants and shops in Oban while offering easy access to the beach.
Alternatively, experience the beautiful sea around Oban during Country Living's luxury cruise in Scotland.
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3) Aberdeen Beach
For a moment of calm amid a busy day of taking in the city vibes of Aberdeen, ranging from culture at the Aberdeen Art Gallery’s new exhibition British Art Show 9 (running 10 July to 10 October) to delicious seafood at the Moonfish Café, head to Aberdeen Beach.
Offering sandy shores on a warm day, this city beach displays otherworldly views during the ‘blue hour’ twilight. The most lucky of visitors may even catch a glimpse of the dolphins living in these waters. Aberdeen Beach was also named a winner in the 2021 Scotland Beach Awards, which celebrates good quality, sustainable beaches.
Where to stay: Brewdog Kennels offer stylish rooms and craft beer in a city centre location, within walking distance of the beach.
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4) Waulkmill beach, Orkney
Tucked away, down a small side road before following steep steps to the shore, Waulkmill is one of the biggest beaches in the islands, with a beautiful stretch of sand taking up the bay at low tide, leading towards the clear waters of Scapa Flow, which are shallow enough to make them ideal for paddling.
Where to stay: Lindisfarne B&B in Stromness offers views over Scapa Flow. The town of Stromness is only one mile away, while the beach is just a short drive.
Alternatively, visit Scapa Flow during Country Living's luxury sailing around Scotland's Highlands and islands.
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5) Hackley Bay, Aberdeenshire
Hidden away in Forvie Nature Reserve and only accessible by foot along a cliff path, Hackley Bay is a true hidden gem. This sandy beach is sheltered by cliffs and backed by high sand dunes, making it the perfect secret escape before a second stop in Balmedie to enjoy fish and chips on the golden shores of Balmedie Beach.
Where to stay: As this hidden gem is so perfectly tucked away, accommodation is found a short drive from the Forvie Nature Reserve. The Cock and Bull is a family run country inn and gastropub offering a seasonally changing menu using locally sourced ingredients.
You can see more of Aberdeenshire's glorious coastline during Prima's cruise from the east to the west of Scotland.
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6) Minn Beach, Burra, Shetland
One of Shetland’s most beautiful beaches, the southernmost part of West Burra, can be reached via a footpath which leads to both the beach and onto Kettla Ness Peninsula. This wild Atlantic-facing headland is home to a wide variety of breeding moorland and coastal birds, with sightings of seals a regular occurrence around the shoreline.
Where to stay: Minn Beach is just a 20 minute drive from Lerwick’s many accommodation options. The Lerwick Hotel overlooks Breiwick Bay and is well located for coastal walks.
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7) Rockcliffe Beach, Dumfries and Galloway
Rockcliffe, located on the southern edge of Dumfries and Galloway, in what is known as the ‘Scottish Riviera’ where the effects of the Gulf Stream create a warm climate, is part of a National Scenic Area. Here, you can enjoy the wooded coastal walkway running between sailing villages and the nearby ancient citadel, Mote of Mark, situated on a nearby rocky outcrop.
Where to stay: The Anchor Hotel Kippford is a traditional coaching inn located a 10 minute drive from the beach.
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8) Nairn Beach, Highlands
Located just half an hour's drive from the city sights of Inverness and directly next to the seaside town of Nairn, Nairn Central Beach is a long sandy stretch of coast backed by low sand dunes.
Also nearby are Nairn East Beach and Nairn West Beach, offering plenty of coastline for visitors to enjoy. Wildlife lovers can look out for the resident dolphin pod in these waters, while enjoying spectacular views out to the Moray Firth.
Where to stay: The Bandstand is a family run pub with rooms, boasting panoramic sea views, located just a short walk away from the beach.
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9) Tiree, Inner Hebrides
Tiree is an outstanding destination for those seeking sandy shores; with 15 beaches to choose from and the Gulf Stream bringing a warm climate to the area. Watersports fans will love the wind here too and Tiree offers the perfect environment for surfing. Visit Blackhouse Watersports on Balevullin Beach to try out surfing.
Where to stay: Tiree Lodge Hotel is a family run hotel with beautiful beach and sea views. The Reef Inn, which still has some limited summer availability left, is a newly opened and, proudly eco-friendly hotel with a highly insulated, energy efficient build, including air source heat for the underfloor heating.
Alternatively, see the Hebrides' unspoilt coastlines during an island hopping adventure in 2022.
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