Experiences
Experience something a little different when you visit East Lothian and make memories that you will treasure.
Wake up together in your exclusive accommodation to the delicious smell of a traditional home cooked Scottish breakfast using the finest local ingredients. It really doesn't matter if it's a crisp autumnal day, a misty winter dawn, a fresh spring morning or a beautiful summer's sunrise - spectacular scenery and new adventures await you. With 40 miles of stunning coast, rolling countryside, 5-star attractions, some of the world's best golf, an abundance of local produce and packed full of history, East Lothian is no ordinary day.
agritourism
Enjoy a farm stay for your holiday, or for a fun day out. Stay in a converted bus or cosy cottage with activities on offer from afternoon tea with goats to forest bathing. Or pop into our farm shops and cafes for a bite to eat or pick up some delicious local produce.
Bass Rock Boat Trip
The iconic Bass Rock is home to the world’s largest northern colony of gannets and one of the wonders of the natural world. It is one of several islands off the East Lothian coast and a boat trip really is a must when you visit. Dolphins, seals and seabirds abound.
Concorde
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on solid ground then a visit to the National Museum of Flight where you can step on board Scotland’s Concorde is just the ticket. Learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day and immerse yourself in supersonic experiences.
Gin O'Clock
The craft gin scene is booming and one of East Lothian’s finest can be found at NB Distillery which not only produces multi award winning NB gin but also rum. Book a tour for an insight into how these spirits are produced and of course for a taste!
Lobster Fresh from the Boat
With traditional fishing villages and harbours, it’s no wonder that East Lothian is famed for its seafood. Enjoy lobster fresh from the boat in one of our restaurants and bars or even al fresco at The Rocketeer on the harbour in North Berwick.
Microlight Flights
Take to the air in a microlight aircraft from the historic WWI East Fortune airfield. Soar above East Lothian’s beautiful landscape in an open-cockpit aircraft, enjoy the wind on your face and the unparalleled views. You can even take over the controls!
Play Scotland's Golf Coast
Stretching for 30 miles along the East Lothian coast, Scotland’s Golf Coast has twenty one courses to choose from and the greatest concentration of championship courses in the world including Gullane, Muirfield, North Berwick and Dunbar. Here you can follow in the footsteps of the greats! You can also play Musselburgh Old Course, one of Scotland’s oldest and set in the middle of a racecourse!
Preston Mill
Take a step back in time at the 18th century Preston Mill which was East Lothian’s largest watermill and produced oatmeal. You can see it in operation today and get a true flavour of life in times gone by. Oh, and if you are a fan of Outlander, you will definitely want to visit. Remember the famous scene in Series 1 when Jamie is mending the mill wheel then Redcoats suddenly arrive and he is forced to hide underwater?
Stargazing
Sad to say that these days with all the light pollution many of us don’t get to experience the thrill of looking up at the star-studded sky at night. Despite its proximity to Edinburgh, East Lothian is one of the areas with little light pollution, in fact you're in for a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights (also called the Aurora Borealis) on a clear night! Here are some of the best places for stargazing Bridge to Nowhere, Humbie, Thorntonloch Beach and Whitekirk Hill.
Stay in a Stately Home
What better way to treat yourself than to spend the night in a castle, mansion or 16th century tower? East Lothian has no shortage of exclusive accommodation. Winton Castle is steeped in Scotland's history and filled with a wonderful collection of art and antique furniture, it is both a 15th century castle and a family home. Gilmerton House is a Grade A listed Georgian mansion and home to the Kinloch family for thirteen generations. A full butler service ensures that all your needs are catered to. Fenton Tower is a magnificent, fortified, 16th Century tower set in its own grounds and with unrivalled views of East Lothian’s countryside. Dating back as far as the 15th century, Carberry Tower Mansion House has a fascinating history. Situated in 35 acres of landscaped and manicured parkland, the grounds create scenic views and endless walks.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Get beyond the beach and take to the water to experience East Lothian’s coast with its beautiful golden beaches, rugged cliffs and picturesque towns and villages from a whole new perspective. SUP - stand up paddleboarding is a fun watersport, good for your health and a fantastic way to explore. You will also see the iconic Bridge to Nowhere.
Wakeboarding
Cable wakeboarding is the world’s fastest growing watersport and East Lothian is home to Scotland’s first facility. This is one for all you adrenaline junkies - an overhead cable pulls you over the surface of the lake and feels a bit like surfing or snowboarding. But don’t worry as most manage to stand up, find their feet and start carving in their first session!
Wellbeing Holidays
We all love having the opportunity to switch off from the hurly burly of everyday life. For many of us, our holiday is when we can really take time for ourselves. We can put work pressures behind us, set our ‘out of office’ in reply to emails, forget about the school run and after school activities schedule and leave the housework for another day!
East Lothian is the ideal location for a break that allows you to focus on your wellbeing and factor in some well-deserved me time.
Take a Walk!
Get outdoors, take a walk, and reconnect with nature. East Lothian has some beautiful countryside with walks for all abilities giving you the opportunity to switch off the everyday chatter and indulge in a spot of mindfulness.
spa day & fitness activity
Relax and treat yourself to a spa day and some pampering – you will feel so much better for it! Why not go for a swim, join a fitness activity or have a workout?
Slow down
Sign up for a guided session and let the experts help you to slow down and look after yourself. Why not try forest bathing, open water swimming, barefoot walking or hone your bushcraft skills?
cYCLING
Reinvigorate and recharge on two wheels. There are lots of scenic cycling paths and routes across the county as well as cycle hire companies.
oN THE wATER
Take to the water and watch your worries float away as you master surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing.
Stay on a Farm
If you are searching for some total relaxation on your holiday then why not try a stay on a farm? Even better, stay on one that offers a whole range of wellness experiences from mindful loch swimming to SUP yoga.
cooking
Indulge in a culinary experience! Find out about local produce and ingredients, create the perfect curry and make your own pasta! A fun interactive activity for the whole family - why not learn a new skill on your next break then go home and impress all your friends?