Top 10 Beaches for Surfing near Edinburgh
The Best Surfing Spots Near Edinburgh
Scotland, the land of lochs and mountains, also offers a coastline with some of the most exciting surfing opportunities in the UK. The beauty of Scotland's beaches is not just in their rugged charm but also in the remarkable surf they provide, making Scotland a top choice for surf enthusiasts.
From gentle waves for the beginner to challenging swells for the seasoned surfer, there's something for every wave rider in this stunning land.
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Pease Bay
Pease Bay is known for its consistent surf, making it a go-to spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. For those just starting out, a good tip is to practice your 'pop up' on the beach before venturing into the waves. The steady surf here provides a perfect opportunity to master this basic yet crucial move.
Postcode: TD14 5PN
Coordinates: 55.9305, -2.3512
Parking: Free parking is available at the Pease Bay Holiday Home Park.
Nearby eats: Pease Bay Holiday Home Park has an onsite bar and
restaurant.
Toilets: Available at the holiday park.
Petrol station: The closest petrol station is in Cockburnspath, at the Co-op.
Food - Cockburnspath Post Office (TD13 5YH).
Coldingham Bay
Coldingham Bay, with its sandy bottom break, is suited for surfers of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate the softer landings, while more advanced surfers can work on refining their cutbacks and snap turns.
Postcode: TD14 5PA
Coordinates: 55.8910, -2.1586
Parking: Car park adjacent to the beach (£2 per day).
Nearby eats: Coldingham Bay Cafe is right by the beach.
Toilets: Public toilets are available at the car park.
Petrol station: The nearest petrol station is in Eyemouth at the Eyemouth Garage (TD14 5BE).
Seacliff Beach
Seacliff Beach must be one of the most beautiful in Scotland [and the UK!]. It lies at the end of a private track, with the turnoff at Auldhame. The beach is primarily sand with a few rocks, and looks straight out to the Bass Rock. It also has one of the smallest working harbours in the UK! Surfing or not, you need to see Seacliff Beach.
Postcode: EH39 5NX
Coordinates: 56.03648, -2.3860
Parking: There's plenty of parking by the beach, but make sure you have £3 in coins for the barrier.
Nearby eats: Drift Cafe is one of the best in East Lothian and is 5 minutes drive away..
Toilets: There is a small toilet block by the second parking area.
Petrol station: The closest is in North Berwick, at Tesco (EH39 5NF).
St Andrews East Sands
St Andrews East Sands is a favoured spot, delivering consistent waves and a sandy bottom. For those who are more advanced, why not test your balance and speed with some floater manoeuvres? It's a spectacular way to ride the wave without breaking into its face.
Postcode: KY16 8LB
Coordinates: 56.3393, -2.7884
Parking: East Sands car park is right next to the beach (up to £5 for over 5 hours).
Nearby eats: East Sands Leisure Centre has a cafe.
Toilets: Available at the leisure centre.
Petrol station: The nearest is Esso at Largo Rd, St Andrews (KY16 8NH
Kingsbarns Beach
Kingsbarns Beach, nestled near the historic town of St Andrews, promises a sandy bottom and regular waves. A tip for the less experienced - remember to always surf at an angle. It's safer, easier, and it sets you up nicely to ride along the wave's shoulder.
Postcode: KY16 8QD
Coordinates: 56.2899, -2.6540
Parking: Free parking is available at the Kingsbarns Beach car park.
Nearby eats: The Inn at Kingsbarns has a restaurant.
Toilets: Public toilets at the beach car park.
Petrol station: The closest is in St Andrews at the Esso station (KY16 8NH).
Please keep scrolling Folks!
Surfing lessons with Ocean Vertical at Belhaven Bay in East Lothian
Aberdour Silver Sands
Aberdour Silver Sands is renowned for its clean water and reliable surf. If you're a more experienced surfer, this is an ideal location to practice carving, a high-speed turn that involves significant board tilting.
Postcode: KY3 0RQ
Coordinates: 56.0538, -3.3001
Parking: Available onsite (£3 per day).
Nearby eats: The onsite Silver Sands Cafe.
Toilets: Public toilets onsite.
Petrol station: The closest is in Inverkeithing at the Shell station (KY11 1HZ).
Pettycur Bay
Pettycur Bay is a welcoming spot for beginners, presenting a sandy bottom and even waves. To start, focus on mastering your stance. The right posture can make a world of difference in maintaining balance.
Postcode: KY3 9SB
Coordinates: 56.0680, -3.2016
Parking: Free parking is available at the beach.
Nearby eats: Pettycur Bay Holiday Park has a bar and restaurant.
Toilets: Available at the holiday park.
Petrol station: The closest is in Kinghorn, the Shell station (KY3 9UR).
West Sands, St Andrews
West Sands, St Andrews is an iconic, long, sandy beach recognised for its steady surf. For those feeling adventurous, it's a great location to attempt an off-the-lip, a high-speed turn-off the breaking part of the wave.
Postcode: KY16 9XL
Coordinates: 56.3398, -2.8071
Parking: Available at West Sands Car Park (£5 for more than 5 hours).
Nearby eats: There's a cafe in the nearby British Golf Museum.
Toilets: Public toilets are available at the car park.
Petrol station: The nearest is Esso at Largo Rd, St Andrews (KY16 8NH).
Belhaven Bay and Thorntonloch Beach
Finally, Belhaven Bay and Thorntonloch Beach, with their long sandy expanses and consistent waves, are fantastic for surfers of all levels.
Belhaven Bay, in particular, is the home base for Ocean Vertical's surfing lessons. They offer top-notch training, whether you're new to the sport or looking to enhance your skills. With qualified instructors to guide you, and the stunning Scottish coast as your backdrop, there's no better place to start or continue your surfing journey.
Belhaven Bay
Postcode: EH42 1TS
Coordinates: 56.0022, -2.5164
Parking: Free parking is available at the Belhaven Bay car park.
Nearby eats: Wishing Tree By The Sea is excellent and close by.
Toilets: Public toilets are available at the car park.
Petrol station: The nearest is in Dunbar, at the Shell station (EH42 1RS).
Thorntonloch Beach
Postcode: EH42 1QS
Coordinates: 56.9638, -2.3988
Parking: There are parking spaces available which are free.
Nearby eats: Pop along to Dunbar High Street where there are lots of options around 6 miles away.
Toilets: There are no toilet facilities.
Petrol station: The nearest is in Dunbar, at the BP station on the A1087,
postcode EH42 1RS.
So, why not catch a wave or two?
Surfing is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. Feel the thrill, the freedom, and the pure exhilaration of riding the waves. If you're in or near Edinburgh, join Ocean Vertical for an unforgettable surfing experience.
You bring the spirit of adventure; they'll provide the rest - from boards and wetsuits to expert coaching. Let the sea set you free!
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