About This Place

Only half an hour from Edinburgh is Aberlady Bay renown for its nature reserve and vast expanse of dune-backed sand. --> The nature reserve is said to be the oldest in the UK, dating back to 1952, Covering nearly 600 hectares of sand, mudflats and salt marsh this is a haven for flora and fauna. On low tides the remains of two midget submarines are revealed lying in the sand. One is slightly better preserved than the other. These midget submarines are XT-Craft, which were the training versions of the X-Craft used in the attack on the Tirpitz battleship in 1942 If you do walk out to see the wrecks it is essential to know what the tides are doing. Aberlady Bay has a reputation for fast moving incoming tides and it is not impossible to get cut off.

💡 Our Take

Aberlady Bay in East Lothian is a fantastic, uncrowded sandy beach that welcomes dogs all year round! The soft sand is perfect for digging, and the shallow water is great for paddling, though be mindful of the tide. With no restrictions, dogs can truly run free. Parking is available nearby, but amenities are limited so bring water. This is a brilliant choice for dogs of all sizes, particularly those who need space, but owners should keep a close eye as it is a very expansive beach. Aberlady Bay is ideal for adventurous dogs who love a good run in the sand.