07 Jun 2025
As longer days and warmer weather continue, Scotland's stunning coastline beckons with sandy shores, ice cream by the sea and the soothing lull of gentle waves.
Scotland's shoreline offers breathtaking, often-overlooked beaches, with many easily reached by train, bus, or ferry. From cityside sands to hidden bays along scenic rail routes, these accessible spots are ideal for spontaneous day trips or last-minute breaks, no car required.
Discover some of the country's most convenient coastal getaways, with nearby accommodation still available for a carefree and car-free summer escape:
Lossiemouth Beaches, Moray Speyside
Lossiemouth, nicknamed 'The Riviera of the North', where two stunning beaches, one to the East and one to the West, flank the harbour. Much of this beautiful coast town sits atop a cliff with spectacular views.
The West Beach is dominated by the iconic Covesea Lighthouse, operated by the local community (well worth a visit) and is situated next to Moray Golf Club; whilst the East meets the town at the mouth of the River Lossie (where the town got its name) and has beautiful sandy beaches and sand dunes that stretch the length of the beach.
Both beaches are popular with locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities to swim, surf, sail, or head out on boat trips for dolphin-spotting.
Getting there: From Aberdeen to Lossiemouth
Get the train from Aberdeen to Elgin (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes, direct ScotRail service). Then take the Bus 33A or 33C from Elgin to Lossiemouth (20–25 minutes), nearest stop: Clifton Road (East Beach) or Marine Court (West Beach). Easy, regular connections.
Stay: Lossiemouth House, Lossiemouth, from £130 per night (sleeps two). An 18th century bed and breakfast located a short walk away from the beautiful white sandy East beach in Lossiemouth.
A classic seaside town with a promenade, pebble beach, and fish 'n' chips on hand. Bonus: take the ferry across to Cumbrae (also known as Millport) for more sandy shores and the option to hire a bike and cycle around the island for a brilliant day out.
Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Central to Largs (under 1 hour, direct), then walk five minutes to the beach or the ferry terminal for Cumbrae.
Stay: The Old Rectory, Largs – B&B, From £65 per night . Located a five-minute stroll along from the promenade into town, with sea view rooms.
This sandy spot in East Lothian has won Scotland's Beach Award 31 years in a row. Gullane Bents is a popular beach for walking, sunbathing and windsurfing. There is also the option to walk to Gullane Point for spectacular views over the bay and the Firth of Forth.
Getting there: From Edinburgh Waverley, take a train to Drem (30 minutes), then bus 124 or X5 to Gullane (15–20 minutes).
Stay: Little Archer, Gullane, Self Catering, from £425 per week. A stylish loft apartment in the coastal town of Gullane, ideally situated for golfers and foodies with the three championship links golf courses and the 5 Star AA award winning 'Bonnie Badger' restaurant located close by.
A golden crescent of sand on Bute's west coast, Ettrick Bay is a tranquil spot perfect for a leisurely stroll or a dip in the sea. Don't miss the Ettrick Bay Stone Circle found further up the valley comprising eight stones, and to the south of the bay is a bird hide to look out for curious seabirds. Be sure to stop into Ettrick Bay Tearoom, which overlooks the beach, and enjoy a home-cooked meal, ice cream and stunning views of Arran.
Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay (approx. 55 minutes), then board the CalMac ferry to Rothesay (35 minutes). From Rothesay, bus 490 or 493 takes around 20 minutes to Ettrick Bay.
Stay: The Coach House, Isle of Bute, Self Catering, From £650 per week. Tucked away on Bute's peaceful west coast, Stewart Hall is a true rural retreat. The Coach House, its self-contained west wing, looks out over the Sound of Bute. Set within three acres of quiet, mature grounds and surrounded by open farmland, it's an ideal spot to slow down and soak up the island's natural beauty.
Arguably one of Scotland's most photogenic beaches, Lunan Bay offers sweeping sands framed by dunes and distant cliffs. Take the train to Arbroath or Montrose and then hop on a short local bus or taxi. It's worth it for the serenity and the dramatic red ruins of Red Castle overlooking the bay.
Getting there: Take the train to Arbroath or Montrose (from Dundee or Aberdeen), then a local bus (Stagecoach 30/30A) or taxi to the beach (approx. 15–20 minutes).
