The ultimate guide to autumn in East Lothian
Landscape and lifestyle photographer and blogger, Amelia shares her favourite autumn places in East Lothian and while she is unable to visit us at the moment, we hope that she will be able to when restrictions permit again soon. We also hope that this will give you inspiration if you are planning your travels for next year or if you are local and are looking for new places to go!
Scotland is a place that I hold very close to my heart, and whilst I usually head for the hills, living just across the South East border has ignited my love of the rugged coastline, and the picture book villages that are scattered around the countryside. Add in forests and woods that come alive during autumn and East Lothian is suddenly the ultimate location for a Scottish day trip.
This blog outlines my favourite spots for the ultimate autumn colours, the best place to grab breakfast and/or lunch, a stately home set in the most glorious grounds, and the most picture perfect little Scottish village.
Binning Wood
Binning Wood does have to be one of the most magical autumn locations I have stumbled upon so far. Vast, with trails and tracks criss-crossing through it, come October through November, it is a riot of colour; yellows, oranges, reds and browns as far as the eye can see. Popular with dog walkers, and actually a memorial wood, there are hours to be passed here, discovering the many and varied trees, shrubs and wildlife. As well as taking as many photos of the autumn colours as you can, and crunching through piles of freshly fallen leaves!
Gosford House
As stately home grounds go, these have to be some of the most beautiful ones I have visited. This is not a statement to be taken lightly, as I have visited my fair share of them all around the country!
The reason I fell in love with Gosford was the sheer variety of buildings, landscapes and trees. From a pyramid shaped Mausoleum, to a picture perfect and teeny tiny stone cottage on the shores of a lake. The house itself, is a stunning and sprawling building, complete with a walled garden and endless interiors to be discovered. Something to look forward to on my next visit. Finding all of those quirky little buildings and hidden gems that were scattered all over the estate was just the icing on the cake.
The Loft Cafe and Bakery
An accidental find, tucked away behind the high street in Haddington. The Loft Cafe and Bakery was the perfect place to stop in and fuel up after a cold day exploring East Lothian. Dog friendly, and serving a huge array of food that is all made on site, as well as ethically sourced coffee by Artisan roasters in Edinburgh. There is nothing not to love here, next time I am coming in for breakfast!
Dirleton
Dirleton is a beautiful picturesque little village, nestled in the coastal countryside of East Lothian. Drenched in warm sun, and with the tail end of autumn just starting to fade away it was possibly the most beautiful morning for a wander and the perfect opportunity to give the dogs a leg stretch. Dirleton has enough charm to keep you pottering around for a few hours, and that is before you even visit the impressive castle! You'll not want to leave before stopping off at Almafi Ice Cream & Coffee Parlour – where Scotland meets Italy – here you can enjoy East Lothian's famous S. Luca ice cream!
Please follow the current guidelines and #loveeastlothian responsibly.
Like us you will have experienced a very different way of working, shopping and playing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, we are all staying that bit closer to home and that means we can all take the time to explore our local area. Read on for our 5 top tips on how you can enjoy East Lothian responsibly and help to support our local businesses.
1.
Book a staycation and rediscover what's right on your doorstep. Miles and miles of stunning coast, rolling hills, top visitor attractions, exhilarating outdoor activities, intriguing heritage and culture and some of the world's best golf courses. There is a super choice of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a self-catering hideaway, a family caravan or chalet, a cosy B&B, an exclusive use venue or a hotel, you will find it here.
2.
Eat out at a local bar, restaurant or café. You're sure to find a warm East Lothian welcome and be treated to a great choice of locally produced food and drink. From family friendly venues to romantic meals for two, East Lothian is a foodies paradise. Make sure you sample seafood fresh from the boat, seasonal fruit and veg and scrumptious sweet treats.
3.
Visit local attractions. Why not try the National Museum of Flight and step on board Scotland's Concorde, the Scottish Seabird Centre where you can get up close to marine wildlife and the iconic Bass Rock? Or get yourself along to John Muir Country Park where you will find John Muir Alpacas and East Links Family Park for outdoor fun and your cute animal fix! From castles to ancient forts and from outdoor thrills and spills to nature, there really is something to keep everyone entertained.
5.
