There is so much to do in East Lothian that sometimes it can be easier to theme your days out. We have put a few suggestions here for you that may help you to decide where to visit.
Wildlife Lovers
Start your morning in North Berwick and pay a visit to the award winning Seabird Centre. You can operate live cameras on the Bass Rock and see the wildlife up close without disturbing them. Plenty to see and do, with interactive displays and a new play area for children. Pop upstairs for coffee and cakes afterwards in the café with great views overlooking the Forth.
Spend the afternoon in Dunbar, birthplace of the American National Parks environmentalist John Muir, you can visit the house (John Muir Birthplace Museum) where he was born, now a interactive museum and wander down to the historic harbour and see the kittiwake colony (Feb- Aug) or catch a seal swimming in the harbour.
Heritage and History
East Lothian has a wealth of history and those visiting East Lothian will not be disappointed in finding something from the history books at every turn. From Prestonpans, site of the famous victory by Bonnie Prince Charlie over the English to Anchor Green in North Berwick, where legend has it that Satan himself appeared to witches who danced round a fire in an attempt to cause a storm to sink the ship James VI was in with his new bride. This alleged attack led to James VI’s infamous witch trials.
East Lothian has a number of castles and none are more imposing that that of Tantallon Castle, perched on the cliff tops near North Berwick home to the Douglas Earls of Angus, one of the most powerful baronial families in Scotland, another great castle for exploring is that of Dirleton Castle, set near the coast, the castle set in lovely grounds and boasts the world’s longest herbaceous border.
A wander through the streets of Haddington, county town of East Lothian, full of independent shops and numerous eateries to take lunch could be followed by a visit to St Mary’s Church, of cathedral proportions, it is the largest parish church in Scotland.
End the day taking a wee dram at the historic Glenkinchie Distillery, dubbed one of the classic malts of Scotland. Five star attraction, visitor centre with a tour of working distillery.