Belhaven Bay Beach

The beach at Belhaven Bay stretches out in a long, gentle arc just outside Dunbar, and on a clear day it's the sort of place where you can actually see what you came for - proper views across the Firth of Forth, golden sand when the tide's out, and enough space that you won't feel crowded even in summer. It's a working beach in the best sense: families dig holes, walkers stride along the shoreline, and the whole thing has a lived-in feel rather than a postcard polish.

What makes it tick is simplicity. There's sand, there's sea, there's a sweep of cliffs behind you. The rock pools near the eastern end keep children occupied for ages, and the beach itself is wide enough that you can find your own patch without drama. It's not dramatic or Instagram-ready, but that's rather the point. Most people allow an hour or two here, though if you've got young kids they'll happily spend half a day.

Belhaven Bay Caravan Park sits right on the doorstep, which makes it a logical base for a week in East Lothian. The beach is free to access, open whenever you fancy it. Wind can kick up properly here - it's on the east coast, after all - so come prepared for that. The nearest facilities are in Dunbar itself, just a short drive away. It's not the prettiest beach you'll find in Scotland, but it's honest and it works.