Plan ahead. Help us to help you by being organised and know before you go. Check current guidelines, avoid more popular spots, discover hidden gems, respect local communities and book in advance.
We hope you will enjoy your East Lothian, Edinburgh's Coast & Countryside. Follow our 5 top tips and #loveeastlothian now!
When you are invited to write a 1000-word testimonial for East Lothian, setting out your love affair with the place, it carries a challenge similar in scale to selecting just eight recordings from a life time of music for Desert Island Discs!
With the prompt of innumerable grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in the County, my family and I have naturally turned to East Lothian each year - for more than 50 years now - for our summer holidays and other breaks. East Lothian is unique in so many ways but above all, it offers an unparalleled menu of activities for anyone or a family seeking either a quiet time away or distractions for those with a short attention span.
The County is divided into two major chunks: an extraordinary and varied coastline (nearly 40 miles from Musselburgh in the west to Bilsdean in the east) and the ‘hinterland’ through woods and rolling farmland and the Lammermuir Hills, southwards towards Berwickshire. There are two good rivers: the River Tyne which flows eastwards and the River Esk which flows northwards into the Firth of Forth near Musselburgh. The county town of Haddington is pretty much in the middle of the county and with the A1 running east to west along the coastal strip and the A68 running south east out of Edinburgh towards The Borders, it is impossible - even for the most geographically challenged - to get lost!
So where to start? For me, the coastline is the real magic. Beaches, cliffs and hidden coves…they are all there. The Bass Rock (‘The Bass’) with its gannets have always been a major draw for me. You can travel out to the great volcanic plug by boat - if you desire the real sensory experience of the sea, the massed bird calls and the guano - or you can watch the biology of the rock from the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.
The harbour there has so much going on: The Lifeboat Station, a base for diving or sailing, a pause from shopping or just soaking up the people and the place. As a boy, I learned: to swim in the old saltwater lido (now gone), to sail a Drascombe lugger out of the harbour and to appreciate self-caught lobster and crab. Now, an enduring pleasure is a fish supper from Dino’s on Quality Street eaten on the harbour wall - in any weather and a pint afterwards in The Auld Hoose. The islands of Craigleith, The Lamb, Fidra (the ‘feather island’ which some say was the inspirational shape for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island ), tiny Eyebroughy and even the Isle of May far out on the horizon, they all have their own yarns and legends. Painters and writers: you are spoiled for choice in your inspiration - real or imagined!
For those with energy, the race each year from the harbour to the top of the North Berwick Law is a real lung-expander and tendon-stretch (followed by a dip in the Forth) while a walk or a bicycle along the coastal paths is a fine and easy way to spend the days. Most of the coastline can be walked and, provided you take care with the tides, the foreshore offers the mystery of flotsam, an unparalleled view of wildlife with seals, a rich variety of seabirds and all the fascinations to be found in rock pools - these broken up with matchless beaches for dogs and humans to run! And… and a bracing swim and surfing as well!
Dunbar is perhaps less well-known, but it too has a very special character. A much bigger working harbour, a good dive centre, a ‘grown up’ lifeboat, a fine swimming pool for those days when the weather is a bit challenging, its own 7th century castle ruins and a bridge on the beach in the middle of nowhere. For those requiring a proper challenge, Dunbar is one end of the 134-mile John Muir Way away to Helensburgh on the west coast. Beer, smoked fish and glorious bakeries to add to the mix!
In all this, there is a tremendous sense of history, at every turn, to colour any day out. Very close to the border with England, there are many castles to explore and to match them to the campaigns. The charismatic Tantallon on its clifftop perch but also the beautiful Hailes Castle in its magical riverside setting.
No visit to East Lothian would be complete without a bit of golf. Most courses offer sensible rates for beginners and the casual visitor. I am not a proficient golfer but have enjoyed some wonderful days with my young family learning how to hit the ball and find it when bashed into the rough. And, if you are any good, Muirfield and the links courses are without match anywhere in the world, grand views, a sea breeze and unusual course designs all make it fun and challenging.
