Scotland's 'best seaside town' crowned by National Geographic ahead of summer

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Scotland's "best seaside town" has been crowned ahead of summer .

The coastal spot was named one of the best in the UK by National Geographic. On April 25, National Geographic published an article detailing "seven of the best beach towns" in the UK. This list includes destinations across Scotland, England, and Wales.



The only Scottish town to be included on the roundup is North Berwick . The seaside East Lothian town is located around 20 miles from Edinburgh. National Geographic praised North Berwick's "long sandy beach ".

North Berwick West Beach features long stretches of sand, offering views out to the island of Craigleith and Bass Rock. The beach is also a popular spot amongst families, as well as dog walkers. You can often see visitors sunbathing, bird watching, and paddling in the water.

National Geographic also singled out the town's "nation-leading living standards". As previously reported by the Daily Record, North Berwick was named Scotland's "best place to live" by The Times. Additionally, the magazine praised the town for its food offerings.

North Berwick is home to a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, and takeaways. One eatery singled out by National Geographic was the Lobster Shack, situated along North Berwick's harbour. The takeaway serves up lobster and crab rolls, smoked haddock, salmon fishcakes, and more.

Meanwhile, in terms of places to stay, National Geographic praised Marine North Berwick. The "quintessential Scottish coastal hotel" is home to a range of suites and rooms with views out over the Firth of Forth, as well as a popular restaurant and bar. Another aspect of North Berwick that was applauded was its Fringe by the Sea festival, which takes place every year in August.

The 10-day programme features comedy, music, literature, and more. Finally, the magazine noted the Scottish Seabird Centre as one of the town's top tourist attractions. The award-winning centre features interactive live cameras that allow visitors to get up close with wildlife on the Firth of Forth islands.

National Geographic wrote: "Granted, there are coastal resorts that have suffered greater travails than this affluent East Lothian town. "But it still had to endure a choppy few decades at the close of the 20th century as its ‘Biarritz of the North’ epithet slipped, hotels closed and local tensions around the courting of tourists grew. "A healthy truce has since descended and visitors can enjoy a town that’s lauded for everything from its long sandy beach to its nation-leading living standards.

" 14 old Scottish phrases you don't hear much anymore and what they mean Elsewhere, other towns featured on National Geographic's roundup include Whitley Bay in North Tyneside and Barmouth in North Wales. The former was praised for offering "some of the North East’s best indie-store shopping", while Barmouth was applauded for its "sense of pride and community". The full list of the seven "best" beach towns in the UK can be found on the National Geographic website .

.