The best beaches in Scotland are truly unmissable, with dramatic shorelines, sandy beaches and watersports hotspots that make for an ideal day out at the seaside. Thankfully, getting to Scottish beaches doesn’t have to be a chore either: travelling by train is a convenient and stress-free way to start your beach adventure.
Perfect for families, with kids' prices reducing the cost of your day out, and anyone looking for a more eco-friendly way to travel, going by train is the smart choice. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly day trip to the best beaches in Scotland, the train is also a great choice.
This article offers advice on getting to the best beaches in Scotland by train, alongside information on what to do once you are there, the best scenic spots to enjoy, and travel tips for making the most of your trip.
1. Barassie Beach, Troon
Features: Sandy Beach, Scenic Beach, Dog-Friendly Beach
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North of Troon Harbour lies a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, ideal for relaxing or exploring. As well as having spectacular views of the Isle of Arran, Barassie Beach is very well equipped for welcoming the whole family (including dogs!). To get to Barassie Beach by train is simple, as there are two railway stations (Barassie and Troon) both within a short walk from the beach, making it one of the best beaches in Scotland to visit by train.
Trains to Barassie Beach
Nearest train station: Barassie
- Kilmarnock > Troon (12 mins, ScotRail, direct)
- Glasgow Central > Barassie (36 mins, ScotRail, direct)
- Edinburgh (Waverley) > Barassie (2 hours 8 mins, ScotRail, 1 change)
What to do at Barassie Beach
Try some watersports
Barassie Beach is popular with water sports fans – on an average day you’ll see kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing. Beginners have amazing conditions to learn, while seasoned pros can catch a great break.
Familiy fun
Barassie Beach is a particularly welcoming beach for families, with a wide grassy area that is perfect for the little ones to run around and have fun. Add to that a nearby childrens’ play park, as well as all the usual beach activities, and you’ll have a hard time getting the kids to leave!
2. Aberdeen Beach
Features: Sandy Beach, Facilities, Pubs and Restaurants
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Are you looking for the best golden sandy beaches in Scotland? Located only a short distance from Aberdeen city centre, Aberdeen Beach has a lot to offer and is easily accessible by train. Popular with families, the beachfront boasts an impressive range of recreational and sports facilities, from the Beach Leisure Centre and family fun fair to a cinema, retail park and fitness gym. A scenic walk from the train station gets you to the beach in under 20 minutes.
Trains to Aberdeen Beach
Nearest train station: Aberdeen
- Dundee > Aberdeen (1 hour 15 mins, ScotRail, direct)
- Glasgow Queen Street > Aberdeen (2 hours 28 mins, ScotRail, direct)
What to do at Aberdeen Beach
Hang about on the promenade
As well as the glorious sand, Aberdeen has a splendid promenade perfect for enjoying the beachfront. Watch the world go by – and keep an eye on the water, as some lucky visitors have spotted dolphins swimming nearby.
Amuse yourself with family activities
Aberdeen Beach has a large amusement park that the kids won’t be able to get enough of! If you have a head for heights, there are plenty of fun-fair rides to enjoy, while extensive arcades and a bowling alley can provide hours of fun. On rainy days, the cinema is a great place to shelter from the weather and watch a film.
3. Aberdour Silver Sands
Features: Peaceful Beach, Walking Routes, Golf
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A well-known resort on the Fife coast, Aberdour Silver Sands combines the facilities of a popular seaside attraction with the tranquility of nature. Take life at a slower pace in a beachfront cafe, or get active along the spectacular Fife Coastal Path. Dogs are restricted on the beach, depending on the season, but a separate dog exercise area gives canines space to play. The beach toilets even scooped Gold in the national Loo of the Year Awards!
Trains to Aberdour Silver Sands
Nearest train station: Aberdour
- Edinburgh Gateway > Aberdour (19 minutes, ScotRail, direct)
- Glasgow Queen Street > Aberdour (1 hours 20 mins, ScotRail, 1 change)
What to do at Aberdour Silver Sands
Walk the Fife Coastal Path
Surrounded by trees, Aberdour Silver Sands is a beautiful location for a coastal walk. The Fife Coastal Path passes right along the beach, and carries on for more than 100 miles of spectacular trails.
Activities for all
For a family day at Aberdour Silver Sands, everyone will be well looked after. The kids’ putting green and bouncy castle are well regarded for the youngsters, while Aberdour Golf Club is right next to the beach for grown-up golfers.
4. Nairn Beach
Features: Sand Dunes, Scenic Beach, Wildlife
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In the Scottish Highlands, Nairn Beach is not the most accessible beach in Scotland for day trips by train. But it is well worth its inclusion on this list for its natural beauty and unique scenery. Backed by low sand dunes, this sandy beach is a natural haven, and the coastline is home to a resident school of dolphins.
Trains to Nairn Beach
Nearest train station: Nairn
- Aberdeen > Nairn (1 hour 52 mins, ScotRail, direct)
- Dundee > Nairn (3 hours 8 mins, ScotRail, 1 change)
What to do at Nairn Beach
Spectacular sights
Nairn Beach offers some of the best coastal views in the Highlands. Enjoy magnificent sunsets all year round from the beach; in Winter, it is also possible to glimpse the Northern Lights. At the Eastern edge, you’ll get views over the Moray Firth from the Harbour. And don’t forget to look out for dolphins!
Walk for miles
Nairn Beach is perfectly situated for a variety of coastal walks in both directions. Head to the nature reserve at Kingsteps to the east, or towards the Leisure Centre and Golf Club to the West. You might need to stay over in one of these beachfront hotels to make the most of it all!
5. North Berwick West Beach
Features: Sandy Beach, Wildlife Haven
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In the picturesque seaside town of North Berwick, West Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach with an abundance of activities for every type of visitor. From seabirds to puffins, you can see a fascinating range of wildlife on boat trips around Craigleith and Bass Rock. Stroll along the beautiful waterfront, enjoy an ice cream, or get comfy in a chic coffee shop or tearoom. A short walk from North Berwick Station, West Beach is an ideal family beach in Scotland to visit by train.
Trains to North Berwick West Beach
Nearest train station: North Berwick
- Edinburgh (Waverley) > North Berwick (34 minutes, ScotRail, direct)
- Newcastle > North Berwick (2 hours 28 mins, LNER + ScotRail, 1 change)
What to do at North Berwick West Beach
Enjoy a traditional day at the seaside
Sunbathing, building sandcastles, putting green, paddling in the sea… North Berwick West Beach has everything you need for a classic day at the beach!
See the seabirds
At North Berwick West Beach, you’ll have great views of local wildlife. Make time for a trip to the Scottish Seabird Centre to learn more and take a peek at the natural habitats of the local wildlife through interactive live cameras.
Tips for train travel to beaches
Whether you’re planning a day trip to one of Scotland’s best beaches for families, or a weekend getaway at one of the best dog-friendly UK beaches, Scotland has everything you need for the perfect seaside retreat.
Better yet, to enjoy the seaside in a stress-free way, travelling by train is a convenient solution. With many direct trains from large cities getting you to popular seaside resorts in under an hour, you can be on the beach in no time! Remember to book advance tickets with TrainPal to save money on your journey.
For train travel to the best beaches in Scotland, TrainPal has the cheapest tickets with our Split Tickets feature that helps you travel for less. All you’ll need to do is check travel requirements before your journey (for example, most train operators do not allow surfboards onboard), then sit back and enjoy your day!
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