No family holiday would be complete without a trip to the moors though the villages the like of Garvald and Gifford. A network of narrow roads with streams (‘burns’) running close by criss-cross the Lammermuirs. It is great to gather a simple picnic and just enjoy being away from it all. Heather, water, rock and the “Geback, Geback!” of grouse calling! The source of the Whiteaddder - which feeds the mighty reservoir - is for us an annual pilgrimage with guests ‘baptised’ in the ice cold spring and a glass of Glenkinchie whisky (from the distillery at Pencaitland) and water - perhaps with the odd sheep dropping - straight off the hill.
I am getting close to my word-limit and I have still failed to cover so much: the food (humble and foodie), monasteries, our own history at Whittinghame, the fishing, camping, the farming communities, Athelstaneford (the ‘birthplace’ of Scotland’s flag - the Saltire), The National Museum of Flight, the perfect racecourse and Mr Luca’s ice cream parlour in Musselburgh and of course a great welcome across the County.
I love East Lothian and it has provided a fabulous and constant home and holiday base for our itinerant Army family. We have had so many adventures - and these across all generations - and in quite a small space, easy to reach, at modest cost and with no hassle. Each year, we find something new and we can also return to known haunts. Just the job. I am looking forward very much to seeing you again soon. Thank you East Lothian.
David Allfrey has recently handed over (after nearly 10 years) as the Producer & Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. He took up this appointment following a varied 33-year military career which included command of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and 51st (Scottish) Brigade. Under David’s leadership, the Tattoo delivered over 235 shows in Edinburgh, Sydney, Melbourne and Wellington, entertaining live audiences totalling nearly 2.6 million!
Take an easy trip from Edinburgh or enjoy a day out while staying in East Lothian and visit some Outlander filming locations, while taking in the lovely coastal scenery.
We start in Musselburgh just a short drive along the coast from Edinburgh at Newhailes House & Gardens. The house is the setting for Governor Tryon’s North Carolina mansion in the opening episode of Season 4 - America the Beautiful. Although the Outlander story has now moved to America, most of the filming still takes place in Scotland. Newhailes House is a beautifully designed, 17th century Palladian style country house under the care of the National Trust for Scotland, ideal for a Governor’s mansion.
Leaving Musselburgh, we join the main A1 road, on the way along you will see a flag on a hill, marking the site of The Battle of Prestonpans. Turn off to visit the memorial site and take in the vista of how the Battle unfolded in the countryside around the area. It is well worth the short walk up hill to the memorial with the story boards or you can see a commemoration board by the battlefield site. “Prestonpans” merited a full Episode, 10 of Season 2, and is one of the most dramatic and emotional episodes in the series. The events surrounding the battle are pretty well portrayed in Outlander, but nothing beats reading about and taking in the scenes from the real-life battlefield. The battle scenes were filmed in Muiravonside Country park near Falkirk.
On to our next filming location, Gosford House on the coast at Longniddry. Gosford House is a stunning 18th century mansion house, family home of The Earls of Wemyss. It can be visited on a few selected days of the year. Gosford was used for a few locations. Once more a Scottish location is used for an overseas scene. In Season 2 the stables stand in for the stables at The Palace of Versailles, where Jamie is checking out horses for the Duke of Sandringham. But it is in Season 3 that Gosford House really shines. The exterior is Helwater, the country estate where Jamie is indentured as a groom to the Dunsany family. The beautiful marble interior is the inside of Ellesmere, the home of Geneva’s husband and Jamie’s son William. In the quirky twists in which Outlander excels, this location is intertwined with Hopetoun House in West Lothian, where the internal and stable shots for Helwater are filmed and the external view of Ellesmere is the front vista of Hopetoun House. It can take quite some detective work being an Outlander tour guide - pulling all the scenes together!
Further along the coast towards Dunbar, Ravensheugh Sands has dramatic views of The Bass Rock. Picture yourself as Claire and Brianna taking a stroll along the beach, until Steven Bonnet arrives, and things take a nasty turn for the worse. Season 5, Episode 10 is one of the most dramatic episodes of the series.
We will make one more, brief stop featuring a scene with Stephen Bonnet before our final stop on our tour, Preston Mill. The old auction house, The Mart at East Linton featured in Season 5, Episode 2 as the venue for the “Wilmington Fight Club”. The Mart is now a community hub which provides quality local Scottish produce and a first class shopping and eating experience.
