Seacliff — Attraction in Great Britain

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...

This is a nice fairly quiet (but by no means empty) secluded beach, there are rock pools and a large rock to climb with a flat top where you can see nice views of Bass rock and Tantallon Castle. There is also a small harbour (when I say small I mean small, most people will probably have bigger back gardens than this harbour is!) where a couple of boats are tied up.

The way in to this beach and it's car parks isn't so easy to find and work on a one way system, also costing £3 to get into and park. You pay your £3 into an old machine hoping it works and lets you through and hoping there is a way out somewhere!! The car park apparently closes at sunset so how accurate this is is anyone's guess, I didn't stick around late enough to find out.

The first car park you come to has space for only about 4 or 5 cars and leaves you with a steep descent to the beach (unless you want to take a long walk around to the beach) which then obviously becomes a steep ascent back to the car park later, the larger car parks that you go down to as you follow the one way system through a very narrow track have a nicer journey to and from the beach but are further away from the small harbour and the large rock with the...

Perfect little beach with lovely clear sea water and views to die for. To the East end there are rocks known as St Baldreds Boat, which are marked by a tall stone pillar, topped with a cross. To the North there are views to the Bass Rock which is white with the thousands of seabirds that nest there. If you take binoculars you can watch the gannets plunge from height into the sea to catch fish! To the West there lie more rocks, perfect for rockpooling and exploring. These rocks also hide Scotland's smallest harbour from view. The tiny enclosure and formidable approach is revealed as you get closer. You might struggle to notice the harbour at first, because as you cross the beach, Tantallon Castle reveals itself on the distant cliff. It appears from behind the western headland of seacliff as you walk, to give what is surely the best view of this stronghold. This is all better experienced at low tide so you can fully enjoy the sand and rocks, much of which is covered...