Scottish Beach Named Best in UK: Golden Sands and Nearby Pub

Gullane Beach in East Lothian has been named one of the best beaches in the UK by online holiday rental company Holidu. The scenic bay, located about 20 miles from Edinburgh, boasts golden sand, stunning views over the Firth of Forth, and easy access to a pub with a beer garden and a renowned gelato shop.

Holidu's UK Beach Rankings

Holidu analysed thousands of Google Maps reviews to rank the best European beaches for 2026. Gullane Beach, also known as Gullane Bents, is the only Scottish beach in the UK top 10, with an average rating of 4.8 out of five based on 1,281 reviews. Previous visitors have described it as "lovely" and "breathtaking", with one calling it an "absolutely stunning beach" good for a stroll.

Beach Amenities and Activities

The beach features 650 car parking spaces at £3 per day, accessible toilets, showers, bike racks, a picnic area, a wheelchair viewing area, and a regular bus service. It is popular for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sunbathing, and family outings. The sand dunes support a variety of plant species and offer mesmerising views.

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Nearby Attractions

The town of Gullane is a short walk away, home to cafés, restaurants, and pubs including The Bonnie Badger, which has a sun terrace and lush garden. Imma's Gelato serves homemade gelato in flavours like Sicilian pistachio, white chocolate, banana, cookies and cream, and creamy toffee fudge.

Top UK and European Beaches

Barafundle Bay Beach in Pembrokeshire topped the UK list with a 4.9 rating from 1,749 reviews, described as a "hidden gem". The best beach in Europe is Spiaggia dei Conigli in Italy, with a 4.9 rating from 3,134 reviews, praised for its white sands and turquoise water. Holidu noted that British coastlines "punch well above their weight", with UK beaches featuring seven times in the top 25 and Wales claiming two spots in the top three.