We complete our tour at one of the most iconic Outlander locations, Preston Mill. The Mill, managed by The National Trust for Scotland, is one of Scotland’s oldest working mills and is very photogenic with its unusual shape. The mill is an attractive architectural oddity with a Dutch-style canonical roof. For Outlander fans, the interest lies with the water wheel which drives the machinery. The wheel is supposedly at Lallybroch, the Fraser family home, which is filmed at Midhope Castle in West Lothian. This is where Jamie strips off to mend the broken wheel and hides from the redcoats. One other small room at Preston Mill was used in filming, as the side room where Claire and Geillis consult with Ned Gowans, the lawyer, at the Witch Trial – which was mainly filmed at Tibbermore Church in Perthshire. The water wheel at Preston Mill means so much to Outlander fans that they were very supportive of The National Trust’s fundraising appeal to repair the wheel last year.
Please do check locations are open, as it is not always possible to see inside, but at Preston Mill, even if it is closed you can still see the water wheel. Enjoy your “Outlander Day” while learning some of the real history of some sites that are maybe not so well known around East Lothian.
And to find out about other film locations that you can visit check out East Lothian On Screen – #loveeastlothian responsibly and plan ahead #knowbeforeyougo.
East Lothian is a great place to live, work, visit and explore. Recent times have given us more reason to stay local and explore what’s on our doorstep. Our county has much on offer whether it’s for a short staycation, or if you’ve chosen to spend your holidays in Scotland. One of the big draws is the connection to our landscapes, the geology and people that shape these and the wildlife we can experience. Although we may be entering the final few weeks of summer, these landscapes continue to inspire and reveal seasonal changes as autumn creeps up on us.
The East Lothian landscape is framed by a backdrop of the undulating Lammermuir hills that are made of rocks from the floor of an ocean that has long since disappeared. Currently cloaked in their purple heather-cladding, there are many routes that can be taken to explore the area. The most famous is arguably the Herring Road which was used by fishwives carrying huge creels of herring from Dunbar harbour to the markets in Lauder.
Whilst the Lammermuir hills paint the backdrop for our landscape, the Firth of Forth is the open vista onto our coastal beaches, skerries and islands. Nestled between these are rich, native woodlands clinging to the steep sides of rivers that flow out to the sea - my favourites include Woodhall Dean and Brock Wood both Scottish Wildlife Trust sites - and there’s fertile farmland that provides lots of tasty local produce for us. Each of our local towns and villages including Dunbar, Haddington, North Berwick, Prestonpans and Musselburgh offers a distinctive gateway to both a historic past and thriving future.
The East Lothian landscape has been shaped through millions of years of geological time. Our towns are starting to bustle again but it remains easy to find quieter spots to explore too. Whilst doing so, you might reflect on the fact that these reveal a far more disturbed period of fire and explosions as volcanoes erupted and thick magma pushed through the earth’s surface to create distinctive landmarks such North Berwick Law, the Bass Rock and Traprain Law. Almost everywhere you go in East Lothian you will see these protruding from the landscape, a reminder of a far more explosive past. Climb them and you will be rewarded with 360-degree, panoramic views over the County and across to Fife. On a clear day anyway! These areas also have interesting iron age and wartime histories to delve into.
Modern conservationists are calling for a ‘rewilding’ of our landscapes. In this context, East Lothian is rightly proud of its historic association with John Muir, the great naturalist and father of national parks, who was born in Dunbar in 1838. Although Muir immigrated to the United States at a young age (11 years old) he is said to have retained a strong bond with his birthplace. A great way to find out more about his life is to visit the John Muir Birthplace, whether you are in the town for a day trip or are completing the 136 mile long John Muir Way which stretches from Helensburgh on the West coast to Dunbar. You can of course just potter along shorter stretches of The Way between our coastal towns and stop for some light refreshment along the way. A more recent addition to the John Muir homage is the 5m high Dunbear, which was created by the renowned artist Andy Scott. It’s well worth a stroll from the town centre to see the imposing Bear.
