Best North Coast 500 Beaches: Top Family-Friendly Spots to Visit
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of the most scenic road trips in the UK, and its beaches are perfect for families looking to explore the stunning Scottish coastline.
Stretching over 500 miles from Inverness to Applecross, the route boasts 30-40 well-known beaches, plus many hidden gems.
Whether you’re after long, flat sandy stretches ideal for building sandcastles or peaceful spots for paddling in the sea, there’s something for everyone.
But with so many incredible beaches, it can be tough to pick the best ones for your family adventure.
Having spent two weeks exploring the stunning North Coast 500 beaches with our two young kids (and me being pregnant at the time!), we did plenty of research to make sure we didn’t miss out on the best family-friendly spots.
Now, I’m sharing an extensive list, bringing everything together in one place so you can easily choose the best ones for you and your family!
In this guide, I cover off over twenty of the best NC500 beaches for families – what makes them unique and top tips for each to help you get the most out of your visit.
From calm waters, breathtaking views, and perfect spots for wildlife spotting (watching the dolphins frolicking was one of our highlights!), you’ll be certain to find the most amazing beaches for your NC500 itinerary.
Best North Coast 500 Beaches Map
How to use this guide
If you’ve already planned your trip and just want to use this guide as a separate resource to choose the best NC500 beaches, then hopefully this will help you do just that.
However, if you need help planning your North Coast 500 trip, we’ve written this guide to be used alongside our detailed itinerary and list of the best campsites to stay along the way.
Each beach is listed in the order of location along the North Coast 500 route, following an anti-clockwise direction as outlined in our itinerary.
For each one, we list the location, what makes it unique and family-friendly, and top tips to make your visit even better.
For each beach, we highlight its location, what makes it unique and family-friendly, and share top tips to make your visit even more enjoyable.
Rosemarkie Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
30 minutes north of Inverness – Black Isle Region (North East Peninsula).
What makes it unique
Rosemarkie Beach is a long, flat stretch of beach with a mixture of soft sand, rock pools and shallow water. There’s also a lovely café with plenty of picnic benches, toilets and a play area for kids. This is the perfect place for kids to run and play and is also safe for swimming.
There is parking along the roadside, or we parked with our motorhome in Rosemarkie car park. All parking is free but we recommend getting there in the morning as it does get busy.
Top Tip
Walk along the beach to Chanonry Point to spot the dolphins in the Moray Firth! It’s not too far to walk and was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Such a memorable experience to watch them playing around in the sea!
Dornoch Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
just outside the town of Dornoch – Sutherland Region (North East Coast).
What makes it unique
A beautiful, unspoilt, golden sandy beach with plenty of space for kids to play and explore (we also left with a large collection of shells that the girls collected!).
This stretch of beach seems to go on forever, so it often feels quite remote in places. Be careful when it’s windy as the sand can sometimes blow everywhere (including your face)!
The shallow waters are perfect for paddling and the surrounding dunes are great for family walks and picnics, and a good place to shelter if the wind picks up.
There’s plenty of easy access parking with an optional donation. There is also a play area, public toilets open 24/7 and a café.
Top Tip
Don’t miss a visit to the charming town of Dornoch, where you can explore the local shops and enjoy some delicious ice cream. The lobster rolls from the Highland Larder are delicious!
Brora Beach – 4.7⭐
Location
In the village of Brora – Sutherland Region (North East Coast).
What makes it unique
Brora Beach is a secluded beach with a wide sandy shore and crystal clear shallow waters. Look out for the highland cows that often venture onto the grass area or even on to the beach. Similar to Dornoch Beach, there’s plenty of space for running around, games, and picnics.
Car parking is free in the town with just a short 5-minute walk via the golf course (or you can park at the golf club). The golf club also has a public bar if you fancy a drink.
Top Tip
Some say this is a good location for spotting seals, but we were not lucky enough to see any during our short visit.
Peedie Sands – 4.9⭐
Location
Near Thurso – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Peedie Sands is a hidden gem, most probably because it’s about a 20 minute (1km) walk from the main road (Dwarwick Pier) where parking is also limited.
Despite the fact that it’s a little trickier to find, if the little legs can make it, then this is a real treat of a beach. You’ll be rewarded with crystal clear water, rock pools for the kids to explore and even a waterfall! You might even get the place to yourself which makes it feel like your own secret beach!
