Scotland is such an incredible part of the UK and is a fabulous place to go for a holiday. The country boasts some incredible scenery including the highlands, lochs, and beautiful cities and towns dotted around all over.
However, the coast is just as amazing and there are some beautiful Scotland beaches worth exploring, especially if you have children. Who doesn’t love a day out by the seaside?
Heading to the coast is a great way to spend some time with the family, and whether you are holidaying in the UK and looking for some great beaches that are safe for your children or just want to enjoy a day out and do something a little different, Scotland has a beach for it.
With so many people flocking to the UK’s shorelines I thought it would be a good opportunity to share with you some of the best beaches in Scotland that are perfect and safe for families. So let’s get to it.
Leven Beach – Fife
Leven East Beach is a great part of the coast perfect for families. Not only do you have a big expanse of white sandy beach, perfect for making sandcastles and playing about, but the sea is also fairly calm which makes it ideal to paddle in.
Along this stretch of coast, you will find a promenade, a golf course, cafes and restaurants, and plenty of other things to do. Making it the ideal spot to head to for a holiday or a simple day out.
It is also close to the main town of Fife, so you really do get the best of both worlds. A fabulous location that is definitely worth exploring.
Dunure Beach – Ayrshire
If you were looking for something a little quieter for the family to enjoy then heading to the quaint little village of Dunure should be on your list. A small harbour town with a beautiful beach, it is an ideal spot for families.
It is primarily a shingle beach so it might not be the traditional seaside visit you envisage, the little bay is perfect for children who love to paddle in the sea.
Plus there are a few rock formations at the side, and during low tide, you will find that there are some amazing opportunities to go rock pooling.
Within the village, you also have Dunure Castle, so when the children are bored of the beach you can head there and have a look around. A lovely place perfect for families.
Belhaven Bay – East Lothian
Ever heard of the bridge to nowhere? This is what you will find at Belhaven Bay. A lovely stretch of sandy beach where you will see a bridge literally to nowhere.
It is a small step than when the tide is in is still visible but has no land around it, but when the tide is out it shows that it is built over a small stream.
Definitely will be an exciting feature for the kids. The beach is a mix of grasslands, sand, and marshes, and while it may not be a traditional beach, it is certainly a great open space to explore with the children.
Ness of Dunscansby – Caithness
Taking a short walk east from John O Groats will bring you to Ness of Dunscansby.
While it might not be a beach as a family that you will spend time there building sandcastles and paddling in the pool, it is the perfect place for families that have a sense of adventure.
Plenty of rock pools to have a look through and lots of opportunities to find incredible looking shells.
A perfect place to go to the beach if the weather isn’t too great and you can spend your time fascinated by the rugged landscape and the beauty.
Aberdeen Beach – Aberdeenshire
Aberdeen is an incredible city, and the beach is something quite special. You not only get the beautiful coast and beach to spend your time, but the added benefit of being in a major city with shops, bars, and restaurants.
Here you will find over 3km of sandy beaches stretching as far as the wye can see. It is regularly voted as one of the best beaches in Scotland.
Heading there in the summer could also give you a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins, how amazing is that?
Children will love to look out for them. It is the perfect place to build sandcastles, people watch, and paddle in the sea. The perfect family beach the whole family will enjoy.
Roseisle Beach – Moray
The Moray coastline is some of the best in Scotland, and Roseisle Beach is a great family spot perfect to spend the day.
The backdrop is the spectacular Toseile Forrest where you will see huge pine trees overshadow parts of the beach.
It gives it the feeling that you are on some long-lost island somewhere waiting to be rescued. Even though you are very close to civilisation so don’t worry too much. The white sands are perfect for kids to play in and the bay has gentle swells so ideal for younger kids to paddle.
However, it also provides a great opportunity for confident swimmers to head out and enjoy the bay. It is also a beach that has a rich history as there is still some evidence of World War Two defenses dotted along the beach.
A great way to help teach older kids points on British History. There is even a play area and swing set for kids, how great is that?
Rockcliffe Beach – Dalbeattie
You will find this cute little beach in the picturesque village of Rockcliffe. Rockcliffe beach is small but mighty.
It is a lovely place to enjoy a family walk, set up for the day with a picnic, and let the kids paddle and explore the rocky terrain.
Towards the tide, you will find plenty of rock pools perfect for kids to have a look through. The beach is small enough to not feel like the children can get lost, and has enough sandy areas for kids to enjoy playing in the sand if they prefer.
The village is lovely with lots to see and do, a great day out and a wonderful place to explore.
Balnakeil Beach – Near Durness
The highlands have some of the most special beaches you will find in Scotland. While many of them are full of mystery and romance, they can also be incredible locations to explore with your children.
Balnakeil beach is part of the North Coast 500 and is one of the best beaches in the area. There are white sand dunes to explore, clear blue waters, and some of the best panoramic views across the sea that you will find anywhere else.
A truly spectacular place. With so much beach to explore, you will find that you will never be short of a space to sit, relax, enjoy some food and let the kids play.
A great location perfect for families and one of the best beaches you will find in Scotland.
Arbroath Beach – Angus
A relaxing day by the beach sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? But it is possible if you head to Arbroath Beach in Angus.
A beautiful beach with long stretches of sandy beaches. You can relax and listen to the gentle calming sounds of the sea, children can build sandcastles and have plenty of space to run around.
There is also quite a bit of space so you are less likely to be disturbed by other people. You can also enjoy a clifftop walk with the family and enjoy some of the most incredible views across the coast and the area of Angus.
It is also a perfect location to spot some seabirds. This could be a great activity that the whole family will enjoy.
Westport Beach – Argyll
To the west of Scotland, you will find a beautiful beach called Westport Beach. This is a six mile stretch of coast with lovely sandy beaches and lots to explore. Making it the ideal spot for all of the family.
It is the biggest sand dun spot in Argyll, so this is the ideal beach to take your dog if you have decided to bring them along on your holiday.
It can be quite difficult to find a beach for your dog, and while UK staycations often means you bring the fury member of the family along, this is the ideal place to consider where they can be fully part of your day.
West Sands Beach – St Andrews
West Sands Beach has made a few famous film and TV debuts including the opening scenes of chariots of Fire, and while it may have a famous background, it is still one of the most stunning beaches that you will find in Scotland.
St Andrews is a lovely coastal resort that is not only ideal for golf fanatics, but you will also find that it is especially friendly for families.
Hopefully, you have found plenty of inspiration for some of the best Scotland beaches that are perfect and safe for families.
Don’t forget to check out Best Beaches in England