Why East Lothian?
Planning a staycation in the UK, or perhaps a dream holiday to Scotland from further afield? Torn between beach, countryside and town?
Now, you probably think we’re a little biased as far as East Lothian’s concerned, and you’re right - we think it makes the perfect holiday destination. So, let’s see if we can convince you too.
It’s a varied region with stunning beaches, rolling countryside and pretty villages and towns. It’s also home to award winning tourist attractions such as the Scottish Seabird Centre and the National Museum of Flight. There are lots of excellent places to eat, from fine dining restaurants, to cafes, bistros and inns.
If you enjoy activity packed holidays you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. From golf to wakeboarding and castle exploring - there’s something for everyone. Alternatively, if Zen-like calm is more your thing, then it’s a great place to ‘escape from it all’. You can watch the sunset from one of the beautiful beaches in the region, or unwind with a relaxing spa treatment.
East Lothian also makes a great base for exploring Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, which are both just a short hop away.
From Castle stays to glamping and everything in-between
The tourist accommodation you’ll find here is as diverse as the region itself. There are lots of high quality and unique places to stay.
Ever dreamt of living in a castle like a King or Queen of old? In East Lothian you can make that dream a reality – for a short while at least! Fenton Tower is a 16th century tower house which sits in open countryside, 3 miles south of the popular seaside town of North Berwick. King James VI, son of Mary Queen of Scots once sheltered in the castle. Today it provides 5-star tourist accommodation for up to 12 guests, and there’s a dedicated team on hand to cater to your every need.
Maybe your idea of holiday heaven is self-catering in a cute wooden cabin near the sea? If it is then you’ll love The Cabin near Tantallon Castle. This small rural property has a pretty wildflower garden and beautiful views. It’s also pet friendly, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged loved one at home.
If a remote rural setting isn’t for you, then a town with a little hustle and bustle may be. The Rocks Hotel in Dunbar is perfectly situated by the sea. The on-site restaurant, with its mouth-watering menu makes this the perfect escape for town loving foodies.
Many of us will have happy childhood memories of caravan holidays by the sea. East Lothian has several excellent caravan parks with lots of on-site activities to keep children amused. Seton Sands Holiday Village in Port Seton is situated on a prime beachside spot. If the thought of dipping your toes in Scottish seawater doesn’t tempt you, then the heated indoor pool might. Dogs are welcome at this property too.
East Lothian has no shortage of excellent golf courses, including Muirfield, Gullane and Archerfield, so it’s hardly surprising that the area attracts a high number of golf tourists. The Lodge at Craigielaw has 25 guest rooms and is the perfect base for exploring the region’s golf courses, starting with the on-site Craigielaw Golf Club.
If the options above all sound far too exhausting, and you’d rather spend your well-earned holiday wearing a fluffy robe and slippers then the Marine Hotel in North Berwick could be the perfect place for you. With spa packages starting at £45 per person, the only dilemma you’ll have is deciding which of the wonderful treatments you’ll choose. Fido is also welcome at this property, but you may feel far too relaxed to walk him!
Unfortunately, one short blog won’t allow us to look at all the wonderful holiday accommodation available in East Lothian. We hope this has given you some great ideas though, and whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic weekend away or a golf/spa break with friends, we hope to see you here very soon.
Samantha Grant, March 2017
Scotland with the Wee White Dug
In this blog, we're going to focus on a fascinating and beautiful site in the care of our team of Countryside Rangers. We're a little jealous as they get to spend lots of time outdoors, working in beautiful, rural East Lothian. They're responsible for conservation and monitoring, and are knowledgeable in all things countryside. Their job remit covers everything from sandy beaches, to hills, monuments and country walks.
Traprain Law lies under 4 miles east of Haddington. For anyone unfamiliar with the Scots language we should explain that the word law means hill in Scotland, so Traprian Law is a hill. It stands at a modest height of 221 meters and is surrounded by flat countryside, making it appear taller.
History
The hill is one of Scotland's most important historical sites. Due to it being a great vantage point it was once home to an extensive hill fort, and is likely to have been the ancient capital of the Votadini Tribe. The Votadini seem to have coexisted quite peacefully with the Romans during their occupation of the surrounding area. In 1919 one of the most significant hoards of Roman silver ever found was discovered on the hill. The Traprain Law Treasure consists of around 250 pieces of 'hacked up' Roman silverware, weighing 22kg. Today pieces from the impressive collection can be viewed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Wildlife
An abundance of wildlife exists on and around Traprain Law with foxes, badgers, newts, barn owls, skylarks and peregrine falcons all in evidence. The highlight of any visit though is undoubtedly a meeting with the friendly Exmoor Ponies who call the hill home. The ponies play an important role in keeping the wild grasses on the hill under control, which in turn encourages wild flowers to grow and helps to prevent wildfires from spreading. Human visitors are greeted warmly, but don't be fooled by these equine charmers as their motive is food!
