Nothing says summer quite like a trip to beach, and we are lucky to have so many to choose from in Fife, Dundee and Angus.
We’ve compiled a list of the best beaches in Fife, Dundee and Angus based on the stunning scenery, wild swimming potential and ease of access.
They are all recipients of a coveted Keep Scotland Beautiful award.
Did we mention your favourite?
Let us know in the comments below.
1. West Sands, St Andrews, Fife
Who hasn’t stepped on to West Sands in St Andrews and instinctively broken into slow-motion, channelling Chariots of Fire to the strains of Vangelis’ iconic score?
You can walk for miles along the Fife beach and, if you’re lucky, not pass another soul.
The beach stretches for two miles, flanked by towering sand dunes and the famous golf courses of St Andrews.
Remarkably, it’s all just a short stroll from the heart of town.
Facilities at the Fife beach are excellent, with ample parking, public toilets, and good bus access. And for those looking to linger, there are now even more reasons to stay.
The Dook Café has become a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply a well-made coffee.
People surf. They kayak. They simply wander.
Whether you’re reliving cinematic moments, chasing waves with your dog, or simply enjoying the stillness, West Sands is an amazing Fife beach.
You can find the beach at St Andrews, KY16 9JE
2. Kinshaldy Beach (Tentsmuir), Fife
This Fife beach is a spectacular mix of land, sea, and forest right on the doorstep of many people in Fife.
You park up at Tentsmuir after paying the £2 entry fee at the barrier near Kinshaldy Riding Stables.
It’s a short, scenic walk through the dunes to reach Kinshaldy Beach.
To reach the beach, you climb over the grassy dunes that edge three miles of pristine sand.
If you look to the south of the Fife beach, across the vast sand flats beyond the River Eden, the spires of St Andrews rise in the distance. To the north lies the growing headland of Tentsmuir Point.
While the water might look inviting, signs from Forestry and Land Scotland offer a clear warning: “It might look tempting, but swimming here is dangerous due to fast-moving tides and shifting sands.”
Another reminder cautions: “If you are walking on the sands, watch the sea and don’t let the rising tide cut you off.”
Still, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this remarkable place. You can walk along the edge of the forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter pine-scented woodland and remnants of Second World War defences built by the Polish Army in the early 1940s.
The main car park offers generous space, toilet and picnic facilities, and a well-equipped playpark.
The forest is accessible from the same location, and during peak times, Salt and Pine operates near the play area for refreshments.
You can find the beach at: Leuchars, KY16 0DR
3. Broughty Ferry, Dundee
This Dundee beach is tucked just east of the historic Broughty Ferry Castle. Broughty Ferry beach is flanked by grassy dunes and offers panoramic views across the silvery Tay Estuary towards Fife.
With relatively flat and calm water, it’s ideal for a quick dip. Just be mindful not to swim near the castle, where strong currents are known to be dangerous.
For a chance at seeing dolphins, you can even book a trip with boat tour operator Saltdog Marine, which goes from Broughty Ferry to Tayport or Perth.
Prefer to stay on dry land? The scenic coastal path, which runs between the Dundee suburb and Monifieth, makes it perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
The uncrowded and spacious nature of the exceptionally clean beach means you won’t struggle to find a quiet spot for a picnic. Families will also appreciate the nearby children’s play park.
The Dundee beach is reachable by train and bus, and for those driving, there is a well-maintained car park and public toilets next to the beach. Free parking is also available along the Esplanade.
You can find the beach at: The Esplanade, Dundee, DD5 2EL
4. Lunan Bay, Angus
Lunan Bay is one of, if not the, most stunning of the beaches in Angus.
A hidden gem at the end of a winding, one-track road through Angus countryside, it’s the beach of storybook summers.
For sunbathers and swimmers, this Angus beach is lovely – stretch out on the soft sand or wade into the gradually deepening waves. (Mind the risk of rip currents near the estuary – there’s no lifeguard here.)
The grassy paths atop the dunes are filled with wooded nooks and crannies, and the estuary Lunan Water flows past a lush oasis of greenery before meeting the sea.
Plus, the impressive ruins of medieval Red Castle are just a 20-minute walk from the main car park, which is spacious and well fitted out with a decked walkway across the dunes to the beach itself.
The whole place is bursting with perfect picnic spots, but if you forget your packed lunch, don’t fret – there’s a cute wee café just off the car park offering light bites and bakes.
All in all, it has the makings of a perfect day out.
But be mindful that there are no public toilets at this Angus beach.
You can find the beach at: Arbroath DD10 9TG.