Top Tip
Hiking boots are recommended for the walk as there are some rocks to scramble over.
Keiss Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
Near the town of Wick, Caithness Region (North Coast Scotland).
What makes it unique
Keiss Beach has an expansive golden, sandy shore so perfect for long strolls. It’s also a great locaton for spotting wildlife such as seals, seabirds and sometimes, orcas.
If you’re looking for peacefulness and serenity, then this is the perfect beach.
There is limited parking along the roadside leading up to the beach.
Top Tip
All kids love a castle so, pair you relaxing stroll along Keiss Beach with a visit to both Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and Castle of Old Wick.
Dunnet Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near Thurso – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Just a little further along the coast from the secluded Peedie Sands is the more popular Dunnet Beach. This is an absolutely stunning beach with an expansive area of soft, white sand perfect for building sand castles.
This beach is big enough that even when busy, it doesn’t feel crowded (especially at low tide). There are sand dunes for walking along and playing, and it’s also a great location to spot seals and seabirds.
There are a few places to park along the road, or the main car park is next to the Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite where public toilets are also available.
Top Tip
Don’t forget to visit Dunnet Head to tick off the northernmost point of the British mainland (plus it’s better than John O’Groats).
Scrabster Beach – no rating
Location
Near the village of Scrabster, Caithness Region (North Coast).
What makes it unique
Scrabster Beach is our wilcard North Coast 500 beach and doesn’t have a Tripadvisor rating as it is a much quieter spot, not on the radar for beaches along the Nort Coast 500 route.
However, whilst stocking up on food and fuel at Thurso, we came across this beach by chance. Less busy than the more well known NC500 beaches but still offering soft sand and shallow waters for paddling, this is a lovely beach for a stroll and quick beach fix for kids.
For free parking right next to the beach, head to the Pentland Firth Yacht Club and literally step out of your car/campervan/motofhome onto the beach.
Top Tip
Take a walk along the beach and enjoy the scenic views towards the Orkney Islands.
Melvich Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Melvich – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
As you continue your way around the North Coast 500 and you think the beaches can’t get any better, wait until you get to Melvich Beach. The views from the top are absolutely stunning and once you get down to the beach itself, you’ll be amazed at the pristine, white soft sand and rolling waves from the sea.
The free car parking is only big enough for about 10-15 cars and is accessed via a rough track. This makes it perfect for families looking for a quieter, more remote beach experience. Its shallow waters are ideal for paddling and the surrounding dunes are a lovely area for children to play and explore.
Top Tip
There are no public toilets at Melvich Beach but if you head to Strathy Bay, you’ll find a decent-sized car park with public toilets (plus this beach is not to be missed and was our favourite).
Strathy Beach – 5⭐
Location
Near the village of Strathy – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Strathy Beach is hands down our favourite North Coast 500 beach. Tucked away down a path through grassy sandbanks, it’s a real hidden gem with powder-soft sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The road down to the free car park is narrow and winding, but we managed just fine in our motorhome. There’s also a toilet in the parking area – a definite bonus when travelling with kids.
We visited early in the evening, taking our camping chairs and a disposable barbecue, and we had the whole beach to ourselves. We spent the evening watching the girls play and paddle, whilst the sun began to set – just magical!
Top Tip
If, like us, you visit later in the day, you might encounter some midges. If you move away from the sheltered edges and more into the middle where there’s a bit of a breeze, it should help keep them at bay (we also highly recommend Smidge to keep the pests away).
Armadale Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
Near the village of Armadale – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Another hidden gem with golden sand, cliffs on either side, and loads of space to just relax or let the kids run wild. When the tide’s out, there are plenty of rock pools and little streams to paddle and explore.
There is limited free parking on the road or you can park in the village but the walk is a little longer. From the road parking, there is a picnic area and then a lovely, short walk down to the beach over a bridge.
Top Tip
Try to time your visit for low tide — it really opens up the beach and reveals loads of exciting rock pools to explore. Total hidden treasure!
Farr Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
Near the village of Bettyhill – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
This secluded beach is a peaceful spot with clear, shallow waters – great for those wanting to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet beach day.
