Kingsbarns Beach

  • Kingsbarns Beach - Fife
    © Richard Law and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Kingsbarns Beach - Fife
    © Eileen Henderson and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Kingsbarns Beach - Fife
    © Odd Wellies and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Kingsbarns Beach - Fife
    © Tinu77 and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Admirers of big skies and wide open spaces will enjoy Kingsbarns Beach, which can be found about 8 miles down the coast from St Andrews. The 2-mile stretch of golden sands with interesting rocky outcrops is the perfect destination for those seeking solitude and stunning scenery. 

    The beach is backed by low, grassy dunes and one of Scotland’s finest golf courses.  The dunes provide a habitat to a variety of insects and birds with the Fife Coastal Path passing alongside the beach.  

    As well as being popular with walkers, Kingsbarns is a great place  to come rockpooling.  Those prepared to wait patiently next to the many little pools exposed at low tide will be rewarded with the sight of crabs, anemones, starfish and plenty of small fish and shellfish. 

    Fossil hunters come here too. At low tide the fossilised remains of plants from the Carboniferous period, 335 million years ago can be found on the foreshore by those who know what to look for. 

    This beach has previously been awarded the Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award.  Come here at sunrise on a beautiful summer’s day and you’ll understand the magic of this beautiful spot.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    Dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs under control in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

    Fife dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Good fishing

    Facilities

    • Toilets
    • Disabled facilities
    • Town centre nearby
    • Shop

    Nearest town

    Crail

    Postcode

    KY16 8SX

    OS grid ref.

    NO 6041 1235

    Parking

    Parking at Kingsbarns is free for the first 2 hours (ticket must be displayed). £2 for all day parking and £10 for overnight parking in designated bays. (2023 prices)

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Beach Awards

    Submit a correction

    Kingsbarns Beach Reviews

    Best in the world?

    Andy T
    Aug 27th 2022

    In good weather this is one of the best beaches in the world. In bad weather, cover up, get out there on the sand and enjoy one of the best beaches in the world.

    Lovely,but..please do not add litter

    Nov 06th 2020

    This beach is gorgeous,with probably the cleanest water in Fife…However,the garbage left by the unthinking over this year in particular has often been hazardous.
    Bbq stuff,left hot and /or buried..dsnferoys to kids and dogs and marine life if swept to sea ...all kinds of plastics(we,know,too well this problem to destroy the planet ultimately) ‘’..until the toilets were reinstalled, all kinds of very indesirable leavings(ready to make dogs ill,yucky to find)’.ghost gear carelessly dropped all ready to go back out on the tide and kill fish for no reason…please,if you go to the beach,leave nothing!
    Several local people have done much cleaning up..but..why should they have to?!
    That aside..lovely toasties,with great folks in charge…beautiful rock formations..be careful swimming..the currents can be powerful…please consider taking some pladtics,ofc the beach to the bin…!

    Great beach even in gusty winds

    Jimbo
    Sep 27th 2020

    Smashing dog and family friendly beach with different wee beaches offering space to do different things… swim, paddle, rock pools, coastal walks. Toilets super clean with plenty hand sanitizer and soap and paper towel.  Food shack staff super friendly and drinks and food good!