Seacliff Beach
East Lothian
Seacliff Beach is a hidden gem on the East Lothian coast east of North Berwick, accessed through a private toll road off the A198. The beach is a small, sheltered sandy cove with what is reputedly the smallest harbour in the UK, carved into the rock. Views from the beach encompass Tantallon Castle on its clifftop above, Bass Rock to the north and the dramatic Firth of Forth coastline. The beach rarely feels crowded due to the toll road access.
East Lothian Council confirmed no general dog bans at East Lothian beaches. Year-round dog access at Seacliff. Note that a toll charge applies to use the private road. The combination of tiny harbour, castle views and sheltered sandy beach makes this one of the most atmospheric beach visits in East Lothian.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Beach Type
- Sand, Rock
- Tide Notes
- Sheltered cove. Sandy beach at low tide with rock pools. Tantallon Castle visible from beach.
- Facilities
- No beach facilities. North Berwick town (approx 6km) has full facilities
- Parking
- Small car park accessed via private toll road off A198 at Auldhame. Small charge applies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seacliff Beach dog friendly?
Seacliff Beach is a great choice for dogs, earning a rating of 8/10 on Wildpack Collective. It's a small, sheltered sandy cove that rarely gets crowded thanks to its private toll road access, making it a relaxed and atmospheric spot for a dog walk with stunning views of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock thrown in.
Are dogs allowed at Seacliff Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Seacliff Beach throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. East Lothian Council has confirmed there are no general dog bans at East Lothian beaches, so you and your dog can enjoy this hidden gem whatever the season.
What should I know before visiting Seacliff Beach with my dog?
The main thing to be aware of is that Seacliff Beach is accessed via a private toll road off the A198 at Auldhame, so there's a small charge to get in and parking is limited to a small car park at the end of the road. There are no facilities at the beach itself, so it's worth stocking up on water and anything else you need before you head out — North Berwick town, around 6km away, has full facilities if you need them.
What’s Nearby?
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North Berwick's sheltered eastern bay with direct views of Bass Rock's gannet colony, year-round unrestricted dog access and the Scottish Seabird Centre immediately above.
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