Plantlife
The law is rich in plant life too with wild flowers, grasses and plants such as Primrose, Saxifrage, Crested Hair-grass and Meadowsweet all found growing there. When the wild gorse blooms with yellow flowers in spring, the air is filled with the distinctive smell of coconut. It's impossible to pass without thinking of summer holidays. Lichens also flourish on the hill, including several rare and scarce species.
Geology
Traprain Law is a Laccolith which was formed during volcanic activity in the Carboniferous period. It's made of a type of rock called phonolite, which isn't commonly found in Scotland. Glacial erosion during the ice age shaped the law into a crag and tail formation, just like the hills Edinburgh Castle and the Wallace Monument stand on today.
Like all Scottish places worth their salt Traprain Law has a fascinating legend attached to it. It's said that a 6th century king called Loth or Lot once lived there. He became outraged when he found out his daughter was pregnant and threw her off the hill to her death – or so he thought. Instead she survived, escaping across the Firth of Forth to Culross in Fife where she gave birth to a son. Her son later became St Mungo, Glasgow's patron saint. Legend has it that Lothian as in East Lothian derived from the name Loth.
We hope you've found this whistle-stop tour of Traprian Law interesting. In addition to the monitoring and conservation work our Countryside Rangers do, they also organise events throughout the year, such as long distance hikes, guided activities and conservation tasks. You can find out more here. They publish a quarterly newsletter too 'Mud in Your Eye' where you can read about local wildlife, places to explore and the changing of the seasons.
Visiting Traprain Law
Getting there: From East Linton, take the turning off the A199 that goes under the A1. Turn right at the junction and head uphill, passing a couple of farms. Traprian Law is signposted from a turning on the right-hand side.
Facilities: Free car parking, on-site information boards, Ranger service.
Accessibility: Traprain Law is suitable for walkers of all ages, but requires sensible footwear and a moderate level of fitness and mobility.
Samantha Grant, February 2017
Scotland with the Wee White Dug
Reluctantly, we’re going to let you in on one of East Lothian’s best kept secrets. You see, we love Seacliff Beach so much that we’d like to keep it to ourselves but that would be selfish, so we’re going to share it with you and ask you to keep it a secret too - deal?
Seacliff Beach can be found just off a private road, reached via the A198 at Auldhame. There’s a £3 toll to access the beach and car park, but it’s worth every penny as Seacliff is a tranquil haven, where you can enjoy a quiet stroll by the sea and hardly bump into another soul. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On a clear day, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Hebrides, as the golden sand and azure blue sea gives the place a real Hebridean hue. It’s only the Bass Rock looming in the Firth of Forth that gives away the true location.
Seacliff is a beach with interesting features too. To the west of its sandy, sheltered bay sits a tiny harbour built in the Victorian era. It was hewn, painstakingly out of a large lump of sandstone known as Ghegan Rock. The tiny harbour has access to the sea via a narrow, sandstone channel. It’s a real feat of Victorian engineering.
From the harbour the mighty, medieval fortress and one time Douglas family stronghold, Tantallon Castle can be seen looming from its clifftop seat. Another castle ruin sits hidden, and all but forgotten nearby. Concealed on a leafy incline, behind the west side of the beach lie the ruins of the 16th century Auldhame Castle. Only a vaulted cellar and some tower walls remain today. Unlike its famous next-door neighbour, little is known of its history.
On the east side of the beach a rocky outcrop known as St Baldred’s Boat, protrudes into the sea. At its tip a conical stone pillar, topped by a cross can be seen rising from the water. The cross commemorate the 8th century hermit, St Baldred of Tyninghame. This part of East Lothian has strong links to the saint who is thought to have arrived in East Lothian from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland.
In true hermit fashion, St Baldred loved nothing better than a bit of solitary confinement. Sitting above the beach in the car park, is a small cave known as St Baldred’s Cave. Local legend says that St Baldred lived in the cave from time to time. Excavations of the cave led to the discovery of a large rock, thought to have been used as an altar. Human and animal remains, pottery fragments and a bone knife were also unearthed, but they dated to the Iron Age and not the 8th century.
Seacliff has much more to offer than pretty scenery and history though. It’s an excellent place to take children to explore rockpools, build sandcastles and paddle in the sea. Older children will love clambering up Ghegan Rock to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beach. Seacliff is a wonderful subject for photographers too, with lots of interesting features to snap. Wildlife lovers can watch thousands of seabirds swarming around the Bass Rock. Its sheltered location also makes Seacliff the perfect spot to enjoy a good old fashioned picnic by the sea, and who doesn’t love a picnic?
