Seacliff
A secluded, privately owned beach east of North Berwick, with a tiny harbour said to be the smallest in the UK, and views to the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle.
A few miles east of North Berwick, down a narrow private road from the A198, lies Seacliff, a beach that is seldom crowded.
It is privately owned, and you reach it through a barrier that takes coins, then a short walk to the shore.
The sweep of golden sand lies below low wooded cliffs, with red sandstone rocks along the shore. Out to sea the Bass Rock rises white with its seabirds, and to the west the ruins of Tantallon Castle stand on their clifftop. Cut into the rocks is a tiny harbour, said to be the smallest in the UK.
Surfers come for the waves and dog walkers and families for the space, all through the year. There are toilets by the car park, but barbecues are not allowed, so bring a picnic.
The Daily
Arrives at 5am every day.
A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.
Open all year; parking by a coin-operated barrier, for a small fee.
- Where
- Off the A198 at Auldhame, EH39 5PP.
- Harbour
- Said to be the UK's smallest.
- Parking
- Coins for the barrier.
Been here? Tell others what you know, and the best go on this page with your name.
Add your reviewFive miles from North Berwick along the A198 to Auldhame, then down a narrow private road from a farm on a tight bend.
The Bass RockThis rock is actually the core of an old volcano and was formed 320 million years ago.2 miles 9 min by road
Tantallon CastleThe castle on the cliffs along the shore.2 miles 10 min by road
Escape SaunaTwo saunas with cold plunges on the clifftop above Quarrel Sands at North Berwick, one wood-fired, looking out to the Bass Rock.2 miles 9 min by road
DriftA clifftop cafe built from shipping containers on a farm near North Berwick, with views over the Firth of Forth to the Bass Rock.2 miles 11 min by road
Milsey BayThe town beach at North Berwick.5 miles 15 min by road
Places to stay near the beach, and when each is next free.
Maybell Cottage- Sleeps 2
- In Pittenweem
- 12 miles from Seacliff
The Old Stable- Sleeps 2
- In Pittenweem
- 12 miles from Seacliff
The Crow’s Nest- Sleeps 4
- In Pittenweem
- 12 miles from Seacliff
Fifies- Sleeps 2
- In Pittenweem
- 12 miles from Seacliff
Scotland, in print.
We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.
What we have written about it, the collections it is in and more in Lothian.
For further reading, before you go. The details on this page were checked on .