Experiences

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.

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.

Indulge in a culinary experience at Yarrow Cookery School! 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?

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Step back in time at Preston Mill, one of Scotland's most picturesque watermills. Dating from the 18th century, the mill once produced oatmeal and offers a fascinating insight into rural life and traditional milling. Fans of Outlander, may also recognise it from the memorable scene where Jamie hides beneath the mill wheel from the Redcoats.

Escape the glow of city lights and discover some of the region's best stargazing spots. Despite being close to Edinburgh, several areas enjoy relatively dark skies, offering excellent opportunities to admire the stars and, on occasion, even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Popular locations include the Bridge to Nowhere, Humbie, Thorntonloch Beach and Whitekirk Hill.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable stay in a castle, mansion or historic tower. From luxurious exclusive-use properties to elegant country houses, there are plenty of opportunities to experience a taste of Scotland's grand past.

Stay in remarkable properties including Winton Castle, Gilmerton House, Fenton Tower and Carberry Tower Mansion House, each offering unique character, fascinating history and beautiful surroundings. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something extraordinary, these impressive properties provided a truly memorable escape.

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.

Join certified tea expert Sandra Benn of Chiya & Chai for a unique 90-minute journey into Scotland’s tea history. In a relaxed setting, enjoy a guided tasting of three loose-leaf teas, including a whisky-infused blend and, when available, a rare Scottish-grown tea. Hear captivating stories of tea smugglers, botanists, and the Scots who shaped global tea culture. Also offered: The History of Afternoon Tea – a charming 30-minute talk during full tea service.

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!

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.

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?

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?

Reinvigorate and recharge on two wheels. There are lots of scenic cycling paths and routes across the county as well as cycle hire companies.

Take to the water and watch your worries float away as you master surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or sailing.