The hidden UK seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches and hardly any crowds
- UK Hidden Gems
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The UK has no shortage of lovely seaside towns, but one in particular is ideal for anyone wanting a peaceful break without large crowds.
This hidden gem in Scotland gives you all the charm of a coastal escape while avoiding the busy tourist hotspots found elsewhere.
Even though the Fringe by the Sea festival brings visitors to the area, it is still easy to enjoy a slow wander through the town and along the seafront.
On sunny days, the sandy beaches have space for everyone, whether you want to relax on a towel or enjoy a picnic.
Families especially like it here thanks to the tidal pool and rock pools, perfect for children to explore.
North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre, and the beaches give sweeping views across the Firth of Forth to Bass Rock, which is home to the largest northern gannet colony in the world.
A long promenade runs along the seafront, lined with houses that look straight out to sea. Walking from one end to the other takes less than half an hour, making it a lovely gentle stroll.
The town itself is packed with character, featuring a pretty marina full of boats, cobbled lanes, and lots of cafes and ice cream shops to enjoy.
Fringe by the Sea has become a popular festival, offering a relaxed and family-friendly version of the famous Edinburgh Fringe.
At just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, North Berwick also makes a brilliant stop on a longer Scottish road trip, or even for a simple day out by the coast.
One reviewer on Tripadvisor wrote: “It had been years since I last came here, but it didn’t disappoint. Lovely beaches on both sides, plenty of cafes and shops, and a busy harbour full of yachts to admire.”
Another visitor said: “A beautiful town on the North Sea, only about 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh. It is well worth the journey for the beaches, the town centre with its shops, the Seabird Centre, Tantallon Castle and trips to Bass Rock.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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