Top Tip
Farr Beach is a great location to watch the sunset with the crashing waves adding to the perfect setting.
Torrisdale Bay – 5⭐
Location
Near the village of Invernaver – Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Yet another beach along the NC500 route that is extremely remote and peaceful with lovely soft sand and shallow water. This beach is more sheltered than some of the others, perhaps making it a better spot for playing in the sand.
During low tide the beach really opens up and the shallow water warms up making it perfect for paddling.
What also brings many to this location though, is that it is home to a real-life shipwreck. Partially buried under the sand lies the eery remains of the SS John Randolph, which struck two mines in 1942, during WWII. The skeletal bow section of the ship is still visible and makes for an exciting adventure to find the shipwreck with kids.
You can access the beach from either side but we recommend heading down the single-track road, past the Borgie Lodge Hotel, keeping to the right where the road splits and parking in the small off-road area. From here, it is a 15-minute walk across the footbridge and down to the beach.
Top Tip
To ensure a successful mission to discover the shipwreck, make sure you go at low tide and take suitable footwear as the path to the beach can get boggy in places.
Coldbackie Beach – 4.6⭐
Location
Near the village of Tongue, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
With its peaceful atmosphere, Coldbackie Beach is another winner for families looking to escape the crowds. An added bonus for kids looking to explore is the hidden cave on the left-hand side of the beach.
Parking is limited on the side of the road and the path down is a little rough but when there, the beach is lovely and sandy.
Top Tip
Wear appropriate footwear as the path down to the beach is steep in places and can be slippery through the dunes.
Ceannabeinne Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near Durness, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
As you drive around the rugged coastline, all of a sudden this magnificent, tropical looking beach comes into view and literally takes your breath away.
The beach is stunning, with golden, almost pink-coloured sands and clear turquoise waters. This is a very popular beach for families with plenty of space for playing, paddling, and exploring.
It’s also home to the Golden Eagle Zip Line, which offers an exhilarating ride over the beach.
We’d definitely rate this as one of the most beautiful beaches, but it was not our favourite purely because we prefer the quieter, less touristy beaches.
Roadside parking is available in two main places with a short walk down to the beach.
Top Tip
If you plan to ride the Golden Eagle Zip Line, you don’t need to pre-book, simply turn up. It’s currently £17 per person and the only restriction is a minimum weight limit of 20kg, so even kids of a young age can ride. If the weather is not good, be sure to check their Facebook page to make sure they are operating.
Sango Sands Beach / Durness Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Durness, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
One of the most iconic beaches on the NC500 route, Sango Sands Beach (also known as Durness Beach) has an award-winning status for its pristine condition and natural beauty.
As you’d expect, this beach has soft golden sand and crystal clear waters. It also has dramatic cliffs which are great for hiking and spotting seabirds and other wildlife.
Plus it has an excellent campsite (Sango Sands Oasis) right above the beach on the clifftops along with toilets and plenty of both free and paid parking.
Top Tip
Just a couple of minutes around the corner from Sango Sands Beach is Smoo Cave, which is a must! This impressive sea cave is one of the largest in the UK and is free to enter (unless you want to do a paid boat tour). If you have small children, it’s not too far from the car park, down the steps to the cave.
Balnakeil Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
Near the village of Durness, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Yet another on the list of the most scenic beaches along the NC500 route. With a vast stretch of beautiful white, powdery sand and turquoise waters, on a sunny day Balnakeil Beach can look like somewhere from the Caribbean.
At low tide you can even walk across the sand to Bilton Beach. You might even come across some cows roaming.
There is free but limited parking available right next to the beach.
Top Tip
Visit the nearby Balnakeil Craft Village, where you can treat the whole family to the most delicious hot chocolate at Cocoa Mountain.
Sandwood Bay Beach – 4.8⭐
Location
Near the hamlet of Blairmore, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
More of challenge to get to as Sandwood Beach has no road access and can only be reached by completing a 4.1 mile (6.6 km) walk each way from Blairmore.
For kids up for the trek though, there is a well maintained and clear path to follow. Plenty of snacks are recommended to keep the little ones going but the beautiful, remote beach and spectacular views are well worth the walk.
Parking is available in Blairmore (donations welcome) with public toilets, so make full use of them before you start your walk as there are no other toilets along the way.
