Kinghorn (Harbour Beach)

BeachFife Council🐾 Dog rule not verified

Mixed sand, rock-pool and cliff beach about 500m long next to Kinghorn town; one of Fife's two 'Poor'-classified bathing waters, with recurring pollution issues from the Kinghorn/Lady Burn.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Poor (2026, classified Poor since 2022)

Lifeguard: unpatrolled

Hazards: Persistent sewer overflow/Lady Burn pollution; surface water discharge risk; active pollution-incident warnings issued by SEPA in 2026.

Amenities: car-park

Dogs

No official Fife Council byelaw specifically restricting dogs at Kinghorn Harbour Beach (or any Fife beach) could be confirmed. Secondary sources vaguely mention possible seasonal restriction without citing an actual byelaw.

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Family

Small beach with rock pools and cliffs; currently not recommended for swimming due to poor water quality classification.

Fishing

The Forth sand, shingle and rocky features can support flatfish, winter codling and whiting, with bass and mackerel in warmer periods.

Species reported: Flounder, Plaice, Dab, Codling, Whiting, Bass, Mackerel

Crabbing

recommended with supervision

Access & parking

Short walk from Kinghorn town/harbour, public car park nearby.

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk/profiles/profile?location=4565

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5529711/warning-avoid-burn-fife-beach-pollution/

https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-scotland/fife/harbour-kinghorn.htm

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.