Rattray Beach and Dunes
Discover the wild beauty of Rattray Beach and Dunes, featuring an iconic lighthouse and vast, wind-sculpted sand dunes on Scotland's Aberdeenshire coa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access lighthouse causeway
Rattray Beach and Dunes
Best Time
Access lighthouse causeway
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild beauty of Rattray Beach and Dunes, featuring an iconic lighthouse and vast, wind-sculpted sand dunes on Scotland's Aberdeenshire coast.
"The view when you spot the lighthouse peeking through the dunes is simply magical."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to Rattray is rough and potholed. Go slow, especially in non-4x4 vehicles.
⏳ Check Tide Times
Walk to the lighthouse only at low tide via the submersible causeway.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rattray Head Lighthouse
Shoreline
A striking granite and white tower, this iconic lighthouse offers a magical view amidst the dunes and sea.
Expansive Sand Dunes
Behind the beach
Wind-sculpted dunes reaching up to 100 feet, offering a unique landscape and habitat for local flora and fauna.
Secluded Sandy Shoreline
Beachfront
A vast, mostly deserted beach stretching for miles, perfect for peaceful walks, photography, and wildlife spotting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Road to Rattray
Tides and Lighthouse Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to Rattray is rough and potholed. Go slow, especially in non-4x4 vehicles.
⏳ Check Tide Times
Walk to the lighthouse only at low tide via the submersible causeway.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
This is a wilderness area with limited facilities. Enjoy the seclusion!
📸 Perfect for Photography
The lighthouse, dunes, and vast beach offer stunning photo opportunities. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road to Rattray is rough and potholed. Go slow, especially in non-4x4 vehicles.
⏳ Check Tide Times
Walk to the lighthouse only at low tide via the submersible causeway.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
This is a wilderness area with limited facilities. Enjoy the seclusion!
📸 Perfect for Photography
The lighthouse, dunes, and vast beach offer stunning photo opportunities. +1
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Be prepared for sandy terrain and potentially windy conditions.
🔭 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for seals off the shore and birds in the dunes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the peaceful, wild beauty of Rattray Beach and Dunes, particularly the iconic lighthouse and expansive dunes. While the journey can be rough, the secluded nature and photographic opportunities make it a worthwhile destination for many.
"This is a perfectly peaceful spot.
Road a but rough to reach but worth it.
Small light house a great photo oppurtunity, as is exploring the sand dunes with its fauna and flora. It is wilderness so pack a picnic and enjoy."
Nathalie Smedley
"I recently visited Rattray Head Lighthouse near Peterhead and absolutely loved it! The drive to the car park is along a narrow, rutted track—tough in those potholes unless you have a high-clearance vehicle—so take it slow and steady  .
After parking, we walked through rolling sand dunes to reach the shoreline. Even at low tide you can walk out to the lighthouse via its submersible causeway, which is only visible briefly when the sea retreats .
The view when you spot the lighthouse peeking through the dunes is simply magical. The beach stretches widely, protected by dunes, and it’s mostly deserted—perfect for photography or a peaceful stroll  . We even spotted some seals off the shore and lovely birdlife in the dunes.
Built in 1895 by the Stevenson brothers, this striking granite-and-white tower stands 120 ft tall. It even survived a wartime attack when a German bomber flew over, dropped bombs, and machine-gunned the structure—yet it stayed fully functional"
Sundaresan Viswanathan
"There is a small car park behind the old keepers' accomodation. From there it is an easy, short walk to the beach and the lighthouse"
Richard McLeod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is via a narrow, rutted track with potholes, particularly challenging for standard vehicles. Drive slowly and carefully. There is a small car park behind the old keepers' accommodation.
The road is described as rough and overgrown with many potholes. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, but slow driving can help navigate it in other cars.
After parking, it's a short walk through sand dunes to the beach. The lighthouse is accessible via a submersible causeway, but only at low tide.
It can be a significant journey. One visitor mentioned a 7-hour round trip from Glasgow.
While specific GPS coordinates are best, expect a rural drive towards Peterhead and then follow signs for Rattray Head. The final approach is the unpaved track.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rattray Beach and Dunes is a natural area and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free-to-access public space.
