A pocket-sized harbour, dramatic coastal views, and a quiet stretch of sand have propelled Seacliff in East Lothian to the top of Scotland’s beaches for 2025.
Seacliff’s Secret Allure
Tucked away just south of Tantallon Castle, Seacliff isn’t your average seaside spot. In fact, many locals would prefer it stayed a secret. One sentence here: But word’s out now.
Chris Haslam, the chief travel writer for The Times and Sunday Times, singled out Seacliff from more than 750 contenders across Britain and Northern Ireland. It’s the 17th edition of the famous Best UK Beaches guide — so yes, the competition’s fierce.
Haslam called Seacliff’s tiny harbour “a steampunk fantasy,” chiselled into sandstone by steam power in 1890. It’s about the size of a hotel pool — a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place that leaves a big impression.
Where Else Made the Cut?
Scotland didn’t stop at Seacliff. Several other beaches grabbed a coveted spot on the Top 50 list. One-liner: They’re the kind of places you visit once and never forget.
Sprinkled across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, these gems offer something for every beach lover:
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Rhu Point
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Vestey’s Beach
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Achininver
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Melvich
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Spey Bay
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Cullen Bay
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St Cyrus
It’s a reminder that while Seacliff might have taken the crown, there’s plenty more to explore.
A Campervan, a Map and a Dream
Haslam’s month-long road trip to find Britain’s best sands is a story in itself. Imagine: campervan parked at a windswept clifftop, notebook in hand, tide rolling in. That’s how Seacliff beat out hundreds of rivals.
Short paragraph: There’s poetry in that kind of travel.
Each beach on his list was judged on what he calls “classic British seaside criteria” — from water quality to charm, accessibility to that special something that makes you breathe deeper.
What Makes Seacliff So Special?
The beach is known for its rugged beauty, sweeping views of Bass Rock, and that tiny hand-carved harbour. It’s part adventure playground, part peaceful retreat.
One-liner here: You won’t find crowds.
Locals say early morning is best — when the light hits the cliffs, and you might spot the occasional paddleboarder slicing through the calm. It’s the kind of place where you let your phone die and forget about the time.
East Lothian’s Hidden Gem Status
East Lothian isn’t short on sandy highlights. From Gullane to Yellowcraig, the coastline is dotted with hidden coves and broad bays. But Seacliff stands apart, partly because it still feels untouched.
Short line: That might change now.
It’s the classic dilemma: celebrate a place but hope it stays under the radar. Local businesses might welcome the boost, though. Seacliff’s new title could mean more people stopping for coffee in North Berwick or grabbing an ice cream at a local van.
Best Beaches: By the Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of how Scotland’s shores stacked up in the 2025 Best UK Beaches guide:
| Rank in Scotland | Beach | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seacliff | East Lothian |
| 2 | Rhu Point | Highlands |
| 3 | Vestey’s Beach | Highlands |
| 4 | Achininver | Highlands |
| 5 | Melvich | Highlands |
| 6 | Spey Bay | Moray |
| 7 | Cullen Bay | Moray |
| 8 | St Cyrus | Aberdeenshire |
While England still dominates the full Top 50, Scotland’s spots hold their own. Each one’s a little different: rugged dunes, seals bobbing offshore, or that sweet sense of solitude you just don’t get down south.
A Bright Season Ahead?
So, what next for Seacliff? Well, it’s likely to draw more visitors — but it’s not about to become Brighton overnight. One-sentence paragraph: And that’s exactly how the locals want it.
As Haslam put it, the smallest harbour in the British Isles and the quiet stretch of sand are best enjoyed slowly. Maybe with a flask of tea, sandy feet, and the sound of seabirds overhead.
Sometimes the best places aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones that feel like a bit of a secret, even when everyone’s talking about them.
