Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Abbie Meehan

Seven Edinburgh beaches and beer gardens sun-lovers need to visit this summer

With summer just around the corner, many people will be heading to beaches across Scotland to enjoy the nice weather that rarely graces our nation.

There are plenty of sandy and pebbly beaches near Edinburgh to choose from, with a seemingly endless choice of places to soak up the sun.

And another thing the people of Edinburgh love to do when it's nice out is grab a drink - alcoholic or not - with a friend.

READ MORE - Edinburgh couple want to transform derelict old bank back to its former glory

Edinburgh also has an expansive list of pubs, bars and restaurants with beer gardens to enjoy a pint in the sun.

Here are seven of the top-ranked beaches and beer gardens in and around Edinburgh that locals can choose from when they head out into the warm weather this month and onwards.

Portobello Beach

A popular choice, Portobello Beach has plenty of sun, sea and sand to choose from. Just a few miles from the city centre of Edinburgh, the beach is a charming seaside suburb, with two miles of sand making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

The Seaside Award-winning beach draws large crowds in good weather and also includes a promenade full of cafes, restaurants and leisure attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Portobello’s elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture is protected within the conservation area and there are a number of attractive parks to enjoy.

Rose Street Garden

Located on George Street, this popular bar and restaurant has had quite a few customers in summers past - including local celebrity Martin Compston.

In fact, he has had his own cocktail made with his cheeky grin printed on top of it - called the Compsto-politan. The laid-back restaurant serves a variety of cocktails all with their own unique twist.

Food is highly rated and they have a charming courtyard to dine in the sun, or rain if the weather turns - with umbrellas and heaters available.

A perfect place to sip a cocktail in the sun! (Rose Street Gardens)

Cramond Beach

A short ride on the number 41 will take you to the shores of Cramond Beach, where the island is in view of the dramatic tide.

On low-tide days, people can make the kilometre walk to the Cramond Island, but it is recommended to check the tide levels first, or risk being stranded.

There isn't as much to do here as Portobello, but a quiet drink at The Cramond Inn could be all you need to finish off the day.

The Last Drop

Located in the popular of Grassmarket in Edinburgh, this pub boasts one of the most well-known beer gardens the capital has to offer.

The old-school public house is known for its warm welcome and cracking selection of real ales.

When summer rolls around, you'll find a cute outdoor terrace that's been designed with sunny pints and people-watching in mind. It is a perfect place to stop, and the Edinburgh Castle backdrop makes it perfect for any tourist.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

North Berwick Beach

Located in East Lothian, and half an hour by train from the capital, this beach has coastal scenery and vibes down to a T.

There is an abundance of shops, restaurants and galleries to explore, making it the perfect place to waste the day away from bustling city life.

Milsey Bay and West Beach are both situated here, offering sand, great paddling conditions, and stunning views of Bass Rock.

Cramond is a close by option for fun in the sun. (Daily Record)

Slug & Lettuce - George Street

Plenty of Slug & Lettuce locations get a good name, but this bar on George Street transforms in good weather - taking over part of George Street with a beautiful garden terrace.

With plenty of people watching to do, this stunning beer garden has it all - pints, cocktails, food and free entertainment!

Innis & Gunn Edinburgh

IPA lovers will be waiting for this inclusion into the list - Innis & Gunn is a great option in Edinburgh's West End.

This place offers over 26 different ales on tap, which can be sipped in the sun at one of the street side tables.

For the beer lover in your life, the Leith location is also an option if you are in that area of the city.

READ NEXT:

Scottish war hero who strapped himself to helicopter in daring mission goes missing

Inside the Edinburgh neighbourhood where locals feel 'forgotten about'

Edinburgh passengers trapped in Poland because they missed 5am text from easyJet

Giant 60ft Edinburgh pole plans that would ‘ruin’ iconic view of castle scrapped

Edinburgh getting new affordable housing village with houses, flats and tenements

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.