Stunning hidden beach is less than an hour from Edinburgh and home to dolphins

IT’S no secret our dogs are our best friends and as this month is National Pet Month and spring is finally arriving, there’s no better way to spend time together than on a day away to the seaside.

And luckily the beach voted the most dog-friendly in Scotland is closer than you think.

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Seacliff is a hidden gem, just outside the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick and only 40 minutes from Edinburgh and under two hours from Glasgow, so easily accessible.

It’s fab if you want to avoid the crowds which flock to more popular beaches like Portobello and Gullane, as it attracts more surfers, horse riders and picnickers than crowds of teenagers looking to party.

The beach is a sweeping arc of golden sand backed by dunes and grassy banks and scattered with rock pools for little ones to play in.

The waters are shallow and great for swimming.

It is home to what is thought to be the UK’s smallest harbour, only accessible from the beach and thought to be used by a local crab fisherman.

Wander down to the sands and take in the stunning views of Bass Rock, famous for its colonies of gannets and lighthouse, and the ruins of Tantallon Castle.

If you’re lucky you might even spot dolphins playing in the surf.

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There are no facilities here but there’s a lovely cliff-top cafe called Drift north of Tantallon castle or North Berwick itself has plenty of places to eat and drink.

Seacliff was the highest-rated dog-friendly beach by Bath retailer Showers to You after they analysed Google ratings and reviews for dozens across the country with no dog restrictions.

Visitors described it as ‘perfect’, ‘atmospheric’ ‘stunning’ and ‘absolutely brilliant’.

The privately owned beach, five miles from North Berwick, has a pay for car park and is reached down a narrow road from the A198 at Auldhame.

And here’s something you probably didn’t know – during the First World War the surviving outbuildings of Seacliff House were used as a top secret naval base called HMS Scottish Seacliff!

Durdle Door beach in Dorset was voted the UK’s number one dog-friendly beach, followed by the close-by Man O’War beach and Three Cliffs Bay in Wales in third.

Martin Smith, owner of Showers to You said: “The beach is synonymous with sunny UK weather, just like BBQs and Pub Gardens.

“Being able to bring your furry friend to the beach with you means they get some exercise, and the healing properties of the salt water can improve their coat, restoring it to its natural shine.”

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