Just a short distance from the city centre, Aberdeen beach is a 3.5 km curve of sand that runs between the mouths of the River Dee and the River Don.
The beach has suffered from significant erosion in the past, so is interspersed by distinctive wooden groynes and rocks, and backed by a sea wall to help keep the sand in place. In a recent operation, sand from the coast south of Aberdeen was shipped to the beach to replace some of what had been lost.
On top of the sea wall runs a wide promenade that is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters. Lined with Victorian railings, there are plenty of benches and sheltered pavilion seating to sit and enjoy an ice cream and watch the world go by.
For water sports enthusiasts there are opportunities for wind surfing, jet skiing, kite-boarding, and kayaking, while the water is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers with fairly consistent, clean waves and an excellent beachbreak. Winter and early spring are the best times of year to visit for surfing, but be careful not to cross into the shipping channel as the Harbour Master will order a shutdown of the harbour.
Although the water can be a bit chilly for a swim, it’s usually clean enough for a paddle, and in summer, electronic signs indicate the quality of the water. On weekends during the summer, the beach is patrolled by volunteers from the Aberdeen Surf Life Saving Club, who also offer lifeguard training lessons.
For families, the sand is perfect for building sand castles, so bring a bucket and spade and a picnic, and enjoy a day relaxing in the sunshine. Dogs are welcome too but must be kept under effective control.
Due to rising energy costs, the Beach Leisure Centre and Bucksburn’s swimming pool have recently closed their doors. However, the Linx Ice Arena is still open, and the Beach Ballroom which gives the beach its alternative name, is home to one of Scotland’s finest dance floors, famous for its bounce. The art deco building regularly hosts music and dancing events, as well as afternoon teas accompanied by the enchanting sounds of a grand piano.
For a few hours of family fun, a visit to Codona’s Amusement Park is a must. Established in 1970, it has plenty of rides and attractions including three roller coasters, dodgems, waltzers, a flume ride, go-karting, a haunted house, miniature golf, ten pin bowling, and Smugglers Cove, an award-winning children’s indoor and outdoor play area.
Grab a bite to eat at The Pier, located on the esplanade, which serves a variety of food and drink all day including full Scottish breakfasts, hot dogs, sandwiches, and ice cream cones and sundaes. A number of chain restaurants such as Pizza Hut and Fridays, as well as a cinema can be found at Queen Links, a leisure park that runs behind the beach.
Wildlife watchers will enjoy spotting seals on the sand at the mouth of the River Don, while a multitude of waders, terns, and other seabirds are found at the northern end of the beach near Donmouth Local Nature Reserve. Further out to sea, dolphins and occasionally whales can sometimes be seen.
The nearby city centre has all the facilities you are likely to need including shops and restaurants, and places to stay, as well as several museums including Aberdeen Maritime Museum that explores the long relationship of the city with the sea.
There is a variety of paid-for and free parking near the beach including disabled spaces. Access to the beach is down a flight or steps, or via a slipway that is suitable for wheelchair users. You’ll also find public toilets on the beach and in the leisure park.
