Newburgh Beach

Newburgh Beach, twenty minutes’ drive north of Aberdeen, is one of the best places in the United Kingdom for spotting marine wildlife. Along the sandy estuary of the River Ythan, there is a large colony of around 400 seals, which make the shoreline their home, and can safely be observed from the opposite bank. Children will love watching the seals, which can be both cute and comical, going about their daily business here.  

The area is also as good a place as you’re likely to find in the area for spotting whales and dolphins which are often seen close to the beach. The wide, sandy beach and surrounding sand dune system create an ideal habitat for bird life, including the largest population of Eider Ducks in Europe among hundreds of other species. 

Aside from walking, and wildlife watching, which are both popular here whatever the time of year; golf is also a popular pastime, with Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club located behind the beach. Facilities such as toilets, shops, places to eat, and places to stay can be found in the village of Newburgh, set back a few hundred meters from the beach. There are parking spots in the village.