Seacliff Beach
A secluded, privately owned beach on Scotland's East Lothian coast, famed for its dramatic views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock, plus a unique hand...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Seacliff Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded, privately owned beach on Scotland's East Lothian coast, famed for its dramatic views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock, plus a unique hand-carved harbour.
"A true hidden gem offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape on the East Lothian coast."
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead!
The road to the car park is rough. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damage to your vehicle.
💰 Honesty Box Fee
Expect a parking fee of around £5, payable by cash or card. It's worth it for the views!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tantallon Castle Views
Eastern end of the beach
Dramatic medieval castle ruins perched on cliffs, offering a stunning backdrop to the beach.
Bass Rock Panorama
Out at sea, visible from the beach
Iconic volcanic island, home to thousands of gannets, providing a majestic focal point.
Britain's Smallest Harbour
Western end of the beach
A unique, hand-carved sandstone harbour, a testament to the area's historical maritime past.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access Fees
Best Time for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead!
The road to the car park is rough. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damage to your vehicle.
💰 Honesty Box Fee
Expect a parking fee of around £5, payable by cash or card. It's worth it for the views!
🚶♀️ Explore Further
If the main beach is busy, keep walking to the far end to find quieter, private coves.
🌊 Wild Swimming Spot
Considered a great spot for wild swimming with clear waters, though can be a trek from public transport.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead!
The road to the car park is rough. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damage to your vehicle.
💰 Honesty Box Fee
Expect a parking fee of around £5, payable by cash or card. It's worth it for the views!
🚶♀️ Explore Further
If the main beach is busy, keep walking to the far end to find quieter, private coves.
🌊 Wild Swimming Spot
Considered a great spot for wild swimming with clear waters, though can be a trek from public transport.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning shots of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seacliff Beach is a highly praised, privately owned gem on the East Lothian coast, lauded for its breathtaking views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock, and its unique, hand-carved harbour. While the bumpy access road and basic toilet facilities are noted drawbacks, visitors find the £5 entrance fee well worth the stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
"Seacliff Beach is a true hidden gem and an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a breathtaking and tranquil escape on the East Lothian coast. Tucked away just outside North Berwick, this private beach offers a secluded and magical experience that feels a world away from the crowds.
The moment you arrive and pay the small honesty box fee, the view that opens up is simply unforgettable. The sweep of golden sand is beautiful in itself, but it's the spectacular backdrop that makes Seacliff so special. To the east, the dramatic ruins of Tantallon Castle stand proudly on the cliffs, while out at sea, the iconic Bass Rock rises majestically from the water, often circled by thousands of gannets.
What truly sets Seacliff apart, however, is its unique and historic charm. Tucked into a rocky outcrop at the western end of the beach is the quaint harbour, reportedly the smallest and oldest in Britain, hand-carved directly out of the sandstone. It’s an incredible sight and a testament to the area's rich history.
Whether you're visiting for a quiet walk, a picnic with an incredible view, or to simply take in the magnificent scenery, Seacliff delivers. Its peaceful atmosphere, combined with the stunning natural and historical landmarks, makes it an unforgettable place. It's the perfect spot to find a moment of calm and feel a genuine connection with the rugged Scottish coastline."
Apriry Ly
"Fantastic beach. £5 entry, card or cash. Beware of the narrow road down to the car park, slippery and potholes, but totally worth it."
Alan Hannah
"Absolutely love this spot! I privately owned beach that costs £5 to enter (2025) but ie worth every penny. Side paths are well maintained, the front seat view of Bass rock is beautiful. Scotlands smallest Harbour is interesting too, carved in the rocks 🪨"
fiona whitie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by car, taking about 45 minutes. Alternatively, take a train to North Berwick (approx. 30 mins) and then enjoy an hour's walk to the beach.
Yes, there is a car park, but it has a fee of around £5. The road leading to it is quite bumpy, so drive with caution.
While possible, it requires a train to North Berwick followed by a significant walk (about an hour). It's more convenient by car.
The road is described as very bumpy and not in good condition, so slow driving is recommended.
The road to the car park is bumpy, and the beach itself is sandy with some rocky areas. Accessibility may be challenging for wheelchairs. Information from social media doesn't specifically address wheelchair access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Seacliff Beach is privately owned and has an entrance fee, typically around £5 per car, payable by cash or card.
