Best Beaches To Visit In Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is known for its stunning, panoramic coastlines. The rugged cliffs and golden sands of Aberdeenshire provide the perfect day-trip destination all year round. Aberdeen’s beaches are scattered across the 165-mile coastline along the east coast and continue along the north Banffshire coast. There are popular spots like the Aberdeen Beach Boulevard with seaside cafes, restaurants and fairgrounds, as well as some untouched sands for a deserted seaside stroll or private picnic.

Aberdeen City Beach

Have a city visit and beach day in one when taking a trip to the popular Aberdeen Beach. If you are brave enough to dip your toes in the cold North Sea waters, you can have a refreshing paddle and walk along the shore. Aberdeen Beach is a great day out and has been recognised for its recreational facilities that attract many locals and tourists throughout the year. The sandy beach is accompanied by a cinema, retail park and fairground. You can also walk along the promenade to visit the cafes, shops and attractions; including the Beach Ballroom, famous for its bouncing dance floor and art-deco décor. Just a short distance from the city centre, this is the perfect balance between the busy city action and relaxing, great outdoors.

Banffshire Coast

Some like to compare the Banffshire Coast with the south coast of Cornwall, with similar fishing villages, picturesque beaches and great food. However, the Banffshire Coast is unique due to its rich local culture, unspoiled environment and overall authenticity. Escape to the coast and visit the remote beaches where you are accompanied by more seals and dolphins than people. The spectacular stretches of sand offer an opportunity to experience bliss and escape reality. The beaches of Cullen and Balmedie boast great breaks for surfers, plenty of rock pools for explorers and spectacular wildlife for all.

The Banffshire coast is home to the most northerly bottlenose dolphins in the world. You can spot these wonderful creatures from the cliffs and beaches and can even spot porpoises and whales too, if you are lucky. You can also witness these amazing animals from the waters on various sea tours that take you up close and personal with the sea life and birds that inhabit the coast. Whether you are escaping for a relaxing beach day or seeking an adventure on the water, the Banffshire Coast provides it all.

Newburgh Beach

Twenty minutes north of Aberdeen, you’ll find the golden Newburgh Beach - home of extensive sand dunes and an entire seal colony at the mouth of the Ythan River. The seals famously occupy the beach in their hundreds throughout the year. The beautiful beach and seal colony is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. It is also great entertainment for families to watch the seals from a distance. It is important to remember to respect the local wildlife in their natural habitat, so make sure to admire them from a distance! The extensive sand dunes provide the perfect habitat for wildlife and act as another impressive attraction for visitors. This is one of our favourite beaches near Aberdeen, and a well-loved destination by locals!

Staying in Aberdeenshire

With easy access to the city, the coastlines and the surrounding countryside, our Inverurie hotel, Thainstone House hotel attracts year-round explorers and adventure seekers. Aberdeenshire has miles of unspoilt coastline offering popular and deserted beaches, with either long stretches of golden sands, or impressive rocky or shingle shores. The coast is a haven for wildlife, water-sport enthusiasts, photographers, and visitors looking for the full Aberdeenshire experience. Our Thainstone House hotel lies close to Inverurie and is the perfect retreat after a busy day exploring the coast and visiting the wildlife, with an award-winning restaurant to indulge, calming Aberdeenshire spa and beautiful suites for a peaceful night's rest.