Newburgh Seal Beach Ythan Estuary
Witness Britain's largest seal colony at Newburgh Seal Beach, a stunning coastal gem with vast golden sands and a picturesque estuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More seals on shore
Newburgh Seal Beach Ythan Estuary
Best Time
More seals on shore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness Britain's largest seal colony at Newburgh Seal Beach, a stunning coastal gem with vast golden sands and a picturesque estuary.
"Absolutely worthwhile a visit, if not many. And keep off the sand dunes, they're a precious and rare habitat!"
Check Tide Times First
Low tide is crucial for seal spotting! Consult local tide charts before you go.
Keep Your Distance!
Never disturb the seals. Stay on paths and give them plenty of space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seal Colony
Ythan Estuary
Witness hundreds of grey seals basking on the sandbanks. An incredible wildlife spectacle!
Expansive Golden Sands
Newburgh Beach
Miles of smooth, golden sand perfect for a stroll or family fun. Enjoy the vastness of the coastline.
Ythan Estuary Views
Ythan Estuary
Picturesque estuary scenery with diverse seabirds and a tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Seal Spotting
Respecting the Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First
Low tide is crucial for seal spotting! Consult local tide charts before you go.
Keep Your Distance!
Never disturb the seals. Stay on paths and give them plenty of space.
Dog on Lead Essential
Keep dogs leashed to protect seals and seabirds.
New Boardwalk for Access
An inclusive boardwalk makes beach access easier for everyone.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First
Low tide is crucial for seal spotting! Consult local tide charts before you go.
Keep Your Distance!
Never disturb the seals. Stay on paths and give them plenty of space.
Dog on Lead Essential
Keep dogs leashed to protect seals and seabirds.
New Boardwalk for Access
An inclusive boardwalk makes beach access easier for everyone.
Parking Fees Apply
There's a parking fee, typically around £5 for the day.
Pack for the Weather
It can be windy and cold, even on sunny days. Dress in layers!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible experience of seeing hundreds of seals up close at Newburgh Seal Beach, calling it a treasure. The expansive, clean, and peaceful beach with its smooth golden sand and picturesque estuary is also a major draw. While the parking fee and narrow entrance for larger vehicles are noted drawbacks, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the joy of observing nature.
"There were many seals to observe. The day of our visit was quite windy. The beach was very peaceful and clean. It would be possible to spend hours there if the wind was not so strong.
Parking available on the site, the poles to the entrance are too narrow but can get in without much difficulty"
Nikitha Mariam Koshy
"What's not to love about seeing nature?
The seals are so cool.
Also when the tides out they walk along the beach is amazing, wide and goes on forever."
Bruce Skinner
"Lovely beach and amazing to see the seals so close up. Car park had plenty spaces but it’s a very tight gap in, larger vehicles may struggle, was a larger gate but was padlocked when there. Costs to park as well, £5 for day.
Had dog with me, kept on lead so couldn’t stress Seals and also so Seals couldn’t have nibble either. A boardwalk now been installed down to beach, so easy access for all to get down to beach and watch the seals."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Newburgh Seal Beach is located about 15-20 minutes north of Aberdeen by car. Many visitors drive to the beach. Parking is available on site, though the entrance can be narrow for larger vehicles.
While specific public transport details can vary, checking local bus routes from Aberdeen towards Newburgh would be advisable. Many visitors opt for car travel for convenience.
Parking is available on-site, but reviewers note that the entrance poles can be narrow, potentially posing a challenge for larger vehicles. There is a fee for parking.
Yes, a new inclusive boardwalk has been installed, making access to the beach much easier for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Newburgh Seal Beach, but they must be kept on a lead at all times to ensure the safety of the seals and seabirds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to visit Newburgh Seal Beach. It's a natural attraction open to the public.
Yes, there is a parking fee, which has been reported as £5 for a day.
Newburgh Seal Beach is a natural beach and estuary, so it is accessible at all times. However, seal viewing is best during low tide.
Absolutely! Seals are present year-round. One visitor mentioned visiting in February and found it to be a great experience despite the cold and wind.
Visitors are advised to stay off the sand dunes as they are a precious and rare habitat. Stick to designated paths and the boardwalk.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see hundreds of seals at Newburgh Seal Beach, as it hosts the largest colony of seals in Britain. +1
The best way to see the seals is to check the tide times and visit during low tide when they come ashore to rest. Maintain a respectful distance.
Besides seals, you can also spot a variety of seabirds in large flocks along the estuary and beach.
The beach is described as peaceful, clean, and featuring amazingly smooth golden sand. The estuary is picturesque.
Yes, families often enjoy Newburgh Seal Beach. Kids are thrilled to see the seals, and the wide beach is great for playing in the sand. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant located near the sea that offers parking and food and drinks, providing a convenient option for visitors.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to take all your litter with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photography. Visiting during low tide will maximize your chances of seeing seals close up.
You can capture stunning shots of the seal colony, expansive beach landscapes, the picturesque estuary, and various seabirds. +1
Use a zoom lens to get close-up shots of the seals without disturbing them. Be patient, as seals move around on the sandbanks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With the new inclusive boardwalk, getting to the beach is easier for families with strollers or young children. Remember to keep dogs on a lead and pack snacks and drinks for a full day of enjoyment. Checking tide times will ensure the best seal viewing opportunities.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Visiting during low tide and considering the golden hours of morning or late afternoon can yield spectacular shots. Remember to use zoom lenses to capture intimate moments with the seals without disturbing them. The expansive beach and estuary also offer beautiful landscape photography opportunities.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
While the boardwalk improves access to the beach itself, visitors should be aware of the parking situation. The entrance to the car park can be narrow, which might be a consideration for larger vehicles. However, the overall effort to make the beach more accessible is a significant positive for many visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Seals of Newburgh
It's important to remember that while the seals appear docile, they are wild animals. Disturbing them can cause stress and may lead them to abandon the area. This is why designated viewing points and maintaining a significant distance are crucial. The presence of seals year-round means that any time of year can offer a chance to see them, though their numbers might fluctuate seasonally.
For the best viewing experience, consult local tide tables. When the tide is out, the sandbanks become exposed, providing ample space for the seals to haul themselves out of the water. This is also when they are most likely to be vocal, with their unique sounds adding to the atmosphere of the beach.
Accessibility and Beach Experience
The beach itself is characterized by its vast expanse of smooth, golden sand, stretching for miles. This makes it an ideal location for leisurely walks, family picnics, and simply enjoying the coastal environment. The Ythan Estuary provides a picturesque backdrop, often dotted with various seabirds, adding to the natural appeal of the area.
While the beach offers a peaceful retreat, visitors should be prepared for the coastal weather. It can be windy and chilly, even on sunny days, so dressing in layers is recommended. Parking is available on-site, though it's worth noting that the entrance can be narrow for larger vehicles, and there is a fee for parking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit