Beautiful seaside spots to visit in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Nothing screams summer quite like a trip to the beach and thanks to this beautiful weather there is no excuse not to throw on your shorts, grab your boogie board and towel and slap on some sun cream for a day at the seaside. Here are just nine beautiful beaches that you’ve got to visit in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire:

1. Aberdeen Beach

In the heart of the ‘Granite City’, you might be surprised to find golden sand as far as the eye can see at Aberdeen Beach (in fact, the beach is one mile long!). The art-deco inspired esplanade runs from Footdee (pronounced locally as Fittie), an idyllic fishing village with buckets of charm to Donmouth Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes on the sea as you might even spot dolphins.

Image credit: @pkveiberg / Instagram

Freezing 15s exposure at the beach ️ spot the Phi nakedplanet travelphotography ecle

2. Balmedie Country Park

14 miles of golden sand, towering dunes and picturesque burns cascading to join the North Sea. When it comes to epic sunrises Balmedie Beach is hard to beat and don’t miss a chance to go dune surfing here - it is unparalleled.

3. Collieston Beach

Sheltered from the wind, Collieston Beach is nestled in a natural harbour in an inlet in the coastline. An inlet in the Aberdeenshire coastline forms a natural harbour, crucial for the development to become a fishing village. The location and breakwaters help shelter the beach from the wilder weather. Cool off with an ice cream at Smugglers Cone as you paddle your feet in the water.

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Collieston is a former fishing village on the Aberdeenshire Coast what is not to love Than

4. Hackley Bay
Tucked between Collieston and Newburgh on the Aberdeenshire coast, Hackley Bay is a hidden gem well worth the trip. This secluded cove offers dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and a sense of peaceful isolation that’s perfect for a quiet escape. The bay is ideal for a bracing walk, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the wild coastal scenery. Bring a flask of something warm — there are no cafés here, just the sound of the waves and the wind.

Image credit: @ehepworthphotography / Instagram

Hackley Bayswipe A wee hidden gem on the North East coast is this beautiful beach I took this as

5. Cruden Bay Beach

A sweeping expanse of pink sands, Cruden Bay Beach is perfect for taking a wee dip and cooling off. As a matter of fact the entire bay is a designated bathing water area with an electric sign displaying real time bathing water predictions during the summer months.

Image credit: @aberdeenshirewalks / Instagram

The most lovely but windy walk along Cruden Bay beach yesterday with friends This is great b

6. Forvie Sands and Newburgh Beach

As well as being a stop for thousands of migratory birds, Forvie Sands National Nature Reserve is home to a colony of close to 2,000 seals. In an attempt to avoid startling the seals and causing disruption it is recommended that visitors view the mammals from the South side of the estuary at Newburgh Beach.

26 06 2024 6 35 AM Newburgh Seal Beach I love getting up at dawn and setting off on my journeys

7. New Aberdour Beach

New Aberdour Beach is a quiet spot, perfect for contemplating life. The beach was used as a filming location for the 2016 remake of Whisky Galore! This is where the islanders hid the whisky in a cave to shield it from Waggett.

Image credit: @jheasman_photography / Instagram

8. Rattray Head Beach

Scale sand dunes up to 100ft high at Rattray Head Beach. The most famous aspect of Rattray Head Beach is the lighthouse just offshore. The beach can be reached via the nearby car park or for those wishing to extend their beach day a picturesque walk from St Combs is a refreshing walk. It’s a 6 mile walk each way.

Image credit: Ian Grebby

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