There are many inspiring quotes attributed to John Muir. One that sticks with me is “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”. East Lothian provides plenty of year-round natural wonders to enjoy. Being based at the Scottish Seabird Centre, it is perhaps inevitable that I am drawn to our varied coastline and islands such as Fidra, Craigleith, The Lamb and the Bass Rock. In the summer these are home to internationally renowned seabird colonies including the world’s largest Northern gannet colony on the Bass Rock. You can enjoy the sight, sound (and smell!) of 150,000 Northern gannets by taking a wildlife boat trip from the Scottish Seabird Centre or viewing them from the remotely operated cameras within the Centre. The gannets and their young (gugas) will hang around until at least late October, before they set out on their long journey south to winter in rich feeding grounds off West Africa. Other seabirds, such as puffins and the black legged kittiwakes have already started leaving their summer nesting sites for a winter at sea and will not return until next Spring.
Although the seasons will be changing soon there’s still much to explore along our seashore with ample opportunity for rock pooling, bird watching and looking out for seals – the harbour and grey. Grey seals will start to have their pups, coated in a white fur, in late October to early November and a safe way to view them is from the Centre’s remote cameras out to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. You can find out more about the wildlife above and below the waves in the Scottish Seabird Centre’s recently refurbished Discovery Experience where story boards, interactive games, animations and the remote cameras can all be explored.
I hope that you will take the opportunity to explore our small corner of Scotland. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, whatever the weather, by the variety in our landscapes, wildlife and history.
Remember to plan ahead, follow current guidance, know before you go and #loveeastlothian.
Images courtesy of the Scottish Seabird Centre.
There’s not much of the school holidays left but it’s not too late to find your next great day out or holiday in East Lothian. Now that tourism is open for business and good to go, there is plenty for you and your family to enjoy safely – from rural retreats to exhilarating watersports and from the great outdoors for walks to family run restaurants and bars - read on for your staycation inspiration…
East Lothian is fortunate to have accommodation of all types and for all budgets in secluded rural locations, in picturesque villages and in charming towns along a stunning coastline and in idyllic countryside. No matter where you choose to stay, you will be met with a warm welcome. Winton Castle self-catering cottages provide a fine example of what’s on offer. Set in Winton Estate in the village of Pencaitland, three luxury, self-catering country houses exude comfort, style and tranquillity. They are available on a flexible basis for full weeks, long weekends, or weekday short breaks. For serviced accommodation that’s intimate and is renowned for its food & drink, investigate the offer at Garleton Lodge just outside Haddington. This luxury B&B/small hotel has a hilltop position offering spectacular 360-degree panoramic views There are eight en-suite rooms and facilities including a lounge with a bar, restaurant, BBQ hut, spa/treatment room, hot tub, relaxation room and golf facilities with club storage, drying room, practice bunker and putting green. If you love camping and caravanning, you’ll love East Lothian’s sites. Many sites and parks have caravans, lodges and pods and there is some excellent glamping too. If you are a nature lover, wildlife spotter and appreciate beautiful beaches, check out Belhaven Bay caravan and camping park. The park is located within John Muir Country Park, a nature reserve with an adventure outdoor play area, woodland walks and the stunning Belhaven Bay beach with endless golden sand and instagrammable views. Dunbar, birthplace of John Muir the famous explorer, naturalist and founder of the National Parks movement in the USA, is just a short walk along the coast and the town has everything you need for your visit. When you’re there, you can visit Dunbar’s very own ‘Dunbear’, a symbolic statue to commemorate John Muir’s connection with the town and his travels through America’s great outdoors.
With views just as stunning from the opposite side of the bay on Tyninghame Beach is Harvest Moon Holidays, offering glamping in treehouses, beach cabins and a beautiful cottage. All treehouses and cabins have wood-burning stoves, en-suite WC and hot showers. On site you’ll find a farm shop, BBQ and campfire facilities. Younger visitors love the Kids Corner with chickens, alpacas, bunnies, lambs and pygmy goats.
Have a look here to begin planning.
Feeling like you’ve been a bit cooped up? Looking for something a bit more strenuous than your usual walk? How about taking to the water and trying your hand at coasteering, SUP, kayaking, surfing or wakeboarding? These are just some of the activities for you to enjoy a day in a wetsuit! The folks at Ocean Vertical, Venturing Out and Foxlake Adventures are all set up and ready to go!
