Gardenstown Beach

The beach at Gardenstown is properly tucked away - you won't stumble upon it by accident. This fishing village sits on the Aberdeenshire coast between Banff and Macduff, and the shoreline here has real character. Pebbled and rocky rather than sandy, it's the kind of beach that rewards a slow wander. The village itself clings to the cliffs above, a tangle of cottages and working fishing boats that feel genuinely lived-in, not tarted up for tourists.

What draws people is the sense of place. The rock formations are worth photographing, and at low tide there are pools to explore. It's not a place for sunbathing or building sandcastles - families with older kids who like poking about will get more from it than those expecting a conventional seaside experience. The walk down to the beach is steep enough to make you feel you've earned it, but manageable. Allow an hour or so, longer if you're into geology or just taking your time with a camera.

Gardenstown works well as part of a wider Aberdeenshire coastal loop. Gamrie Bay Caravan Site sits just 1.3 miles away, making it a natural base. If you're staying at Wester Bonnyton or Shepherd's Loch, you're within easy reach for an afternoon visit. The village has a shop and a couple of cafes, nothing fancy but functional. Go on a clear day if you can - the light here shifts beautifully across the water, and the surrounding cliffs really show themselves off.