Responsible Tourism
Respect East Lothian
East Lothian is a beautiful destination, renowned for its stunning coastline, unspoilt countryside and diverse wildlife. We encourage all visitors to help protect these special places by exploring responsibly and leaving a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
How to Minimise Your Impact
A few simples steps can help preserve the area's natural beauty for future generations:
- Take your litter home and leave only footprints
- Stick to designated paths to protect sensitive habitats and prevent erosion
- Avoid lighting fires, as they can spread quickly and cause lasting damage
- Respect wildlife and observe animals from a safe distance
- Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and enjoy the outdoors responsibly
Our beaches are particularly popular during sunny weather. Car parks are available at the main beaches along the coast, but if a car park is full, please avoid blocking roads, access routes or private driveways. Instead, consider visiting another nearby where parking is available. Beaches further east, such as Longniddry Bents, are often quieter and benefit from three separate car parks.
Wild Camping
If you plan to go wild camping, please ensure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and camp responsibly.
- Wild camping should form part of a walking or cycling journey
- Use lightweight tents (max 2-person) and limit your group size to 4 people
- Stay for no more than 2 nights in any one location
- Leave no trace and take all litter away with you
- Respect local communities, wildlife and other visitors
Campervans & Motorhomes
Campervans and motorhomes are a fantastic way to explore the coast and countryside, allowing you to discover the region at your own pace. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, we recommend planning ahead, booking campsites or overnight stops in advance where possible, and checking for any parking restrictions or height barriers before your travel.
Additional Resources
For more information on responsible outdoor access and camping, watch our Wild Camping Advice Video and consult the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Campervan and motorhome users may also find VisitScotland's Campervan, Motorhome & Caravan Holidays in Scotland Guide helpful when planning a trip.
Know Before You Go
Our top tip for visiting is to plan ahead. Before travelling, check directly with businesses for opening times, booking requirements and any special arrangements that may be in place.
It's also worth checking what facilities are available at your chosen destination, including parking, toilets, changing facilities and refreshments, helping you make the most of your visit.
