Newburgh Beach
Aberdeenshire
Newburgh Beach lies where the River Ythan meets the North Sea in Aberdeenshire, a wild and expansive stretch of sand backed by one of Scotland's most impressive dune systems. The landscape feels dynamic and untamed — shifting sands, marram-topped dunes, and the broad tidal estuary create a constantly changing environment. The Ythan Estuary is also home to a significant grey seal colony, which hauls out on the sandbanks and adds genuine wildlife interest to any visit.\n\nDogs are welcome off-lead year-round on this dog friendly beach, but must be kept on leads near the seal colony area to avoid disturbing the animals. Away from the seals, the wide estuary sands and dune trails provide excellent off-lead territory with rich scenting opportunities. The combination of river, sea, and dune habitat means the terrain varies enormously within a short distance, keeping walks interesting for dogs who thrive on variety rather than endless flat sand.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Dogs must be kept on leads near the seal colony area.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Dunes
- Tide Notes
- Wide estuary sands at low tide; seals haul out on the sandbanks
- Facilities
- Toilets; no beach facilities - village nearby
- Parking
- Free car park at Newburgh beach
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Newburgh Beach, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in AberdeenshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Newburgh Beach dog friendly?
Newburgh Beach is a great choice for dogs, earning a rating of 8/10 on Wildpack Collective. Dogs are welcome off-lead across the wide estuary sands and dune trails, though they must be kept on leads near the grey seal colony that hauls out on the sandbanks. The varied terrain , river, sea, and dunes all within a short distance , makes it a particularly rewarding spot for dogs who enjoy exploring different environments.
Are dogs allowed at Newburgh Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome off-lead at Newburgh Beach throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. The year-round access makes it a reliable destination whatever the time of visit, though the lead rule around the seal colony applies at all times to protect the wildlife.
What should I know before visiting Newburgh Beach with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is the grey seal colony on the sandbanks , dogs must be kept on leads in that area to avoid disturbing the animals. Beyond that, it's worth knowing that beach facilities are limited, though the nearby village of Newburgh is close by, and there is a free car park at the beach itself. The tidal estuary and dune landscape are stunning but dynamic, so keep an eye on the terrain as conditions can shift.
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What’s Nearby?
Walk0.4 mi awayForvie Sands and the Ythan Estuary
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A circular walk through dunes, estuary and sandy beach at Forvie National Nature Reserve, with strong dog restrictions during the bird breeding season.
Beach5.1 mi awayBalmedie Beach
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A vast, 14-mile sandy beach and dune system north of Aberdeen with year-round unrestricted dog access, excellent country park facilities and one of the largest dune landscapes in the UK.
Beach6.9 mi awayBlackdog Beach
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A quieter sandy beach south of Balmedie on the Aberdeenshire coast with year-round dog access and good off-lead space as part of the wider dune system north of Aberdeen.
Beach8.8 mi awayCruden Bay
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A wide sandy bay in Aberdeenshire backed by dunes with the ruins of Slains Castle on the cliffs above, year-round access and very few restrictions.
Walk9.3 mi awaySlains Castle and Cruden Bay Coastal Walk
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A dramatic coastal walk from Cruden Bay beach past the Gothic ruins of Slains Castle to the blow hole and sea arches of the Bullers of Buchan.
Walk10 mi awayHaddo Country Park and the Deer Park Urn, Tarves
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Grassy parkland between two lakes gives dogs plenty of sniffing room at Haddo, while their humans head for a beech tree and a monumental urn overlooking the house.