Portobello Beach (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Portobello Beach?
What makes it 62% Baby-Friendly: Babies can ride in prams on the smooth promenade and visit nearby soft-play, yet the beach offers no baby-changing tables, nursing rooms or shade, so carers must pack mats and plan off-site breaks.
Positives:
- Easy Sand Access: Smooth promenade paths and beach wheelchairs let you reach the sand with a pram.
- Café Seating: Tumbles Soft Play café and community centre provide baby-friendly seating and shelter.
Challenges:
- No Beach Changing Facilities: Public toilets have no baby-changing tables; bring a mat or use Swim Centre or Community Centre.
- Limited Shelter: Few permanent shelters on the beach; pack a pop-up sunshade for the baby.
What is Portobello Beach?
- A two-mile-long sandy shoreline on the Firth of Forth in eastern Edinburgh
- A Victorian-era seaside resort with a flat, paved promenade
- A seafront neighbourhood that showcases 19th-century architecture and adjoins cafés and shops
What is so special about Portobello Beach for with baby?
- Paved promenade offers easy pushchair access along the 2-mile beach.
- Tumbles Soft Play features a separate baby zone and on-site café.
- Weekly baby & toddler sessions at Portobello Community Centre cost just £2.
- Volunteer-run beach wheelchairs let you reach the sand for free.
- Limited beach changing facilities mean you should bring your own mat.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time for a beach stroll, soft-play visit and a quick baby-and-toddler group session without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Portobello Beach
Promenade Stroller Walk:
Pushchair-friendly paths run along the 2-mile beach promenade.
Tip: Use the smooth, paved prom and the many benches for resting or sheltering your baby.
Tumbles Soft Play:
Indoor play centre with a dedicated baby zone and café seating.
Tip: Book a 60-minute session early to secure a spot in the 09:15–17:00 time slots.
Portobello Community Centre Baby & Toddler Group:
Low-cost weekly group with space for prams and informal feeding areas.
Tip: Attend on Wednesdays at 09:15–11:00; bring £1 per adult and £1 per baby for entry.
Beach Wheelchair Access:
Free volunteer-run all-terrain wheelchairs to reach the sand.
Tip: Contact Beach Wheelchairs in advance by phone or email to reserve yours.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Portobello Beach
- Park at Pipe Lane: Use Pipe Lane car park for nearest prom access and check for any temporary toilet closures.
- Portable Supplies: Bring a foldable changing mat and a lightweight sunshade for quick setup on the sand.
Reviews of Portobello Beach
H 99
Disappointing place. The sea is far away, and there is no safe crossing. You have to walk on mud to reach the water. There is no café with a direct view of the sea, unlike many other places. Cafés are few and very crowded, I couldn’t find a seat. (It’s good only for walking and sitting.)
shezy
The beach offers a pleasant experience with its clean, sandy expanse, making it an ideal destination during favorable weather conditions. Visitors can enjoy various amenities, including coffee shops, ice cream parlors, traditional "chippy" establishments, and retail stalls. An arcade provides additional entertainment. Please note that the area experiences high visitor traffic during the spring and...
Jaso Jangan Soto
A beach that situated in the city of Edinburg. Quite popular due to its proximity in the city. A place where you can chill and enjoy the view. Take a break from life.
Arjun Reddy
Beach day was amazing! 🏖️ The sun was shining and the crowd was just right. Found some yummy food spots and chilled. I recommend if you are planning for a bbq 🍱🍹. What a perfect day! #beachlife #summerfun
Shelley C
It is a big, sandy beach. Children will love it here. There was an amusement arcade, places to eat, and toilets. Personally, as an older solo traveller, I found it a bit boring. After a walk along the beach, there was not a lot to do. Dogs are allowed on the beach, and, as usual, there was some dog mess. The beach is accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues. You can hire be...
When is the best time to visit Portobello Beach (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Spring and autumn weekdays are quieter. Summer weekends feature street performances but bring windbreaks for baby. Check tide times to maximise sandy space.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Community Centre baby group | GBP 2 |
| Beach Wheelchair booking | GBP 0 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 2 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Portobello Beach
Address: Portobello Beach, 1 Promenade, Edinburgh EH15 2DX, UK
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About Portobello Beach
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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