5. Monifieth Beach, Angus
Monifieth Beach, on the Firth of Tay, features a wide stretch of sand and views over to Fife.
A scatter of rocks are exposed at low tide, providing the opportunity for rockpool exploring, and a number of water birds and wildfowl can also be spotted on this Angus beach.
Car parking is available at the beach’s entrance, next to a children’s playpark and toilet facilities. Accessible by bus.
6. Kingsbarns Beach, Fife
Just eight miles down the coast from St Andrews lies Kingsbarns Beach, with the Fife Coastal Path passing alongside.
The stunning two miles of sand at Kingsbarns, also known as Cambo Sands, is a favourite spot for walkers, swimmers and, when the waves are right, experienced surfers.
The car park at the Fife beach is located down a winding, one-track road. Free parking is available for stays up to two hours and there are overnight bays available for camper vans.
But be warned, when the sun is out the car park gets extremely busy.
Kingsbarns is great for swimming and the Scottish Wild Sauna’s first beach sauna, tucked into the dunes, is a major draw for visitors from near and far.
There are good toilet facilities, with one unisex toilet open 24hrs.
You can find the beach at: St Andrews, KY16 8QD
7. Montrose Beach, Angus
Montrose Beach is a vast, wild stretch of coastline which will make you feel like you’re on a rugged island rather than a family-friendly beach the outskirts of Angus.
Made up of three miles of sand backed by a high dune ridge, this Angus beach is as breathtaking on a dreich winter’s day as in the height of summer.
The main entrance to the beach is located at the short promenade; beware of climbing across the dunes, as they are unstable at several spots.
At high tide, you might struggle to get on to the sand without getting your feet wet, so it’s best to check the tide times before you go for a walk.
But if you arrive and need to wait a while before building sandcastles, the stunning views of Scurdiness Lighthouse and fun-filled Seafront Splash play area are sure to keep both adults and kids happy.
Public toilets, open at peak times, are housed in the Pavilion, and there’s a pleasant circular beach and promenade walk starting and ending at the generous car park.
This Angus beach is just a short walk from the town centre, which is easily accessible by train or bus.
You can find the beach at: Montrose, DD10 8EL
8. Burntisland Beach, Fife
Burntisland beach has the best of both worlds.
Golden sands ideal for relaxing on a sunny day and all the fun of the fair.
Such is the popularity of this Fife beach, it can get really busy here when the sun is shining.
Just a few seconds’ walk through one of a series of pedestrian tunnels under the railway and you’re at Burntisland Fairground.
Rides and stalls start arriving on Burntisland Links each May and remain throughout the school summer holidays.
The links also has not one but two good playparks, one at either end.
And if paddling in the Forth or riding the dodgems works up an appetite or a drouth, you don’t have to stray far from the beach to satisfy either.
Burntisland Beach is patrolled daily by RNLI lifeguards during the summer months (June 21 to August 24).
It might also be a relief to know there are public toilets at either end of the Links.
You can find the beach at: Burntisland, KY3 9JX
9. Elie Earlsferry, Fife
The miles of sands along the shoreline of Elie and Earlsferry have been a sought after holiday destination for holidaymakers for generations.
Cute beach huts, brilliant watersports facilities and clear seas combine with the sandy beaches and coves to offer a great spot for beach adventures.
Elie is home to the famous beach cricket matches played on the sand below the Ship Inn at low tide.
Visitors to the area can relax in one of two beach saunas or enjoy a bite in new beach cafe Salty Dog Beach Cafe by Elie Harbour.
There are lots of stretches of sand to choose from with lifeguards on duty at Elie Harbour Beach during the summer.
The harbour and Earlsferry beaches are connected at low tide and the sheltered cove at Ruby Bay is a lovely spot.
Pay and display parking is available in the harbour car park, with overnight spaces for camper vans at Ruby Bay. There are public toilets at both locations.
All of the parking options at Elie get extremely busy during holidays and sunny spells.
You can find the beach at: Elie, KY9 1DT
10. Carnoustie Beach, Angus
They say that good things come in small packages – and Carnoustie beach is the perfect example.
The pretty little sandy bay, which is accessed via steps and a slipway for the local boat club, is just a few minutes’ walking distance from the town centre.
The rocky beach is perfect for rockpool exploring and crab hunting, if you have kids in tow. There’s also a play area with a paddling pool right behind the beach where you can tire them out!
Meanwhile, the nearby Leisure Centre offers superb sports facilities alongside outdoor tennis courts. This is also where you will find the nearest public toilets and free car parking.
There is not a car park directly at the beach.
You can find the beach at: Carnoustie, DD7 6BG
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