Having said that, walking is a great pastime and very good for your physical and mental health and there are many paths and routes to explore either on foot or bicycle. Most famous of all is of course The John Muir Way, but did you know that you can also walk the John Muir Link from Dunbar to Cockburnspath? For a cross county stroll, the Haddington to Longniddry railway path makes a lovely day out with some very tempting places at either end to enjoy a coffee, spot of lunch or dinner. Falko, a small German bakery in Haddington offers traditional cakes or for a light lunch, Longniddry Inn has some great dishes to whet your appetite. Just outside Edinburgh, yet miles away from all the hustle and bustle, is Musselburgh. Take a walk along the River Esk walkway and make sure to bring a paper and crayons/pencils to complete the Musselburgh Trail.
East Lothian is rightly renowned as Scotland’s Golf Coast with the greatest concentration of championship golf courses in the world and some of the best links courses to boot. In fact, there are 21 courses to choose from along a 30 mile stretch of scenic coastline. Check here for detailed information and to book your perfect golf break.
All this walking, cycling, exploring, watersports and golfing is sure to give you an appetite and you’ll be glad to know that East Lothian has some first class places to eat and drink. From coffee and delectable homebaking at Cake Cafe, North Berwick and Tyninghame Smithy to fish and chips at the seaside from The Rocketeer, North Berwick. From great pub grub at The Crown & Kitchen beer garden, in the quaint village of East Linton and The Brig & Barrel, Dunbar to relaxing meals at The Bonnie Badger, Tom Kitchin’s Pub & Restaurant with rooms in the heart of Gullane and Duck’s Inn hotel, restaurant and bar in Aberlady. Look out for the places that are proud to be using local produce. Many of our products are available in farm shops, local shops and on the high street for you to take home and enjoy later or to whip up a feast in your self-catering accommodation! Be sure to try lobster fresh from the boat at the Lobster Shack, bread and pastries from Bostock Bakery and Dunbar Community Bakery, real ale from Winton Brewery at Station Yard, ice cream from Alandas and pizza from Hector’s Artisan Pizza.
We know that you will be wanting reassurances before you visit and we advise you to know before you go. Please do check with individual businesses direct regarding booking, opening and safety arrangements in place and also plan ahead to ensure that you know what facilities are open and have alternatives to more popular areas.
#LoveEastLothian Now!
It could be wet, it could be snowy or it could be a beautiful crisp sunny day, you never can tell with February!
One thing we do know is that it’s a great month to listen out for early birdsong. Love is in the air and many birds are seeking partners to build their nests with. Much of the birdsong you will hear are male birds signalling that they have claimed their territory. This lets other males know to stay away and invite females to pair up. It’s an announcement of the bird’s status as “lord of the manor”, as it were.
There’s a huge variety of birdsong. The robin produces one of the most beautiful songs - a liquid, lyrical series of notes ranging in pitch and tone. The beauty of the song and the fact that robins sometimes sing at night (particularly near street lights) can fool people into thinking that they’ve heard a much rarer nightingale. The bullfinch song on the other hand, consists of several low-pitched whistles sounding fairly miserable. It’s almost like the bird is having a really bad day and just can’t be bothered singing! However, they are lovely looking birds, with bright red breasts and black cap.
It can be tricky to identify birdsong. One of the easiest is the great tit with a clear and repetitive two notes, the song is said to resemble a small schoolchild calling out “teacher, teacher, teacher!”
In a similar vein, song thrushes are also loud and repetitive. The song is a series of strident notes repeated three or four times. Song thrushes usually sing from a prominent perch, such as a tree top, making them relatively easy to spot. Thrushes are probably familiar to most, with their predominantly brown plumage and characteristic speckled breast.
Some birds don’t sing at all to stake their claim. Great spotted woodpeckers hammer their beaks against trees (and sometimes pipes or telegraph poles) to produce a rapid-fire drumming sound. These birds are not completely silent voice-wise, as they can also be heard making loud yipping calls.
Birdsong is definitely worth listening out for. It can brighten up even the drabbest of February days and, with a bit of practice, you’ll find it a valuable tool in helping to identify birds – especially those awkward ones which refuse to show themselves.
Thank you to East Lothian Council's Countryside Ranger Service.
Sláinte from East Lothian
East Lothian is Scotland’s Food & Drink County and what a great selection of drinks we have to ensure you entertain in style this festive season! Here are some of our Visit East Lothian favourites. Make the perfect cocktail or enjoy on their own with these fruity liqueurs and mixers.
