Hello Seacliff! Fancy visiting a secret beach in East Lothian? Drive down a little winding road through the woods to be rewarded with spectacular views, a wide sweeping beach, rock pools and dramatic Bass Rock. Seacliff is one of the beast beaches near Edinburgh – and an open secret to those in the know.
How to visit Seacliff Beach, East Lothian
Located just to the north of the wide sweeping bay of Tyninghame find the tiny lane, pay your £2, drive down the little winding private road and park up. The beach is a short wander through the woods.
Whilst the beach is beautiful, Seacliff holds a few secrets. Head west along the beach to reveal a stunning view of Tantallon Castle which sits on a dramatic cliff face. Managed by Historic Scotland it is well worth a visit after a laze on the beach.
If you arrive early when the tide is out you can cross the rock pools to The Gegan to find Scotland’s tiniest harbour, blasted out of the rock in 1890. Take a picnic, a blanket and clamber up to the top of the rock where you are surprisingly sheltered from the wind, with nothing but the seagulls for company. Be careful with the tides – when the tide is in it covers the rock pools you’ve just crossed.
But it is Bass Rock that will draw your eye. A great big chunk of volcanic rock spat out of a volcano (don’t worry, they are all extinct now) it has over the years been home to a castle, a prison, a church, and a lighthouse, but is now uninhabited save for 150,000 gannets.
Have a look at the gannets via the Scottish Seabird centre’s webcam. You can also get up close on a boat trip.
How to get to Seacliff Beach
To get to Seacliff, head out along the A1 from Edinburgh and turn right at Auldhame if you are driving via Tyninghame (or go straight on if you are coming from North Berwick). If you are need of substance I recommend you head to The Lobster Shack in North Berwick or if it is a pint you are after, try The Linton in East Linton.
More East Lothian Beaches to visit
More things to do in East Lothian
- My top 10 things to do in East Lothian
- Visit North Berwick
- Visit Tantallon Castle
Guide to Edinburgh’s best beaches
Kate Hopper
The blogger behind Love from ScotlandLove from Scotland is your guide to how to travel Scotland like a local. My name is Kate and on my site you will find everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Scotland – from destination guides to the best places to stay.
Heyjude
Tuesday 19th of January 2016
Looks divine. Sigh... Another part of the country I need to explore!
siobhanjc
Monday 14th of July 2014
Oh wow. That looks beautiful. I am so excited for when we get a car and can go exploring.
@sarahmcgarva
Monday 14th of July 2014
I spent the first seven years of my life in East Linton. Now I have a reason to go back. :)
smidge
Monday 14th of July 2014
The Linton Hotel has a lovely little garden out the back as well, plus some great beer :)