As a natural coastal area, Rattray Beach and Dunes is accessible at all times. However, access to the lighthouse causeway is dependent on tide times.
There is no entrance fee for Rattray Head Lighthouse itself, as it's a landmark on public land. Access to the causeway is free but tide-dependent.
Yes, the beach and dunes are accessible year-round. However, weather conditions can vary significantly, and tide times are crucial for lighthouse access.
As a natural wilderness area, visitors are encouraged to respect the environment. There are no specific entry restrictions, but be mindful of the tides and the delicate dune ecosystem.
📸 📸 Photography
The Rattray Head Lighthouse is a prime subject, especially with the dunes as a backdrop. The vast, empty beach and the causeway at low tide also offer unique photographic opportunities. +2
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the lighthouse and the expansive coastline. Evenings are often described as magical. +1
Yes, drones are permitted and offer stunning aerial perspectives of the lighthouse and coastline, as seen in several TikTok videos. +2
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and dunes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting like seals. Consider a tripod for low-light photography.
The submersible causeway leading to the lighthouse is a unique feature, visible only at low tide, creating dramatic shots. The lighthouse itself is a classic subject against the sea and sky.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy peaceful walks along the vast beach, explore the impressive sand dunes, and visit the iconic Rattray Head Lighthouse. It's a great spot for photography and wildlife observation.
Absolutely. The beach is incredibly long and mostly deserted, making it ideal for long, peaceful walks. The dunes also offer a unique walking experience. +1
Yes, but only at low tide. A submersible causeway becomes visible, allowing you to walk out to the lighthouse. Always check tide times beforehand.
Visitors have reported seeing grey seals off the shore and various birdlife within the dunes.
Rattray Beach and Dunes is a wilderness area, so facilities are very limited. It's recommended to pack a picnic and any essentials you might need.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the journey, as the road can be rough, so a sturdy vehicle is helpful. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal. The chance to see seals or birds can also be an exciting element for younger visitors. Remember to check tide times if you plan to walk out to the lighthouse, as this can be a memorable experience for the whole family.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Content creators often utilize drone footage to capture the sweeping vistas and unique perspective of the lighthouse and its surroundings. The submersible causeway, accessible only at low tide, presents a unique photographic challenge and reward. Visiting during golden hour can enhance the visual appeal, creating stunning images with warm light.
🚶♀️ Nature & Peace Seekers
The opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as seals and various bird species, adds to the natural appeal. The journey to reach the beach, while challenging, contributes to its secluded charm, ensuring a more undisturbed experience. It's a place to embrace the elements and enjoy the raw beauty of the Scottish coast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Rattray Head Lighthouse
Many visitors are drawn to the lighthouse for its photogenic qualities. The way it emerges from the sand dunes or stands sentinel against the sea provides a dramatic and captivating scene. Drone footage often highlights its isolated beauty and the vastness of its surroundings.
Accessing the lighthouse is an adventure in itself. The submersible causeway is only visible and traversable during low tide, adding an element of timing and planning to the visit. This unique access point makes reaching the lighthouse a memorable part of the experience.
Exploring the Wild Dunes and Beach
The beach itself is astoundingly long, stretching for miles. It's largely deserted, providing a peaceful environment for long walks, beachcombing, and quiet contemplation. The sheer scale of the beach, combined with the dramatic dunes, makes for a breathtaking natural setting.
Visitors often describe the experience as a 'blowey, sandblast facial kinda walk,' highlighting the raw, natural elements of the coast. It's a place to 'reflect and chat with the waves,' offering a genuine escape from the everyday. The abundance of washed-up items also makes it a great spot for beachcombing.
Photography at Rattray Beach
The vast, secluded beach provides ample opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the scale and emptiness of the scene. The submersible causeway leading to the lighthouse, visible only at low tide, offers a unique and dramatic photographic element. Drone photography is also popular here, providing breathtaking aerial views of the lighthouse, beach, and surrounding landscape.
For the best results, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for soft, warm light. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the beach and dunes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife like seals. Remember to check tide times for the best access to the lighthouse causeway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit