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Accessible Things to Do in East Lothian

April 3, 2025

East Lothian is brimming with stunning beaches, breathtaking panoramic views, charming villages, and endless opportunities for adventure. This coastal haven offers plenty of fun wheelchair accessible things to do. Here's everything we experienced during our two-day visit.

Scottish Seabird Centre

Scotland acts like a major international airport for birds, with various species arriving and departing at different times of the year. Many seabirds, including Atlantic puffins and Northern gannets, nest and raise their young along this coastline. The nearby Bass Rock, visible from the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, is home to the world's largest colony of Northern gannets - a sight so impressive that David Attenborough has described it as one of the "wildlife wonders of the world."

The Discovery Centre at the Scottish Seabird Centre offers an opportunity to learn more about Scotland's incredible marine environment through engaging exhibits, interactive live cameras, and a movie theatre. There is also a small shop with beautiful marine-themed gifts and souvenirs.

The Seabird Centre has wheelchair access throughout, including a level entrance with an automatic door, a lift inside, and an accessible toilet. Blue Badge holders can park in accessible spaces adjacent to the Centre on Melbourne Rd.

Seabird Cafe

We couldn't leave the Scottish Seabird Centre without stopping by the Seabird Café for lunch. Our table by the window offered a perfect view of the waves crashing against the rocks. My partner and I enjoyed vegan burgers and the most delicious empire biscuit. The café also provides outdoor seating, which I’ve already noted for our next visit in the summer.

The stunning sea views can also be enjoyed just outside the Seabird Centre and from the east beach. We could have easily spent the entire day soaking up the vitamin D and the breathtaking scenery.

Beach Wheelchairs North Berwick

East Lothian is home to over 40 miles of stunning coastline, making our visit incomplete without exploring its beautiful golden beaches. Thanks to the local charity Beach Wheelchairs North Berwick, we were able to visit West Beach. Their mission is to make the beaches accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

I rented a powered beach wheelchair from their Beach Hut located in North Berwick Harbour. I loved how the beach wheelchair gave me the freedom to enjoy the sounds, sights, and tranquillity of being by the sea. It was an incredible experience.

In addition to powered wheelchairs, they also offer a range of manual beach wheelchairs, a beach walker, and a fixed outdoor hoist for free hire.

Dunbar High Street

Next, we travelled to Dunbar to step back in time and learn about its most famous and influential resident, John Muir.

We began our stroll along Dunbar High Street, which features a variety of independent shops, including a bakery, a record store, local craft sellers, and a traditional sweet shop. There is also a statue on the high street that serves as a tribute to John as a boy.

John Muir's Birthplace

John Muir, the renowned explorer, writer, and conservationist, was born in Dunbar in 1838 and spent his early childhood there before moving to America with his family. His love for nature was deeply influenced by his upbringing and the formative years he spent exploring this coastal area.

The home where he lived with his family is now a free museum where visitors can learn about his life and work, including how he became one of the founding fathers of Yosemite National Park.

Despite being a building from the 1800s, I was impressed by the accessibility features of John Muir's Birthplace, which include a modern platform lift to access the three floors and an accessible toilet.

Dunbar Harbour and Battery

Dunbar Battery is located in the heart of Dunbar Harbour, just a short walk from the High Street. There is parking available directly at the harbour.

The harbour’s ruined Battery has been transformed into an open-air venue that is worth visiting for its stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the North Sea. It is an ideal spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the coastal scenery, including sights of Bass Rock and nearby Dunbar Castle.

Archerfield Walled Garden

As someone who appreciates nature and loves all things plants and flowers, I enjoy exploring green spaces whenever I visit new places. Archerfield Walled Garden, situated in the picturesque village of Dirleton, was the perfect spot to enjoy a wheelchair accessible day out.

We fully immersed ourselves in the beautiful gardens, which are divided into themed areas, including a perennial meadow, a rose garden, a wildlife area with a pond, a perennial vegetable bed, a propagation tunnel, and flower beds. There is visual interest throughout the year. I’d especially love to see it in the height of spring and summer when everything blooms and is full of colour.

Afterward, we enjoyed a cheese toastie at the Garden Café before browsing the food market and shopping for plants in the garden shop.

Although we ran out of time to explore the woodland Fairy Trail, the pond, the Labyrinth, and the Willow Walk, this gives us even more reason to return soon with our nephews.

The Mallard Hotel

Our base for exploring the East Lothian coast was The Mallard Hotel in the charming village of Gullane. The accessible room, equipped with a roll-in shower, provided a cosy retreat for us to relax in the evening after a busy day of exploration.

Since we were near the coast, we were craving fish and chips, and the hotel's Little Duckling restaurant satisfied our hunger. We enjoyed a delicious sticky toffee pudding and a creamy chocolate and orange mousse for dessert.