Days Out

No matter where you go or what you do, you will have no ordinary day when you visit East Lothian.

East Lothian offers some of the best days out in Scotland. It is a place where you can explore the natural world; escape from the crowds; discover some of the country’s most fascinating history and heritage; enjoy great family adventures; uncover hidden gems; visit an Outlander film set, or simply relax and experience the finer things in life.

Below are just a few examples of some of the different things to do. Whatever you choose we are sure you will #LoveEastLothian!

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Browse the Travel Guide

Belhaven Brewery Visitor Experience
Discover Scotland's oldest working brewery and learn about the brewery's history and brewing process as you take a fascinating tour around the site, uncovering iconic chimneys and a secret garden along the way. 

Coastal Communities Museum
Experience 10,000 years of local heritage and culture, including the story of legendary author Robert Louis Stevenson who based some of his best work on his childhood holiday experiences in East Lothian. Free entry.

Enjoy Leisure
From tennis on courts with views out to sea to the world's oldest golf course in the middle of a racecourse or family swim sessions, there's a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports for all ages and abilities to enjoy throughout East Lothian.

Foxlake Adventures
This 5-star award-winning hub is the perfect place for adventure. It offers a variety of unique and exhilarating outdoor activities from the UK's first ropes course over water to Ringo rides, Segway tours, wakeboarding lessons, open water swimming and their inflatable obstacle course.

Glenkinchie Distillery
Journey through Glenkinchie's storied landscape and rich heritage at this multi-million home development. A wonderful sensory experience where you will learn about how they create their rare Lowland style whisky.

Inveresk Lodge Gardens
Experience tranquillity as you walk through these walled gardens tucked away in the charming village of Inveresk, just outside Edinburgh.

John Muir's Birthplace
Find out how a boy from Dunbar became a driving force behind the global conservation movement. This unique free museum is the starting point of the John Muir Way coast-to-coast trail. Free entry.

John Gray Centre
Discover the history of East Lothian in 1000 objects in this free innovative interactive 5-star museum at the heart of East Lothian. You can also find out how ancient Egypt captivated Scotland over 200 years ago through the stories of an archaeologist and an artist. Free entry.

National Museum of Flight
Get on board Scotland's only Concorde and discover the stories behind one of Europe's best collections of aircraft.

Newhailes House & Gardens
Discover breathtaking rococo designs in this 17th-century Palladian villa following significant restoration and renovation. You can also explore the estate's extensive woodland walks and inspire your children's imagination in the brilliant Weehailes Playpark.

Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
You can step back in time and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings at this picturesque mill, which had a starring role in the popular TV series Outlander. Nearby, discover the Phantassie Doocot, built in the 16th century and once home to 500 pigeons.

Scottish Seabird Centre
Explore the wonder of Scotland's marine environment at the Centre's 5-star Discovery Experience. Or take a boat trip to discover stunning seabirds and marine life, from endangered puffins, the world's largest colony of Northern gannets, and maybe even dolphins.

Tantallon Castle
Climb to the battlements of the last of the grand medieval castles and marvel at its scale. Set high on a cliff edge with spectacular views to Bass Rock, Tantallon Castle was home to the Red Douglas dynasty.

Dirleton Castle
Explore enchanting gardens and admire some of the oldest castle architecture surviving in Scotland at this magnificent fortress residence, which has served three noble families over 400 years.

The Brunton
Be entertained catching one of The Brunton's shows at venues in Musselburgh and Haddington including the very best of music, cinema, comedy, children's shows, dance and festive family fun during pantomime season.

Musselburgh Racecourse
One of the UK's most stylish racecourses, offering award-winning facilities, this 5-star visitor attraction welcomes visitors to its race days including themed days such as Ladies Day and Edinburgh Cup.