There is nothing worse than heading to the beach and having nowhere to park.
17:07, 24 Apr 2026Updated 20:02, 24 Apr 2026
Gullane Bents in East Lothian offers great parking facilities(Image: Gullane beach car park by Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
After months of cold, wet, and windy weather, things are finally starting to look up in Scotland. And this weekend is to be the best weather we have seen all year with forecasters promising sunny skies and warm temperatures. What’s more, summer is edging ever closer too.
If there is one thing you can count on Scots to do when the mercury rises, it is to head to the nearest beach. While there are countless sandy bays dotted around Scotland’s stunning coast, there are some that are better than others if you don’t want to stress about where to leave the car.
The Daily Record has put together a list of some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland with large car parks that are either free or cheap, which should hopefully take some of the worry out of any beach plans. While these beaches offer a lot of parking space, it is still a good idea to arrive early as you never know how many others will be thinking the same.
Read on for a roundup of four beaches with plenty of free or cheap parking across Scotland as the weather heats up this spring. Additionally, let us know your favourite Scottish beaches around the country that offer either free or affordable parking in the comment section below!
1. Gullane Bents, East Lothian
Gullane Bents(Image: maxblack / Getty Images)
Gullane Bents is one of the most popular beaches in East Lothian, and for good reason. The beach is a favourite amongst those living in Edinburgh, as it is located around just 50 minutes from the centre of the Scottish capital by car and offers plenty of space to park your car at a price of just £3 for the whole day.
Gullane is known as a family-friendly beach, with lots of opportunities for building sandcastles, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. It is also a good choice if you want to head there on your own, as it is great for sunbathing, while it is also very dog-friendly so your four-legged friend can come along too.
More information can be found on the East Lothian website.
2. St Andrews West Sands, Fife
St Andrews West Sands(Image: Reimar Gaertner/UIG / Getty Images)
Best known as the backdrop for the legendary opening scenes of the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, West Sands extends for almost two miles of uninterrupted sand with spellbinding views over the water. The beach is backed with dunes, and of course the world-famous golf courses of St Andrews.
Thankfully, there is also plenty of parking at West Sands, and the centre of St Andrews is just a 15-minute walk away, so you won’t have to worry about hunting for a space. According to The Beach Guide, parking is free too and so your trip to the beach should hopefully be a stress-free one.
More information can be found on the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust website.
3. Ayr Beach, South Ayrshire
Ayr Beach(Image: Simon11uk / Getty Images)
Ayr Beach has long been a favourite amongst those living in and near Glasgow, and it is easy to see why. Having been awarded a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful, the beach is a wonderful spot for a picnic and offers magnificent views of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran, and even Pladda if conditions are right.
South Ayrshire Council states that you have lots of options when it comes to parking near Ayr Beach, with free parking available along the beachfront esplanade where the play park is and at the Cromwell Road Car Park. Additionally, the Charlotte Street Car Park is priced at just £3 for 24 hours.
More information can be found on the Destination South Ayrshire website.
4. Lunan Bay, Angus
Lunan Bay(Image: Dave Collins / Getty Images)
Lunan Bay is one of Scotland’s most underrated beaches, and it has thankfully become more accessible in recent years following the construction of a car park behind the dunes. According to Days Out With The Kids, free parking is conveniently available right next to the beach.
The east-facing beach itself is described by Visit Angus as “a secluded haven on the dramatic Angus coastline”, extending for approximately two miles. One of the most notable landmarks in the area is the crumbling ruins of Red Castle, which sits in an elevated position overlooking the stunning bay.
More information can be found on the Visit Angus website.