Tyninghame Beach East Lothian
A stunning, often quiet beach in East Lothian, offering woodland walks, vast dunes, and spectacular coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Tyninghame Beach East Lothian
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, often quiet beach in East Lothian, offering woodland walks, vast dunes, and spectacular coastal views.
"Fantastic beach, gorgeous when the sun's out, with a lovely woodland walk to the shore."
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. Pay and display fees apply.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Woodland Walk
The walk from the car park through the forest to the beach is a highlight itself.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woodland to Beach Trail
Tyninghame Beach Forest Carpark
A scenic 10-15 minute walk through Scots pine forest opens up to vast sand dunes and the stunning beach.
Gannet Feeding Frenzy
Near Bass Rock
Witness impressive displays of gannets feeding at sea, a spectacular sight for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Vast Sand Dunes
Tyninghame Beach
Explore expansive sand dunes that lead to the shoreline, offering a sense of wild beauty and adventure.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Best for Nature Lovers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. Pay and display fees apply.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Woodland Walk
The walk from the car park through the forest to the beach is a highlight itself.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
A fantastic spot for dog walks, with plenty of space for them to run and play.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Capture stunning coastal landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic skies. Drone photography is also popular. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. Pay and display fees apply.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Woodland Walk
The walk from the car park through the forest to the beach is a highlight itself.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
A fantastic spot for dog walks, with plenty of space for them to run and play.
📸 Perfect for Photography
Capture stunning coastal landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic skies. Drone photography is also popular.
🔥 Beach Fires Allowed
Responsible beach fires are permitted, with dead wood available for sourcing.
🌊 Shallow Waters for Kids
The clean, shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable beach for families with young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tyninghame Beach's beauty, describing it as a fantastic and gorgeous spot, especially when the sun is out. The clean, shallow waters and the pleasant woodland walk to the beach are frequently praised, making it ideal for families and a relaxing day out. While parking can be tight, the overall experience is highly positive, with many planning return visits.
"Great beach just north of Dunbar with good views up and down the coast. Car park is pay and display and can get busy at times. Nice woodland and dune walks to get to the beach. Plenty of space on the beach, so lots of room to walk and play. Well worth a visit."
David Cameron
"Stunning beach, a lot of campers. Have to pay for parking. And is a bit of a walk to the beach but worth it"
lauren mcgurk
"fantastic beach, many different routes so it’s possible to get lost and takes around 15 mins to walk to the beach (more if you go straight to the end like us😅). so gorgeous when the sun’s out. parking is tight, not much spaces"
lena b
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tyninghame Beach is approximately a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Glasgow and a similar distance from Edinburgh. You can drive directly to the Tyninghame Beach Forest Carpark, which is a pay and display facility.
While direct public transport to the beach is limited, you can take a bus or train to nearby Dunbar and then arrange local transport or a taxi. Many visitors opt to drive due to the convenience.
There is a dedicated car park at Tyninghame Beach Forest, which operates on a pay and display system (£2-£2.50 per day). Parking can be limited, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
The walk from the car park to Tyninghame Beach is generally around 10-15 minutes through a lovely woodland path. Some visitors mention it can take longer if they explore further.
Yes, cycling is a popular option. Tyninghame Beach and woods offer a stunning cycle route, with options available from nearby locations like Archerfield Walled Garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entrance fee for Tyninghame Beach itself. However, parking at the designated car park requires a fee, typically around £2-£2.50 per day.
Tyninghame Beach is a natural coastal area and is accessible at all times. The car park may have specific operating hours, but generally, it's open from dawn till dusk.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Tyninghame Beach. It's a public access area. Parking fees are paid on-site.
Basic facilities like parking are available. There are no extensive facilities such as cafes or restrooms directly on the beach, so it's advisable to come prepared.
Yes, wild camping is possible at Tyninghame Beach, and fires are permitted. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beach walks, explore sand dunes, birdwatch (especially gannets), photography, cycling, and even wild camping. It's a great spot for a relaxing day out.
Absolutely! The beach has clean, shallow waters making it safe for kids. The woodland walk is also enjoyable for little ones.
Keep an eye out for various bird species, including gannets feeding offshore. You might also spot caterpillars on the path leading to the beach.
Yes, you can walk to adjacent beaches like Seacliff Beach. However, some routes can be rocky and longer than expected.
Tyninghame Beach is often described as quiet and not very busy, especially on weekdays. It's considered a hidden gem by many.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Tyninghame Beach. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic or visit nearby towns like Dunbar for options.
The beach itself offers ample space for picnics with stunning views. The woodland area near the car park can also be a pleasant spot for a picnic.
Yes, BBQs are permitted on Tyninghame Beach. Visitors are advised to use them responsibly and ensure fires are properly extinguished.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. The dramatic skies and coastal scenery are also great subjects.
Popular subjects include the vast sand dunes, the coastline, Bass Rock in the distance, wildlife like gannets, and the woodland path leading to the beach. Drone photography is also a hit.
While drone photography is popular, always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Respect privacy and safety guidelines.
The combination of expansive beaches, dramatic dunes, coastal views, and the nearby Bass Rock provides diverse and captivating landscape photography opportunities.
Yes, Tyninghame Beach is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography, particularly for observing the gannet feeding frenzy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of building sandcastles, exploring the dunes, and spotting local wildlife. Remember to bring buckets and spades for maximum fun!🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Enjoy the fresh sea air, the sounds of nature, and the ever-changing coastal scenery. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing or invigorating walk.📸 Photographers
+1 The golden hours offer particularly stunning light. Consider bringing a drone for unique aerial perspectives of this picturesque location. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Path
The diverse terrain, from sandy shores to rocky outcrops, makes for an engaging coastal exploration.Many visitors enjoy walking along the shoreline, taking in the expansive views of the North Sea and Bass Rock. The beach itself is wide and stretches for a considerable distance, providing ample space for leisurely strolls. The combination of the woodland approach and the open beach creates a unique and memorable walking experience.
+1For those seeking a more active adventure, cycling routes are also available, offering a different perspective of the coastal scenery. The freedom to explore at your own pace, whether on foot or by bike, is a significant draw for visitors to Tyninghame Beach.
Wildlife and Nature
The proximity to Bass Rock, a significant seabird colony, enhances the birdwatching opportunities in the area.The journey to the beach also provides its own natural wonders. The woodland path is home to various insects, with some visitors spotting Small Eggar Moth caterpillars.
This adds an element of discovery for those who appreciate the smaller details of the natural world. The diverse flora and fauna contribute to the overall appeal of Tyninghame Beach as a destination for nature enthusiasts.The beach itself is known for its clean waters and well-maintained environment, making it a pleasant place to connect with nature. The shallow waters extending far out are also a testament to the natural beauty and safety of the area for families.
Photography Opportunities
+1 The interplay of light and shadow on the dunes and the sea can result in breathtaking shots.Beyond the landscapes, the beach offers unique photographic subjects. The gannet feeding frenzy is a dynamic and exciting scene to capture, showcasing the power and grace of these seabirds.
For those interested in macro photography, the woodland path leading to the beach can reveal interesting insects and plant life. Drone photography is also popular here, offering bird's-eye views of the coastline and dunes, highlighting the scale and beauty of the area. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur with a smartphone, Tyninghame Beach provides ample opportunities to capture memorable images. The natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse scenery ensure that every visit can yield stunning photographic results.
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