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Aberlady Submarines

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal

Walking, Photography

Year round

Photo: DD via Geograph.org.uk

Out on the sands of Aberlady Bay, in the nature reserve on the East Lothian coast, lie the rusted skeletons of two small submarines. They are XT-craft, the training version of the midget submarines built during the Second World War, each around fifteen metres long and now stripped back to their ribb...

6

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

2 day, 4 overnight

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Aberlady Submarines?
East Lothian holds this remarkable coastal attraction on a broad sandy beach near the village of Aberlady. Hikers walk out across the nature reserve to find them sitting among the changing tides.

What type of place is Aberlady Submarines?
Aberlady Submarines are the remains of two wartime training vessels on a beach in East Lothian.

When is the best time to visit Aberlady Submarines?
Low spring tides provide the only opportunity to safely access the metal structures on the sand. Checking local tide timetables beforehand remains absolutely vital so you do not get cut off by the rising water.

What can you do at Aberlady Submarines?
Walking across the expansive sands allows you to examine the rusted frames and take incredible photographs. Many people enjoy standing in the quiet coastal landscape to reflect on the unusual military history.

How long should I spend at Aberlady Submarines?
Allowing roughly two hours ensures you have enough time to complete the trek through the dunes and fully explore the wrecks. Serious walkers often integrate the beach visit into a much longer journey along the beautiful coastline.

Where do I park at Aberlady Submarines?
Drivers can choose from six available spaces near the site, which provide two day and four overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Aberlady Submarines?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near Aberlady Submarines, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near Aberlady Submarines?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Aberlady Submarines, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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