As a natural beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the car park may have specific closing times.
No advance booking is usually required for general access. You pay the fee upon arrival at the car park.
The honesty box fee is for parking and is typically around £5, contributing to the upkeep of the private beach.
Information on discounts is not readily available. The fee is generally considered reasonable for the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic Tantallon Castle ruins, the majestic Bass Rock, and the unique hand-carved harbour. Sunrises and sunsets also offer stunning photographic moments.
Absolutely! The coastal location provides beautiful light for both sunrise and sunset, with the sea and landmarks creating picturesque scenes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife like gannets around Bass Rock.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws or with the private owners before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good views of the landmarks.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Enjoy scenic walks, admire Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock views, explore the unique harbour, have a picnic, or go for a wild swim.
Yes, there are toilets, but reviews suggest they are in poor condition and require significant work.
It's a beautiful spot for families, offering space to play and stunning scenery. However, the bumpy road and potentially poor toilet facilities might be considerations.
Yes, Seacliff Beach is known for its clear waters and is a popular spot for wild swimming.
The beach features a sweep of golden sand, making it pleasant for walking and relaxing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no direct food facilities at Seacliff Beach itself. Visitors typically bring their own picnics.
The nearby town of North Berwick offers various dining options, including cafes, pubs, and seafood restaurants like The Lobster Shack. +1
Yes, bringing a picnic is highly recommended as there are no food vendors on-site. Enjoying a meal with the stunning views is a highlight.
Popular spots include Bostock Bakery, DRIFT café, and Steampunk Coffee, offering a range of treats and drinks.
No, there are no restaurants directly at Seacliff Beach. Dining is available in the nearby town of North Berwick.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the bumpy road leading to the car park, so drive slowly. While the beach itself is beautiful, the condition of the toilets has been noted as poor, so you might want to plan accordingly or use facilities in nearby North Berwick. The unique harbour is also a point of interest for curious young minds.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Consider combining your visit with a walk around the Tantallon Castle grounds or exploring the wider East Lothian coastline. The terrain on the beach is sandy, with some rocky areas, making it suitable for a leisurely stroll. Remember to wear comfortable footwear.
📸 Photographers
+1 The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset paint the landscape in breathtaking hues, creating dramatic and memorable shots. +1Bring a range of lenses to capture both the grand vistas and the finer details. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the sweeping beach and castle views, while a telephoto can bring the wildlife on Bass Rock closer. The unique harbour also offers opportunities for more intimate, textural shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Scotland's Smallest Harbour
While small, the harbour still evokes a sense of history and purpose. It’s a quiet spot that contrasts with the dramatic natural beauty of the surrounding coastline. Visitors often marvel at how such a functional and enduring structure was created with such basic tools. It’s a reminder of a time when life was closely tied to the sea and the resources it provided.
Exploring this hidden gem adds another layer to the Seacliff Beach experience. It’s not just about the expansive views and sandy shores, but also about discovering these smaller, historically significant details that make the location truly special. It’s a perfect spot for contemplation and appreciating the human connection to this rugged landscape.
Wildlife Spotting Around Bass Rock
Beyond the gannets, visitors might also spot other seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The waters surrounding Bass Rock are also rich in marine life, and if you're lucky, you might even see seals or dolphins. The RSPB nature reserve on Bass Rock offers guided tours during certain times of the year, providing an even closer look at this incredible ecosystem.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts, Bass Rock and its surrounding waters offer endless opportunities. The sheer scale of the gannet colony is awe-inspiring, and the dramatic silhouette of the rock against the sea provides a stunning backdrop. It’s a powerful reminder of the vibrant natural world that exists just off Scotland's coast.
Navigating the Drive and Facilities
Upon arrival, there's a parking fee, typically around £5, which can be paid by cash or card. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the privately owned beach. While the views are widely praised, the condition of the on-site toilets has been a point of criticism. Reviews indicate they are in need of substantial work, with some describing them as smelly and filthy.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience at Seacliff Beach is overwhelmingly positive due to its stunning natural beauty and unique historical features. Visitors are advised to be prepared for the road conditions and to manage expectations regarding the facilities, focusing instead on the breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
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