A fresh breeze, golden sand, and a hidden harbour like something out of a storybook — Scotland’s coastlines have made quite the splash this year. The Sunday Times has just dropped its eagerly-awaited Best UK Beaches guide for 2025, and Seacliff in East Lothian has nabbed the crown as Scotland’s beach of the year.
Chris Haslam, the Sunday Times’ much-loved chief travel writer, did the hard miles. He toured 756 beaches in a campervan, scoring each one on water quality, cleanliness, dog-friendliness, and all the stuff that makes or breaks a beach day. His verdict? Scotland’s got coastal gems worth every soggy picnic and wind-whipped walk.
Seacliff: A Tiny Harbour with a Big Story
You’d be forgiven for driving straight past Seacliff — it hides its charms well. But peek behind the dunes and you’ll find the tiniest harbour in the British Isles.
Haslam painted the picture perfectly: “Hidden at the west end is the smallest harbour in the British Isles. About the size of a hotel pool, it’s a steampunk fantasy cut out of the sandstone using a steam engine and a compressor in 1890 by laird of the manor Andrew Laidlay.”
That’s not your run-of-the-mill day at the beach, is it?
Locals love Seacliff’s shallow sands and the view of Tantallon Castle standing guard on the cliffs. It’s a bit of magic you just don’t get at more famous, busier spots.
The Shortlist: Scotland’s Coastal Superstars
Scotland didn’t just rest on Seacliff’s sandstone shoulders. Seven other beauties made Haslam’s Best UK Beaches list, proving once again the nation’s coastlines can hold their own against Cornwall and Devon.
What’s great is how different they all are. Some are wild and rugged, others calm and family-friendly. One paragraph: You’ll find them from the East Neuk of Fife to the Hebrides.
Here’s a quick glimpse at what makes them stand out:
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Pristine water quality — no murky dips here.
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Clean beaches with clear community care.
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Easy access for all, with some offering decent parking (a rare treat).
Each one passed an 11-point inspection checklist that’d make a health inspector sweat.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Postcards
It’s easy to dismiss a ‘best beaches’ list as just travel fluff. But there’s real heart to this one. Scotland’s beach communities rely on visitors — especially after tough years of storms, climate worries, and dwindling local services.
Haslam’s guide shines a spotlight, reminding folk to respect what makes these places special. More visitors mean more income, but also more responsibility to leave only footprints behind.
One short thought: A beach day is great — but a clean beach tomorrow is better.
What Makes a Beach ‘Best’ Anyway?
Chris Haslam’s campervan trip wasn’t all fish ‘n’ chips by the sea. The Sunday Times’ guide has become a trusted annual scorecard for coastal spots, thanks to its tough-as-nails criteria.
Take a look at some of the things he checks for:
| Inspection Checklist | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | Safe for swimmers and wildlife |
| Cleanliness | No litter, no dodgy waste |
| Accessibility | Everyone deserves to enjoy it |
| Car Parking | Big plus for families hauling gear |
| Lifeguard Presence | Safety first, always |
| Hygiene of Loos/Showers | Makes or breaks the day |
| Dog Friendliness | Pooches love the seaside too! |
One line: Not every beach makes the grade.
Local Voices: Pride and Caution
Locals at Seacliff know the power of being ‘discovered’. It’s a double-edged sword — more visitors bring more revenue, but also more risk of damage to delicate dunes and marine life.
One villager told a local paper last summer, “We love sharing this place, but you worry folk won’t treat it kindly.”
That’s why many communities want visitors to think before they dump rubbish or park all over verges. Common sense, really.
A Bucket List for 2025? Seems Fair
If you’re planning your next staycation or Sunday drive, Haslam’s guide is a decent place to start. Seacliff’s unique harbour and breathtaking views make it a no-brainer for any Scottish bucket list.
But don’t stop there — Scotland’s beaches are as varied as the weather that batters them. Just pack a brolly, a thermos, and a sense of wonder. You might find your own secret Seacliff tucked behind a bend in the dunes.
One sentence: Maybe that’s the real magic — Scotland’s coast always keeps you guessing.
