The Best Beaches near Dumfries
Find the best beaches near Dumfries and soak in its relaxing atmosphere. We’ve looked at each spot’s defining features to see how they stand out.
Where to stay when visiting Dumfries
If you're looking for a relaxing coastal getaway in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is the place to be. Discover some of the best beaches near Dumfries for your next visit.
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South West Scotland
Escape
Queensberry Bay
- 11-month season
- Range of holiday homes for sale
- Coastal views
- 30-minute drive to Carlisle
- The Sandpiper
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Powfoot Beach
This long stretch of beach is located right next to an award-winning holiday park, making it the perfect location for a seaside getaway. The beach can be used for strolls by the shore, especially if you're visiting with your four-legged friend. By the beach, you'll find a car park, small shop, and a pet-friendly cafe bar with lovely views over the Solway Firth.
- Located at Queensberry Bay Leisure Park.
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Rockcliffe Beach
This sandy beach is popular with walkers as it has several marked walking routes to choose from. It's a great choice for dog owners, as dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. You can enjoy fantastic cliff-top views, or explore the nature sanctuary that is Rough Island just a few hundred metres away. Plus, there are cafe facilities and toilets in the nearby village.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 36 miles / 1 hour drive
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Dhoon Beach
This small sandy beach is perfect for picnics, walking, and paddling in the shallow water. If you're bringing children, they're sure to love exploring the many rock pools on the beach. The historic town of Kirkcudbright is just a short drive away, where you'll find facilities like shops, restaurants, and museums. What's more, Galloway Forest Park is also nearby.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 47 miles / 1 hour 10 minute drive
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Monreith Beach
Looking for a spacious, sandy beach near Dumfries that's perfect for walking, running, and exploring? Look no further than Monreith. The beach also has plenty of rock pools to explore, caves to discover, and is popular for swimming as well as fishing. Nature lovers might be lucky enough to spot a variety of birds at this beach, too.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 82 miles / 1 hour 52 minute drive
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Southerness Beach
Home to the second oldest lighthouse in Scotland, this beach provides an interesting landmark to visit. Enjoy walking along the sandy expanse of beach, either with or without your dog by your side, and take in the wonderful views. The beach is within the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you can spot some incredible wildlife like seals and porpoise if you're lucky.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 31 miles / 54 minute drive
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Sandyhills Beach
This large sandy beach provides plenty of space for whatever you get up to on your seaside excursion. Whether it's enjoying a picnic, walking along the sand with your dog, or seeing what you can find in rock pools, this beach offers something for everyone. The shallow tide makes it perfect for paddling, however The Beach Guide recommends that you check the latest updates on water pollution before doing so.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 36.2 miles / 1 hour drive
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Carrick Bay
A true hidden gem: this small sandy bay is rarely busy, but boasts incredible views of the surrounding coastline. The bay can be used for bathing, water sports, and walking, with many coastal paths nearby. Its remote location means there aren't many facilities nearby, so we recommend packing a picnic, a rug, and some buckets and spades.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 49.7 miles / 1 hour 15 minute drive
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Mossyard Beach
If you're traveling with family and seeking plenty of activities, Mossyard Beach is a great place to visit. The beach offers numerous rock pools to explore and abundant wildlife to observe, along with rocks perfect for budding adventurers to climb. The pristine sand is ideal for building sandcastles, which kids will enjoy, and they might even discover some shells to decorate their creations.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 52.1 miles / 1 hour 14 minute drive
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Sandeel Bay Beach
Also known as Port Mora, this small cove can be reached by taking a stroll along the clifftops whilst admiring the views. The sand and shingle beach is a great place to sit and watch the waves. You'll also find a small waterfall and several caves to be explored.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 94 miles / 2 hour 20 minute drive
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Kippford Beach
Explore the facilities in the quaint town of Kippford, situated on the Solway Coast. The beach, made mostly of shells, is located at the end of a walkway right next to the town. From here you can enjoy quiet strolls along the shore while looking out to the beautiful views.
- Queensberry Bay Leisure Park - 33.3 miles / 59 minute drive
Now you know about some of the best beaches near Dumfries, are you ready to plan your visit to the South West Scottish coast? Click here to browse holidays.
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