The best seaside towns in Scotland

Dreaming of a slower pace of life in a quaint seaside town, or always wanted to live by the beach? Buying a home by the sea in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, the Scottish Borders or Dumfries & Galloway offers an unparalleled lifestyle.

If you’re hoping to swap city living for a life on the coast, here are our favourite seaside destinations and Scottish coastal towns, where you might find your next dream home.

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St Andrews

The delightful St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most famous seaside locations, perched on the picturesque East Neuk of Fife. St Andrews is home to the iconic West Sands Beach, as well as a number of world-renowned golf courses, hotels and the University. St Andrews offers a sparkling selection of properties, along with excellent schooling and a thriving town centre.

Seeking somewhere a little lower-profile? The nearby fishing villages of Crail and Anstruther are equally attractive and offer plenty of charm.

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Portobello

Edinburgh’s seaside town of Portobello is a fantastic option for those who want to stay close to the Capital. Portobello boasts a fabulous sandy beach, as well as a plethora of local bars, restaurants, cafes and shops, green spaces, excellent transport links and a friendly community spirit.

Portobello is a popular option for buyers of all ages and stages, but you could also try nearby Joppa or creep across the East Lothian border into Musselburgh for a similar vibe.

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North Berwick

Often regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in Scotland, North Berwick is positioned on the shores of the Firth of Forth. With beautiful beaches, a bustling high street filled with fantastic local businesses, great schools, luxurious hotels and renowned golf courses, plus an easy commute into Edinburgh, North Berwick is an ideal place to put down roots. North Berwick has also recently been voted as the best place to live in the UK by The Times. 

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Eyemouth

A small town in the Scottish Borders, Eyemouth is picture-perfect and popular with holidaymakers, as its charming beach offers gorgeous scenery. More affordable than many of the options on this list, Eyemouth is a popular choice for those seeking a holiday home, as well as those planning to relocate permanently to the coast.

Just ten minutes north of the town, Coldingham Bay is another sheltered sandy beach that’s popular with surfers and swimmers, and the lovely St Abb’s Head nature reserve is also located nearby.

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South Queensferry

Located on the north-western edge of Edinburgh, South Queensferry is well-known for its beautiful views across the Forth and the iconic three bridges. However, South Queensferry also has plenty else to offer, with a great range of property to suit buyers at all stages of life, and excellent access into Edinburgh city centre, offering the ideal balance of tranquil, waterside living with the city close at hand.

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Annan

On the northern shores of the Solway Firth, Annan is just eight miles from the English border in Dumfries and Galloway. Annan is a pretty coastal town enjoys easy access to two stunning beaches within a five minute drive, with Annan Beach and Powfoot Beach on the doorstep. Direct rail links to Glasgow and Carlisle make Annan a great option for partial commuters too.

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Dalgety Bay

With a fantastic location just south of Dunfermline and within easy reach of Edinburgh, Dalgety Bay is a popular option for those looking to live near the seaside in West Fife, offering a more affordable way to enjoy Fife’s stunning coastline. The Fife Coastal Path also runs through Dalgety Bay, making it perfect for those who enjoy long walks on the beach.

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Dunbar

Another fabulous option for East Lothian dwellers, Dunbar is popular with those seeking a calm coastal lifestyle. The sandy beaches at Dunbar are dotted with surfers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, so there’s plenty to do if you enjoy an active lifestyle. Plus, a regular train service runs into Edinburgh so commuting from Dunbar is a breeze.

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