
Bridge to Nowhere Belhaven
Iconic 19th-century bridge on Belhaven Beach, appearing to lead to nowhere at high tide. A photographer's dream, especially at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Walk the bridge & explore

Bridge to Nowhere Belhaven
Best Time
Walk the bridge & explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 19th-century bridge on Belhaven Beach, appearing to lead to nowhere at high tide. A photographer's dream, especially at sunset.
"A trip to Dunbar isn’t complete without a visit to this peculiar little bridge."

⏳ Check Tide Times!
Crucial for walking the bridge. Low tide lets you cross; high tide makes it 'nowhere'.
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park has a fee (£3). Look for free spots further down if busy.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bridge to Nowhere
Belhaven Beach
Walk across this iconic 19th-century bridge that appears to lead to the sea at high tide.

Belhaven Beach Sunsets
Belhaven Beach
Facing west, this beach offers stunning sunset views, especially in spring and summer.

Coastal Scenery & Bass Rock
Belhaven Beach
Enjoy picturesque coastal views with the imposing Bass Rock as a dramatic backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Bridge
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Check Tide Times!
Crucial for walking the bridge. Low tide lets you cross; high tide makes it 'nowhere'.
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park has a fee (£3). Look for free spots further down if busy.
📸 Sunset Photography
The bridge faces west, making it ideal for capturing stunning sunset shots.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Beach
Belhaven Beach is a great spot for dog walkers, with plenty of space to roam.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Check Tide Times!
Crucial for walking the bridge. Low tide lets you cross; high tide makes it 'nowhere'.
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park has a fee (£3). Look for free spots further down if busy.
📸 Sunset Photography
The bridge faces west, making it ideal for capturing stunning sunset shots.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Beach
Belhaven Beach is a great spot for dog walkers, with plenty of space to roam.
🍔 Nearby Food Options
A good burger van is often found nearby, perfect for a post-walk snack.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the picturesque 'Bridge to Nowhere' and the stunning sunsets at Belhaven Beach. The expansive sandy shores are perfect for walks and dog owners. While parking can be busy and tide times are crucial for the full experience, the unique scenery and photographic opportunities make it a highly recommended spot, especially for day-trippers from Edinburgh.
"One of the most picturesque small bridges in the country. What makes it so special, is the fact that when the tide comes in, the bridge looks like it’s been built in the middle of the sea. The access to it is cut off. Another interesting feature is, it faces west which makes it perfect for sunset photography. A trip to Dunbar isn’t complete without a visit to this peculiar little bridge."
Billy Main
"Been coming here since 2012. Stunning beach, views, sunsets... 💖👌"
Louise Clay
"Great beach for a sunny day out. The bridge as such is a bridge to nowhere. Sands of the beach had an interesting pattern on them. Pet friendly. Few coffee shops near by. Public rest rooms were neat and clean. 30 mins from Edinburgh by car and it's a must visit"
Sairam Ramanan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bridge to Nowhere at Belhaven Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh. You can also take a train to Dunbar and then a short bus or taxi ride to the beach.
Yes, there is a main car park at Belhaven Beach that charges around £3 for a full day. You can pay with cash or the RingGo app. Smaller, free parking areas can be found by driving a little further down the road, but spaces are limited.
Yes, you can take a train to Dunbar from Edinburgh and then a local bus or taxi to Belhaven Beach. This is a popular day trip option for those without a car.
Belhaven Beach is easily accessible by car, with a designated car park. For those using public transport, trains to Dunbar are frequent, followed by a short onward journey.
Access to the beach and the bridge itself can be challenging due to sand and uneven terrain, especially at high tide. It's advisable to check conditions and consider mobility limitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Bridge to Nowhere or Belhaven Beach. Access to the beach and the bridge is free.
Belhaven Beach is open to the public at all times. However, the experience of seeing the 'Bridge to Nowhere' is dependent on the tide times.
Yes, the main car park at Belhaven Beach has a fee, typically around £3 for a full day. Payment can be made with cash or via the RingGo app.
While you can visit the beach at any time, the 'Bridge to Nowhere' is most impressive during high tide when it appears to lead to the sea. For walking across it, low tide is essential.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's a natural beach environment. Always be mindful of the tides and weather conditions. Dogs are welcome.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For the full 'Bridge to Nowhere' effect, visit during high tide. If you want to walk across the bridge and explore the beach, low tide is ideal. Sunset is also a popular and beautiful time.
Belhaven Beach offers a stunning sandy expanse perfect for walks, dog walking, and enjoying coastal views. It's also a local surf spot.
Absolutely! The bridge, the beach, and the Bass Rock provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunset.
Yes, public restrooms are available near the car park and are generally kept neat and clean.
Yes, Belhaven Beach is very dog-friendly, making it a great destination for pet owners.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While direct dining options at the bridge are limited, there's often a good burger van nearby. For more extensive choices, the town of Dunbar offers various cafes and restaurants.
Yes, Belhaven Beach is a perfect spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Expect casual options like a burger van. For a wider range of cuisine, head into the nearby town of Dunbar, which has cafes and restaurants.
There are a few coffee shops near Belhaven Beach, offering refreshments for visitors.
Dunbar has several dining options, from traditional pubs to cafes. It's worth exploring the town for a meal after your visit to the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended as the bridge faces west, offering beautiful golden hour light. High tide also creates a dramatic 'nowhere' effect for unique shots.
A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the beach and bridge. For sunset, a tripod and ND filters can be useful for long exposures.
Experiment with different perspectives. Shots from the beach looking towards the bridge, or from the bridge itself looking out to sea, are popular. Drone shots offer a unique aerial view.
Its unique name and appearance, especially at high tide, combined with the scenic coastal backdrop and potential for stunning sunsets, make it a compelling subject.
Yes, drone footage can provide spectacular aerial views of the bridge and Belhaven Bay, showcasing its unique setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack essentials like sun protection, snacks, and perhaps a bucket and spade. The beach is pet-friendly, so families with dogs can bring their furry companions along for the adventure. The scenic views and the unique 'Bridge to Nowhere' phenomenon can spark curiosity and imagination in younger visitors.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during both low and high tides to capture the bridge in its different states. The presence of the Bass Rock in the background adds another layer of interest to compositions. Drone photography offers a unique perspective, showcasing the bridge's isolation and the vastness of Belhaven Bay.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the coastal scenery and the opportunity to observe the dynamic interplay of the tides. The beach is also a haven for dog walkers, making it a pleasant experience for those with canine companions. The proximity to Dunbar also offers opportunities for further exploration of the surrounding natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Bridge to Nowhere'
To truly experience the bridge, understanding the tide times is crucial. At low tide, the bridge is fully accessible, allowing visitors to walk across it and explore the expansive sandy shores of Belhaven Beach. This is the ideal time for those who want to physically traverse the structure and enjoy a beach walk. Conversely, high tide transforms the scene, creating the iconic 'nowhere' vista that gives the bridge its name.
Beyond its unique visual appeal, the bridge is also a popular subject for photography. Its west-facing orientation makes it a prime location for capturing breathtaking sunsets, with the Bass Rock often visible in the background, adding to the dramatic coastal scenery.
Exploring Belhaven Beach
The beach's natural beauty is enhanced by its coastal scenery, with the imposing Bass Rock often visible on the horizon, adding a dramatic element to the landscape. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, taking in the fresh sea air and picturesque views.
For those looking for refreshments, there are often food options nearby, including a burger van, and several coffee shops are situated close to the beach. The nearby town of Dunbar also provides a wider array of dining choices for a more substantial meal.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit