Popular seaside spot named Scotland's best family-friendly beach for sunny day out

Daily Record

5 hours ago

If you're looking to get out in this weekend's warm weather this may be the place for you
Scotland is set for a scorcher in the coming days, with heatwave conditions forecast for the weekend. Families will be gearing up for the last full weekend before the school summer holidays begin.
With the sun shining and holiday mode kicking in early, many will be heading to the coast to make the most of the weather. Scotland's vast 12,000-kilometre coastline offers everything from hidden Highland coves to wide, bustling sands.
But families with younger children often prefer somewhere easier to access and packed with handy amenities. And now, new research has revealed the best beach in Scotland for a family day out.
Aberdour Silver Sands, on the scenic Fife coast, has been named Scotland's most family friendly beach in a new study by outdoor retailer Millets.
Using a range of criteria including sea temperature, facilities and safety, the beach scored an impressive 9.22 out of 10, well ahead of St Andrews West Sands in second place.
Aberdour came out on top in several key areas. It boasts the warmest average maximum sea temperature among the top five at 12.2°C, offers water sports activities and RNLI lifeguard cover, and is one of 52 beaches in Scotland to receive a Keep Scotland Beautiful Award.
Water quality at Silver Sands is rated 'excellent', and while parking is not free, it costs just £1 for up to eight hours.
Scenic and compact, Aberdour is home to not one but two beaches. Silver Sands lies to the east of town, while Black Sands sits closer to the centre beside a picturesque harbour.
The town also features a historic castle, a popular golf course, and a selection of traditional pubs and local shops.
Getting there is easy, too. The beach is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train, 45 minutes by car, and just over an hour's drive from Glasgow.
On clear days, visitors can even enjoy views across the Firth of Forth to the capital.
The Millets top five also included Troon Beach in South Ayrshire, Anstruther in Fife, and Montrose in Angus.
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Natalie Wolfenden, outdoor expert at Millets, encouraged families to embrace beach days but warned preparation is key. 'Scotland is brimming with gorgeous beaches, from Troon Beach to Gullane Beach,' she said.
'While a family beach trip is a great way to get children off screens and can provide the whole family with something they enjoy, preparation is key.
'Make sure you pack all the essentials tailored to your family's needs. If you have younger children or those less confident in the water, packing some armbands can provide some sense of mind, but always keep a close eye when they are near or in the water.
'Suncream is essential for all the family, while caps and sunglasses offer an extra layer of protection from the sun's rays. Consider taking a windbreak or beach shelter as a protective barrier against wind for a more comfortable beach experience.'