British Beaches

Visitor information for every beach in the UK

"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach."

Gosford Sands

East Lothian, Scotland


Rate this beach!
Approximate Location Map

Use two fingers to pan or zoom the map

Gosford Sands is a picturesque beach located on the East Lothian coast of the Firth of Forth, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Gosford Sands is a west-facing sand and shingle bay, popular with walkers, bird watchers, and kite-flyers. The beach is set against a backdrop of forest and cliffs, and is just a short drive from Edinburgh. The bay is situated near the magnificent Georgian mansion of Gosford House, which is still privately owned but open to the public during the summer.

The beach is west-facing, and the westerly winds have caused erosion of the sand over the years. However, measures have been taken to stabilise the sand, including the use of sea-lyme grass and dead buckthorn as sea defences along the shoreline at the southern end of the bay. At low tide, a large expanse of sand and shingle beach is exposed, providing ample space for activities. When the tide is in, the coastal road running alongside the beach limits the area available for games and other activities.

The beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including curlew, plovers, and other wading birds, which can be seen in the mud flats at low tide. The beach also features the remains of wartime defence blocks between the road and the shoreline.

Sand Shingle

Weather and tides for Thursday 17 July

Today
Chance of rain 51%
Max temp. 24°C
(feels like 23°C)
Wind 7mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 41%
Min temp. 16°C
(feels like 16°C)
Wind 7mph

The tide at Gosford Sands is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 1:35 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 8:12 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   14.1°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Popular Activities

    Bird watching Sunbathing Walking
  • Features

    Golf
  • Parking

    The car park lies adjacent to the B1358 and A198 coast road and is well signposted. Parking is free all year round.

  • Dogs

    Dogs are allowed.

  • Lifeguard

    No lifeguard cover at this beach

  • Water Quality

    Water quality not measured here

    Water quality not measured here

Recommended holiday cottages near Gosford Sands

Things to do and see in the area

Seton Collegiate Church (1.3 miles)
Longniddry Golf Club (1.4 miles)
Alba Game Fishing (3.2 miles)
Gullane Golf Club (3.4 miles)
The Old Clubhouse (3.5 miles)
John Gray Centre (5.2 miles)
Prestongrange Museum (5.4 miles)
Archerfield Links Golf Club (5.4 miles)
St Mary's Church (5.5 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Craigielaw

Location type: Village

Nearest village: Longniddry

OS Grid: NT444785

Country: Scotland

Local Authority: East Lothian

Nearest postcode: EH32 0PX

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

Stuff you might want for the beach!

(Or après-beach. Or pre-beach. Or, just because you might want stuff)

Visitor information for Gosford Sands, East Lothian, Scotland. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

British Beaches is a Good Stuff website.

18.97.9.170 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:05:58 +0100