So, that’s Seacliff Beach, one of East Lothian’s best kept secrets and finest hidden gems. Please remember to keep it to yourself, as we don’t want everyone to know about it!
Visiting Seacliff Beach
Location: Accessed via a private road, just off the A198 at Auldhame. Postcode for sat nav EH39 5PP.
Entry fee: £3 charge, paid at an unmanned toll barrier
Facilities: On-site parking, toilets
Access: The beach is located right next to the car park and toilets, and is accessed via some wooden steps with handrails.
Samantha Grant, February 2017
theweewhitedug.com
Great Places to Eat Out in East Lothian
You don’t have to look far in East Lothian to find great places to eat out. This is a region that celebrates Scotland’s rich, natural larder. You’ll find Scotch beef, locally caught seafood and home-grown fruit and vegetables in abundance on menus. There’s something to suit all tastes, occasions and budgets, so let’s take a look at what’s out there:
Fine dining
Whether you want to enjoy Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal or celebrate a special occasion with good food and wine, East Lothian has options aplenty.
Set within six acres of beautiful grounds, Chez Roux is the perfect venue for that special celebration.
This North Berwick restaurant has stunning views of the Firth of Forth. You’ll be torn between tucking into dinner and enjoying the view.
Bistro dining
The towns and villages of East Lothian boast numerous gastropubs and bistros serving great quality meals.
The Creel
Situated by the harbour in Dunbar, you can enjoy the fruits of the sea, combined with the smell of fresh sea air. The Chef/Proprietor at The Creel earned his stripes working with seafood guru Rick Stein.
A visit to the unspoiled town of East Linton is like stepping back in time. The Crown & Kitchen is a popular spot, serving tasty gastropub food.
Family friendly fun
Keeping children amused can be a challenge. Luckily East Lothian has a number of child friendly attractions where you can take the kids to burn off excess energy, and enjoy a bite to eat.
You’ll definitely build up an appetite after a visit to Scotland’s first cable wakeboarding park. Foxlake’s award winning Boardwalk Café is a great place to refuel after an activity packed day out.
Budding aviators will love the National Museum of Flight which is home to Concorde. There’s an on-site café too which serves light lunches and sweet treats.
Dog friendly
East Lothian is a popular destination with dog walkers due to its abundance of long sandy beaches, walking trails, hills and parks. Many local eateries are dog friendly, making it possible to enjoy a good walk and a nice lunch.
Situated in the village of Gifford, The Goblin Ha’ welcomes dogs and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re feeling brave explore the ruins of Yester Castle nearby, and trace the origins of The Goblin Ha’s unusual name!
Cockenzie House & Gardens
Explore the beautiful grounds of this 17th century house, then unwind in Cadell’s Café which welcomes dogs in the conservatory and terrace.
Farm shops & garden centres
The Café at Merryhatton Garden Centre
Those of you with green fingers will enjoy a visit to Merryhatton Garden Centre, where you can combine your passion for horticulture with a bite to eat.
Fenton Barns Farm Shop and Cafe
If you’re self-catering in the area why not stock up on some fresh local ingredients at the farm shop? If you prefer to leave the cooking to others, there’s an on-site café too.
Coffee & cakes
Who doesn’t enjoy the guilty pleasure of tucking into a delicious slice of homemade cake? You’ll find lots of lovely places to do just that dotted throughout East Lothian.
The Loft Café & Bakery in the Royal Burgh of Haddington serves an enticing selection of cakes, teas and coffees. Burn off those calories afterwards with a brisk walk along the River Tyne.
Tyninghame Smiddy Café
The tiny village of Tyninghame is chocolate box pretty. The Smiddy Café is the ideal place to stop for cake and coffee after a visit to the stunning Tyninghame Beach.
Wonderful ice-cream to enjoy by the sea
If you're lucky enough to have eaten ice-cream in Italy, then you'll know that it's unbelievably good. Did you know that you can find ice-cream every bit as good here in East Lothian?
Alanda’s Gelateria
Alanda’s in North Berwick use locally sourced ingredients to make their ice-cream. They have an enticing choice of flavours on offer, ranging from maple walnut fudge to Madagascan vanilla. Even Ewan McGregor couldn’t resist popping in when he was in the area recently.
Drive through Musselburgh when the sun’s out and you’ll see a queue, snaking out of the door of Luca’s. Luca’s is a much-loved East Lothian institution for good reason – their ice-cream is phenomenally good.
This whistle-stop tour of eating out in East Lothian barely scratches the surface when it comes to the large number of high quality options there are out there, so why not pay us a visit and find out for yourself?