Stay: Lunan House Hotel, Angus, from £50 per room per night
Lunan House Hotel offers a range of rooms and on-site dining at Imrie's Bar & Grill, all set within scenic grounds just a short walk from Lunan Bay beach. From March to October, a 16-pitch touring campsite and a farm shop complete the coastal retreat experience.
For those venturing north, Sinclair's Bay is a windswept wonder with miles of pale sand and the romantic ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe watching over the coast. Travel by train to Wick and either walk, cycle, or take a short taxi ride to the bay. Time it right, and catch a spectacular sunset behind the castle, an unforgettable sight.
Getting there: Take the train from Inverness to Wick (approx. 4.5 hours). From Wick, travel 4 miles to the bay by bike, taxi or local bus (Stagecoach 77 or 77A).
Stay: Sinclair Bay Lodges, Caithness, from £150 - £250 per night (sleeps two). Set on the seafront near Keiss Castle, these luxury glamping lodges offer sweeping views of Sinclair's Bay and Noss Head. Each features a private patio with jacuzzi, ideal for spotting dolphins, seals, and seabirds in the wild.
Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in April, a prestigious recognition of the island's exceptional geological heritage, every step along Arran's beaches unveils a piece of Scotland's geological history. Arran's shoreline offers a mix of rugged beauty, wildlife, and soft sands. Visit The COAST Discovery Centre (free) in Lamlash to explore the island's marine biodiversity or join a guided shore scramble. Beaches stretch from Blackwaterfoot to Kildonan, perfect for relaxed exploration or a picnic.
Getting there: Easily accessible from Glasgow and can be reached in a relatively short time. Ferries depart from Ardrossan Harbour or Troon Harbour to Brodick. Direct train services run between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan Harbour, while Troon is accessible by train with a connecting bus service to the harbour.
An alternative ferry route is available via Argyll, running from Claonaig to Lochranza. It is advisable to book ferry tickets in advance throughout the year, as services can be in high demand.
Stay: Auchrannie Resort, From £200 per night for two. Featuring a serene spa, pool and excellent dining options, this family-friendly and dog-welcoming resort is the perfect fit for a luxurious getaway.
Upcoming coastal events
Scotland's coast isn't just about scenery, it's a hub for vibrant events celebrating culture, history, and the sea itself. Timed with one of these, a beach break becomes even more memorable:
- Tall Ships Races (Aberdeen, 19–22 July 2025)
A spectacular maritime celebration bringing grand historic ships from around the world. Easily accessible by rail and bus, Aberdeen's harbourfront will come alive with live music, parades, and deck tours. For more information please visit: tallshipsaberdeen.com
- *New* Fife Seaweed Fest (6-14 September 2025, various locations)
A unique coastal celebration of foraging, food, and marine sustainability. Locations like St Andrews and the East Neuk are easy to reach by bus or train — and worth visiting for their beaches alone. For more information please visit: fifeseaweedfest.com
- Fringe by the Sea (North Berwick, 1–10 August 2025)
A charming coastal alternative to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this festival mixes music, comedy, talks and food by the beach — all just a 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh. For more information please visit: fringebythesea.com
- Stranraer Oyster Festival (Stranraer, 12–14 September 2025)
Scotland's premier seafood celebration on the shores of Loch Ryan, featuring oyster tasting, chef demos, live music, and family entertainment. Stranraer is reachable by train via Ayr or Glasgow. For more information please visit: stranraer.com
- SkiffieWorlds 2025 (Stranraer, 6–12 July 2025)
The world championships of traditional coastal rowing return to Stranraer, welcoming teams from around the globe to compete in St Ayles skiffs. A vibrant mix of sport, culture, and seaside atmosphere. For more information please visit: stranraerwatersports.com/skiffieworlds2025/
- Scottish Fin & Foil Championships (Lossiemouth, 6–10 August , 2025)
Hosted annually on the breezy shores of Lossiemouth's West Beach, this adrenaline-fuelled event showcases Scotland's top windsurfing and wingfoiling talent. spectators can watch from the shore, as competitors race against each other in a battle of skill and speed. A short journey from Elgin by local bus. For more information please visit: scottishfinandfoil.org
For more inspiration on a coastal getaways in Scotland, please visit: The Best & Most Beautiful Beaches in Scotland | VisitScotland
