Top Ten East Lothian Places

If you are overwhelmed with the sheer variety of things to do in East Lothian why not get someone else's recommendations.

 

Local Author Peter Kerr

  1. Climb to the top of Byres Hill (just off the Haddington-Aberlady road) for spectacular views of the entire county from the Lammermuirs to the Firth of Forth and beyond.
  2. Walk the banks of the River Tyne at Haddington from the 'falls' at the West Mill, past St Mary's Parish Church to the Old Nungate Bridge.
  3. Visit Dirleton Castle and its beautiful gardens.
  4. Walk round the scenic coastline from Yellowcraigs Beach (Dirleton) to Gullane.
  5. Enjoy a bar meal in Gullane's Old Clubhouse pub, with uninterrupted views south over the fertile plain of East Lothian to the Garleton Hills.
  6. Play a round of golf on one of the county's many famous coastal and inland courses.
  7. Visit the Seabird Centre at North Berwick Harbour.
  8. Have a flutter on the horses at Musselburgh Races.
  9. Spend a few hours at the Museum of Flight at East Fortune.
  10. Visit John Muir's birthplace and Country Park at Dunbar.

 

Tilda and Betty from Cinderella - Ugly Sisters’ Top Ten

Tilda

  1. Dirleton Castle.
    As I often like to dress up as Rapunzel and go up to one of the towers and throw my golden hair out and try and lure a handsome princefrom the beautiful gardensbelow.
  2. The Harbour Gallery, Port Seton
    I love to look in and admire all the beautiful art work, but mainly there are two fantastic chip shops within a minutes walk from it.
  3. Glenkinchie Distillery
    I particularlyfind the tasting bar a fascinating place.
  4. The Bass Rock
    Because of the amazing wildlife found on it. And it has a canny resemblance to my sister’s face. It holds approximately 10% of the world population of Gannets. Also like my sister, cause she's one ‘n’ all.
  5. Musselburgh the "Honest Toun"
    How could we miss thiswonderful place out, there is soooooo much to do,and we are here all over Christmas in Cinderella.

Betty

  1. Musselburgh Racecourse
    Always a great day out. I do like a flutter . . of the eyelashes. My sister was refused entry on Ladies Day and when we eventually got her in, over the wall, a jockey threw a saddle over her back!
  2. Muirfield Golf Course
    We enjoy attending the OpenChampionship to watch the talent on display, and my sister regularly visits the other 18 East Lothian courses to practice her swinging during the summer months.
  3. National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield
    I'd pure loveto be a pilot's wife, going all the way in the cockpit.When my sister flies anywhere she's always over the weight allowance - and that's just her make-up bag!
  4. Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
    With a really good variety of productions to go and see it means I can appreciate theatre, danceand opera, and my sister can watch a cartoon.
  5. Hopes Reservoir, near Gifford.
    Fishing. With a wee flask and a picnicit's a lovely day out waiting for someone . .
    er, something to take a bite. And it's funny to see the anglers trying to throw my
    trout of a sister back into the water.


You can catch up with Tilda and Betty in pantomime at Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh 24 November – 29 December 2pm & 7.30pm. For more information and tickets for Cinderella call Brunton Theatre Box Office on 0131 665 2240.

Clerk of the Course, Musselburgh Racecourse - Anthea Morshead

  1. Walking around Musselburgh Racecourse in the morning. The sunrise and views are breathtaking.
  2. A hearty supper at the Longniddry Inn
  3. Ice Cream from Lucas!
  4. Walking around Fisherrow Harbour and popping into Clarks for the freshest fish
  5. Taking my dog Jack on the John Muir Way around Levenhall Links with views of the seabirds at the mouth of the River Esk and Forth.

Anthea was the first lady jockey to win a race over the Grand National fences at Aintree.

 

Iain Gray, MSP East Lothian

Walk through the woods to beautiful Tyninghame beach.

Watch the puffins (and lots of other birds) at the seabird centre, North Berwick.

Have an ostrichburger, and buy some great local produce - Ballencrieff Bacon, Trusty Crust organic bread, Phantassie vegetables and lots more at Haddington farmers Market (last Saturday morning of the month)

Enjoy a drink or lunch in the authentically restored Gothenburg pub in Prestonpans.

Look at the boats in Dunbar’s Harbours, or watch the waves crash over the sea wall on a windy day!

Visit Tantallon castle – surely the most spectacular site for a castle anywhere in Scotland.

Walk the John Muir Way and see East Lothian end to end

Sense the history in St Mary’s Church in Haddington – the Lamp of Lothian.

See how they make great whisky – and sample it – at Glenkinchie Distillery