Top Tip
From the beach, be sure to look out for the signature Sandwood Bay rock, a impressive sea pillar, rising up out of the water.
Oldshoremore Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Kinlochbervie, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
Oldshoremore Beach is a stunning hidden gem just off the NC500 – perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
It’s a great spot for families, especially with younger kids. The bay is really flat with shallow waters, so you can wade out quite a bit before it gets deep.
There’s a decent-sized car park with public toilets, and it’s just a short (but a bit steep) walk over some rocks to get down to the beach.
Top Tip
Whilst this beach seems to tick lots of boxes being one of the most beautiful, great for paddling, not too far from the car park (that has toilets), plus an exciting hike down. However, it doesn’t have any shops or cafes nearby, so we recommend bringing a picnic.
Clachtoll Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Clachtoll and Achmelvich, Sutherland Region (North West Coast).
What makes it unique
This beautiful beach offers a sheltered cove with calm waters, making it perfect for families with young children. It has golden sand and clear waters, but also plenty of rock pools for discovering crabs and other marine life.
Pay & Display parking is available at a reasonable price and also, toilets (you have to drive through the campsite). Then the beach is reached by a boardwalk.
Top Tip
If you stay at the Clachtoll Beach Campsite, they have all kinds of watersport equipment (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, wetsuits) which are free to use.
If you fancy a 30-40 minute walk, then follow the coastal path to Clachtoll Broch, an Iron Age structure (family home), partially reconstructed, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s ancient history.
Achmelvich Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Achmelvich, Sutherland Region (North West Coast, Scotland).
What makes it unique
Yet another paradise beach that could easily be compared to beaches in the Mediterranean.
Its beautiful, white sand and turquoise waters makes it one of the more popular North Coast 500 beaches, which means it is sometimes busier than others.
Parking and toilets are available, with just a short, easy route to the beach.
Top Tip
If the kids are up for a little adventure, then take a short walk to find Hermit’s Castle. Don’t expect anything grand, it’s actually a tiny, quirky structure considered to be Europe’s smallest castle. It takes a little bit of climbing but definitely worth finding.
Mellon Udrigle Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Laide, Wester Ross Region (Nort West Coast, Scottish Highlands).
What makes it unique
Mellon Udrigle Beach is a hidden gem known for its golden sand and shallow waters.
It’s perfect for all ages whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or playing in the sand. The views are also spectacular with mountains and surrounding rugged landscape.
Top Tip
Climb along the rocks to see if you can spot the seals. If the weather is good, stay for amazing sunsets with glowing reflections off the water.
Camusdarach Beach – 4.9⭐
Location
Near the village of Arisaig, Lochaber Region, West Coast of the Scottish Highlands.
What makes it unique
This beach is known for its stunning views of the Isle of Skye (on a clear day) and its crystal-clear waters. The sandy beach is perfect for children to play and there’s lots of coves and rockpools to explore.
There is a small car park (no toilets), which is a short walk from the beach via a sandy path.
Top Tip
Pack a picnic as there are no facilities close by or drive to the nearby village of Arisaig and try the Orkney fudge cheesecake at the Soundbites cafe.
NC500 Beaches to Avoid
Honestly, the majority of the beaches on the North Coast 500 route are stunning and hopefully the list above will help you decide which ones are best for you.
Crakaig Beach
It’s difficult to suggest beaches to avoid, but it’s worth noting that Crakaig Beach in Sutherland is known to be a naturist-friendly spot. While this may not be an issue for some, if you’re visiting with young children, you might prefer to give this one a miss to avoid any unexpected surprises or tricky conversations!
Sandside Bay Beach
While Sandside Bay Beach near Dounreay has lovely golden sands, it’s located very close to a decommissioned nuclear site. Whilst it’s generally considered safe and regular monitoring is ongoing, radioactive particles are still occasionally found. We thought it safe to avoid it for peace of mind, especially with children who love nothing more than to dig in the sand.
Your North Coast 500 Beach Adventure Awaits
This comprehensive guide should help families traveling the North Coast 500 route plan the perfect beach stops along their journey. With each beach offering something special, from sandy shores to quiet, secluded retreats, you’re sure to find a spot that’s perfect for you and your little ones.
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