Relaxing in East Lothian
We’ve been blogging here at Visit East Lothian for 7 months now and in that time, we’ve encouraged you to climb hills, go horse-riding, fly in a microlight, try your hand at wakeboarding and surfing, take to the high seas in a little boat and explore castles - pretty exhausting stuff!
Every once-in-a-while, it’s good to slow the pace down a little and take some time out to relax, unwind and de-stress. After an action packed few months let’s focus on some slightly more mellow and relaxing East Lothian activities.
Visit the Spa
A spa visit is the perfect way to escape from the pressures of modern life. East Lothian has several excellent spas, offering a wide range of indulgent and soothing treatments.
Fletcher's Cottage Spa at Archerfield House has been featured by Tatler and the Sunday Times, and has gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the UK’s finest spas. Whether you choose to sip champagne in the relaxation room, pamper yourself with an aroma sauna or calm tired feet with a rosebud foot soak, you’ll definitely leave feeling all floaty and carefree.
The spa at Bayswell Park Hotel in Dunbar offers a range of treatments, including massage, body wraps and facials. Afterwards, you can have a spa day lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. What could be better than a lovely pamper session followed by some delicious food?
The popular MacDonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick has on-site spa and leisure facilities. For £79 you can enjoy their ‘Indulgent Spa Day’ package which includes a 55 minute treatment, full use of the spa facilities, a fluffy robe and slippers to lounge in, plus prosecco and a cream tea. Don’t blame us if you never want to leave.
Get creative
The therapeutic benefits of art have long been known. Unleashing your inner creativity is a wonderful way to calm the brain. The good news is you don’t need to be the next Picasso or Monet to enjoy, or take part in an art class or workshop. What’s important is the satisfaction you’ll get from immersing yourself in a painting, piece of pottery or glass work.
When it comes to arts and crafts East Lothian is an artistic haven, so there are lots of different options out there for you to try.
The Poldrate Arts & Crafts Centre in Haddington offers a range of day and evening classes for budding creatives. You can try pottery, weaving, painting and more. Enrolment for autumn 2017 courses will open on 31 July, so check out their website and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy.
At Tantallon Studios you can combine a relaxing self-catering break with art. Set in stunning East Lothian countryside near the iconic Tantallon Castle, the working studio is an idyllic place to seek out calm. Prices start at £40 for a half day tile painting workshop. They also offer drawing and painting tuition. With so much inspiration to draw from the gorgeous scenery right on the doorstep you won’t struggle to find a subject to paint.
The Seashore Gallery in Cockenzie is a lovely little gallery by the sea, run by talented Artist Fiona Crombie. Fiona specialises in glass work and runs workshops where she teaches students how to make lovely stained glass creations of their own. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, showcasing the talent of other local artists.
Unwind by the sea
Relaxation doesn’t have to come with a price tag. East Lothian is spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches, and it doesn’t get more relaxing than strolling barefoot on the sand, listening to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore.
The long sandy beaches at Tyninghame and Ravenshaugh are often quiet, even in the height of summer, making them the idea place to escape for some calm.
So, the next time you find you have some ‘me time’ to spare, why not come and relax in lovely East Lothian?