Aelder is a wild elderberry elixir that is distinctive and versatile. Handcrafted in small batches, elderberries are infused with wild Scottish herbs and botanicals, before blending with a young whisky and a touch of spice. Make the perfect champagne cocktail just add 12.5ml Aelder to a flute and top up with fizz.
Fraiser is a uniquely Scottish drink blending the flavours of premium Scottish Whisky with wild strawberries. Try adding equal amounts of Bourbon and Fraiser to orange bitters & Gomme syrup for a twist on the Old Fashioned.
For a traditional winter spiced treat, Gullane Glogg is the ideal mixer with a combination of orange infused with spices. Make a delicious mulled wine, ready to serve in minutes.
NB Distillery makes one of our favourite gins but did you know they also make citrus vodka and golden rum? NB Citrus Vodka is dry and smooth try adding 2/3 part pomegranate juice, 1/3 triple sec, a dash of lime juice & orange zest to 1 1/3 parts vodka. NB Full Bodied Rum has intense fruit notes. Try it neat or with a small splash of water to open up the flavour!
Fidra small batch gin is infused with botanicals including sea buckthorn, elderflower, rosehip and lemon thyme handpicked locally. Makes the perfect G&T!
Thistly Cross is a well-established East Lothian cider maker and if you’re a fan make sure you try the Winter Thistle, but be warned this a limited edition with only 600 bottles available, so you better be fast!
East Lothian is not short on handcrafted beers - from the tradition of Belhaven Brewery to the new kid on the block Winton Brewery, there’s a style to suit all tastes. Here’s a snapshot.
Winton Brewery is producing IPA, APA and fruity and sour beers in their Pencaitland brewery and we just love the names – Oh Ya Bassa, Peelywally, Bruce Juice & Barry Swally.
Hurly Burly’s bottle conditioned real ales are all made using East Lothian base malts in their Musselburgh brewhouse. They are also in the running for our favourite beer names - Gnat’s Hop, Giddy Goat, Hare of the Dog, Last Sheep Sheared & Blimey.
Belhaven Brewery celebrated it’s 300th birthday this year and from that day to this, still brews famous beers using only the finest local barley and hops. It’s best known for prhttps://visiteastlothian.org/business/archerfield-house/oducing Scotland’s Best-Loved Best!
It wouldn’t be Scotland without a dram of the ‘Water of Life’ and of course we highly recommend Glenkinchie the Edinburgh Malt. Enjoy straight up or with splash of water!
Of course, you’ll want the perfect end to your festive feast and we have two award winning tea & coffee merchants that will ensure you do just that.
Brodies with over 150 years’ experience in the art of roasting coffee and blending tea, no matter what your preference, you’re sure to find something from their range. Brodies have trusted fair trade relationships across the world and are always discovering fresh and exciting flavours.
Steampunk has fast become a North Berwick institution roasting only fully traceable and responsibly source coffees. Green beans are sourced at their seasonal best so the coffee on sale is always changing.
From all of us at Visit East Lothian we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - please drink responsibly.
A day out needn’t break the bank if you follow our top tips for free things to do in East Lothian, only minutes from Edinburgh.
Beaches
If you’re visiting Dunbar, you will be spoilt for choice with some of our most dramatic beaches. Dunbar East Beach is just minutes from the High Street and parking is nearby at the Leisure Pool. It’s a great beach for rockpooling!
Just down the coast is Skateraw beach, a must for those with an interest in geology. Look out for the impressive macaroni rock!
For those who love a sandy beach with dunes, rockpooling and perfect sandcastle sand, then visit Thortonloch just of the A1 between Dunbar and Cockburnspath.
For more information about all our beaches visit here.
Walks
Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or something a bit more energetic, there are loads of great walks in East Lothian.
We have a great range of walking leaflets which highlight where to go and what to see in our towns and villages.
You can also take a walk along our stunning coastline and one of the best ways to do this is to follow the John Muir Way.
Take a walk that will provide you with amazing panoramic views across the county from these vantage points.
With such a great vantage, Traprain Law was first settled in the bronze age. This volcanic rock rises to 724ft and dominates the landscape in every direction. It is now home to a herd of ponies which adds to its photogenic appeal.
