Little seaside town that’s the best place to live in the country has hidden beach and UK’s smallest harbour
A SEASIDE town in Scotland with the country’s smallest harbour has been named the best place to live in the UK.
Located in East Lothian, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a quaint seaside town with 8,000 people.
Its residents have reason to celebrate because the quiet seaside town was named the best place to live in the UK in 2024 by The Sunday Times earlier this year.
The newspaper analysed factors like schools, transport, culture, green spaces and broadband speed to name the UK’s most livable places.
North Berwick took the first place thanks to its easy connection to Edinburgh, which is just 30 minutes away by train, its thriving high street of independent shops and its community spirit.
The seaside town is backed by a number of sandy beaches, including West Beach and West Bay Beach.
Beach-goers who want to opt for somewhere quieter, should head to Seacliff Beach to the east of North Berwick.
The Scottish Tourism Board describes it as a “hidden gem” and “largely unspoilt”.
Seacliff Beach is a private beach, which means beach-goers will need to pay to visit, with some holidaymakers citing a £5 parking charge in online reviews.
Despite having to pay to visit, the beach remains popular with surfers and dog walkers.
The tiny beach also has a tiny sandstone harbour that’s thought to be the smallest of its kind in the country.
For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s also the Scottish Seabird Centre – an award-winning tourist attraction where visitors can watch wildlife through cameras on local islands.
On the cameras, wildlife lovers can spot gannets and puffins on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, the biggest puffin colony on the east coast of Britain.
On-site, there’s also the Seabird Café, which has a large seaside sun deck and a gift shop.
Seasonal boat trips around three neighbouring islands also operate between April and September.
North Berwick is also home to fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, quirky tearooms, coffee shops and independent shops.
Other attractions include playgrounds, tennis courts and neighbouring golf courses.
Overnight stays in North Berwick don’t come cheap, with hotel rooms in the town from £150 per night.
There are plenty of other little-known seaside towns and villages to visit in Scotland, including Gearrannan, which consists of nine restored traditional thatched cottages that overlook Garenin Bay in the Scottish Outer Hebrides.
The small cluster of homes was originally built in the 1800s and is very typical of the “blackhouses” that could once be seen scattered throughout the landscape.
Today, the area acts as a living museum to the time, with visitors even able to stay in four of the remaining cottages.
What are the Sun team's favourite seaside towns?
THE Sun’s travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns
Folkestone, Kent
With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.
The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can’t be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.
You’ll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach – but after a few drinks at the much loved pilot bar, you’ll hardly care.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Mousehole, Cornwall
The small sandy bay has retained its chocolate-box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.
For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a ‘make it yourself’ hot chocolate.
There are some impressive coastal walks – but be warned it can be hilly.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire
Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.
Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
And earlier this year, Sun Travel revealed the best seaside destinations to visit in winter.
And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.