A ‘hidden gem’ beach with clear blue waters and golden sands is just an hour from a major Scottish city and it’s a spot that many people didn’t even know existed
Just 51 minutes from Edinburgh, a hidden UK seaside gem offers a Mediterranean-like escape without leaving the country.(Image: Getty Images)
With the miserable autumn weather starting to take hold, many of us will be considering fleeing to sunnier climes for a quick break to soak up some rays before winter descends.
But if you time your trip just right, you could enjoy a taste of Mediterranean shoreline without ever departing the UK – by journeying just one hour from a major Scottish city.
Social media users have uncovered a “hidden gem” seaside location that many folk were totally oblivious to, situated just 51 minutes from Edinburgh.
This spot has been praised for offering spectacular sea views and a pristine environment that stays rubbish-free and isn’t overrun with tourists.
In a TikTok clip, one lass shared video of this incredible place, reports the Express.
Viewers could easily see the golden sand, sparkling turquoise water, and stunning vista of Bass Rock, an island positioned in the outer part of the Firth of Forth.
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The clip features Seacliff, a private seaside estate in East Lothian, roughly four miles east of North Berwick.
Though privately owned, the beach stays accessible to the public and attracts surfers, dog walkers, and families having picnics all year round.
According to Visit Scotland, car access to Seacliff Beach is controlled via a coin-operated barrier. The coastline also features a sandstone harbour thought to be Britain’s smallest, and if the sweeping views of Bass Rock don’t mesmerise you, you can also take in the ruins of Tantallon Castle.
Seacliff Beach enjoys an almost-flawless 4.7 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, with over 130 of the 171 reviewers giving it top marks.
Most visitors praise the spot’s unspoilt scenery and pristine condition.
Seacliff, a private East Lothian estate four miles from North Berwick, has a beach popular with surfers, dog walkers, and picnickers year-round.(Image: versevend via Getty Images)
One tourist wrote: “The place is lovely and clean, it’s well looked after [and] a hidden gem right enough. If you’re looking for a clean beach and stunning views with lots of history, this is your place.”
Another added: “Absolute brilliant beach, seapool with crystal clear water, long stretch of clean yellow sand. [One of the] nicest town beaches I have been to in the UK or anywhere for that matter.”
Users replying to the TikTok footage, however, were split on whether the seaside destination should be publicised to others.
Some showed enthusiasm that more people would discover its beauty, while others argued that drawing additional tourists would eventually “ruining” the beach with litter.
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One person wrote: “I’ve been going here since I was small. We prefer to keep these places hush, or they will get ruined!”.
Another posted: “ABSOLUTELY keep tourists away from good nature spots! So many places have been ruined with litter.”
If you’re planning a trip to Seacliff Beach or any other rural spot, it’s crucial to be mindful of your surroundings.
Take your litter home with you or use the bins provided to keep the area clean and help local wildlife thrive. If you’re walking your dog in the area, make sure you pick up and dispose of their waste properly.