The Traprain Hoard of roman silver was discovered 100 years ago and you can see this treasure on display at the John Gray Centre, Haddington.
Another major landmark is the Hopetoun Monument. Climb the 132 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and surrounding countryside. On a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of the Cairngorms!
If you’re visiting, North Berwick don’t miss the chance to climb North Berwick Law. At the top you can see the remains of an Iron Age fort, military buildings that were lookouts in the Napoleonic Wars & in World War II and a whale’s jawbone!
Picnic Areas
Family time in the summertime means relaxing picnics and hours of play and fun. Here are some of our fantastic parks with activities to please children and adults alike.
Lauderdale Park, Dunbar
Lodge Grounds, North Berwick
Lewisvale Park, Musselburgh
Neilson Park, Haddington
Visit here for more information.
Museums
Discover the history of East Lothian in the innovative interactive museum at Haddington’s John Gray Centre. Until October, you also have the chance to see the Traprain Hoard of roman silver on display. There’s plenty here for everyone and kids can collect stamps on the postcard trail.
Encounter John Muir in the home where he was born in Dunbar. John Muir’s Birthplace explores his life through interactive displays and permanent exhibits.
The Coastal Communities Museum in North Berwick highlights the towns heritage and hosts special exhibitions. This year, Teenage Kicks looks at growing up in North Berwick between 1945 to 2015. This nostalgic fun and informative exhibition features films, music, costumes and games.
Explore the history of Musselburgh in the towns museum from its earliest days through Roman settlement and medieval upheaval to its fame as a thriving fishing harbour.
Hidden Gems
The Woodland Trust look after Pressmennan Wood near Dunbar. This beautiful woodland surrounds a lake and is home to abundance of wildlife. It is also home to mythical creatures, Glingbobs and Tootflits, follow the trail through the woods and see if you can find their houses!
Sitting within Dunglass Estate is Dunglass Collegiate Church. This 15th century gothic church is a Historic Environment Scotland property and contains some find carved stonework in an attractive pink-hued sandstone.
For those who love exploring, go into the woods in Gifford to search for the secret subterranean Goblin Ha’ , the only remains of Yester Castle. It was built by Hugo de Giffard, the ‘Wizard of Yester’. The local population believed the well at the castle is a portal to hell!
Planning a spring escape? There's lots to do in East Lothian! The Visit East Lothian team spent an amazing weekend at the Scottish Cycling, Running & Outdoor Pursuits Show showcasing the range of outdoor activity and experiences on offer. Our new Go East Lothian Trail proved extremely popular with cycling enthusiasts and the zipline gave a flavour of the thrilling outdoor treetop ziptrail at Foxlake Adventures.
Walkers were interested in the John Muir Way and the John Muir link as well as the many paths and trails that run throughout our coast and countryside.
For the watersports fan, you can't beat a trip to Dunbar, North Berwick or Longniddry where you can surf, SUP, kite-surf, kayak and sail to your hearts content.
Scotland's Golf Coast is promoting some great packages this spring, don't miss the chance to play some of the the world's best courses, stay in welcoming accommodation and enjoy fresh local food and drink.
Mother's Day is fast approaching, East Lothian is the perfect destination to spoil that special lady. Why not enjoy an outdoor activity and then treat her to a delicious lunch or sumptuous afternoon tea.
Here are just some of our top spots for afternoon tea. Frangipane is a real hidden gem, this pop up tea room in Longniddry has some of the best home baking around. Be sure to check direct with them for their next event. Lewis & Clarke Artisan Kitchen will even deliver a traditional afternoon tea direct to your door, so everyone can relax. Archerfield Walled Garden is offering a menu full of tasty mouthwatering bites over the Mother's Day weekend.
For lunches, you can't go wrong with The Bonnie Badger, recently awarded AA 5 star status. Tom Kitchin's new restaurant with rooms is sure to please. Set on the harbour at North Berwick, The Rocketeer is famed for seafood fresh off the boat. The newly refurbished Rocks Bar & Restaurant is the perfect setting on top of dramatic cliffs in Dunbar. With sea view rooms and a menu featuring the best of local produce, it' a winner!
So what are you waiting for, start planning your spring visit today!
