Attractions map
Tours and activities
East Lothian attractions & tourist information
Find places to visit and things to do in East Lothian with these visitor guides.
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Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve: Complete Visitor Guide
Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve is a small but exceptionally scenic stretch of East Lothian coastline situated between the coastal villages of Longniddry and Gullane. It is a popular destination for walkers as well as photographers due to the wildlife that thrives near the beach overlooking the Firth of Forth. Visitors can see a wide variety of animal species at the reserve from pink-footed geese to frogs and caterpillars, while keen-eyed observers might spot pods of dolphins swimming in the waters of the bay.
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Archerfield Walled Garden: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Parks & GardensNestled in the picturesque countryside of East Lothian lies a hidden gem that is a much-loved attraction for locals and tourists alike. Archerfield Walled Garden is a beautifully restored 18th-century garden that features beautifully manicured lawns and flower beds, a delightful garden café, and a charming gift shop. In this article, you’ll discover the fascinating history of Archerfield Walled Garden, explore the various attractions and activities on offer, and learn some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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Athelstaneford, East Lothian: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Towns & VillagesThis walk from the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford – the birthplace of Scotland’s Saltire flag – passes ancient hill forts and beautiful countryside in an often-missed part of the country that’s close to Edinburgh. Discover this scenic village and the area that lead to the founding of the flag in this guide which includes an overview and an interactive 360° virtual tour.
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Bass Rock, Scotland: Complete Visitor Guide
The Bass Rock is an island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. The volcanic rock is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of gannets, and visitors can take a boat from the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick to see the Bass Rock and its noisy inhabitants close up.
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Belhaven Beach, Dunbar: Complete Visitor Guide
Nestled along the eastern coastline of Scotland lies a hidden gem, Belhaven Beach near Dunbar in East Lothian. Known for its expansive golden sand and panoramic views of the North Sea, Belhaven Beach is a must-see destination for both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Belhaven Beach so special and why it simply has to be on your list of places to visit in Scotland.
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Dirleton Castle: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesDirleton Castle in East Lothian served three Scottish noble families for over 400 years. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Discover the castle and gardens in this guide which includes an overview and handy visiting tips.
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Dunbar Harbour: Complete Visitor Guide
The historic harbour at Dunbar in East Lothian dates from the 17th century. At that time it was primarily used for fishing vessels and while it is still used for commercial shellfishing today it is also a tourist attraction that offers visitors superb views across the North Sea from the Dunbar Battery.
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East Links Family Park: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Family AttractionsEast Links Family Park in East Lothian is a family adventure park where kids of all ages can run, jump, slide and bounce in a variety of fun activities. The animal-themed park borders the John Muir Country Park and Belhaven Bay near Dunbar. Discover one of East Lothian’s top family attractions in this comprehensive visitor guide.
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Gosford House and Grounds: Complete Visitor Guide
Gosford House is a grand stately home located 16 miles east of the centre of Edinburgh. Built in 1800 by celebrated Scottish architect Robert Adam for the 7th Earl of Wemyss, it is now a popular tourist destination due to the expansive gardens that feature ponds, woodlands, and sweeping lawns. While the house is closed on most days there are frequent open days held throughout the year when visitors can join a guided tour around the interior to admire Gosford House’s unique architecture and decadent furnishings.
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Gullane Beach: Complete Visitor Guide
Gullane Beach is located between Aberlady Bay nature reserve and Yellowcraig Beach in East Lothian, a 15-minute drive from North Berwick and 40 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh. Visitors to the beach can enjoy a 1-mile stretch of golden sand that’s exceptionally clean and has miles of rough paths through the surrounding dunes to the north and south. Discover everything you need to know about the picturesque Gullane Beach in this complete visitor guide.
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Hailes Castle: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesThe 14th-century Hailes Castle in East Lothian is located in a beautiful setting next to the River Tyne that’s ideal for an afternoon of exploring with the kids. The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and entry is free of charge. Discover this hidden gem of an attraction with this complete guide which features an overview, visiting tips, and an interactive 360° virtual tour.
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Historic Attractions in East Lothian: Ultimate Guide
The historic county of East Lothian is situated to the east of Edinburgh and is highly-regarded for its historic buildings and castles. Discover the best historic attractions in East Lothian in this complete visitor guide which includes suggestions for places to visit and information about the main towns.
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Inveresk Lodge Garden: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Parks & GardensInveresk Lodge Garden is a National Trust for Scotland property located in the pretty village of Inveresk in East Lothian, around 6 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. This charming garden is a haven for wildlife and is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hubbub of the city centre thanks to its beautiful wild meadows, woodland, manicured lawns, and colourful borders that are ablaze with flowers.
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John Muir Country Park: Complete Visitor Guide
John Muir Country Park – dedicated to the 19th-century conservationist John Muir – is located close to the town of Dunbar in East Lothian. The park is one of the top visitor attractions in East Lothian and features grassland, pine woodland, and a wide golden-sand beach. Discover John Muir Country Park in this guide, which includes an overview, 360° photos, and visiting tips.
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National Museum of Flight, Scotland: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Museums & GalleriesThe National Museum of Flight in East Lothian offers an amazing family day out for anyone with a love of air travel and aircraft. This popular tourist attraction features outdoor displays as well as aircraft hangers full of planes, helicopters and more. There’s also an on-site café and a gift shop that’s stacked to the rafters with aircraft-themed toys and models.
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North Berwick Law: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Mountains & HillsStanding 600 feet (187 metres) above sea level, The Law dominates the landscape around the popular seaside town of North Berwick. This gigantic remnant of an ancient volcano is a favourite destination for walkers, dog owners, and families looking to get some fresh air. You’ll find Berwick Law on the outskirts of the coastal town of North Berwick in East Lothian.
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North Berwick: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Towns & VillagesNorth Berwick is one of the top seaside towns in the southeast of Scotland. Not only is North Berwick the home of the Scottish Seabird Centre which operates boat trips to the Bass Rock, but it also boasts golden beaches to the east and west along with an eclectic mix of artisan shops and cafés in the high street. In addition, the town is surrounded by a number of noteworthy attractions which include North Berwick Law and Tantallon Castle.
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Pressmennan Wood, East Lothian: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: Forests & WoodlandsPressmennan Wood is a woodland in East Lothian that features a large lake (one of only four designated lakes in Scotland) and peaceful walks along several trails. The 212-acre site is managed by the Woodland Trust which has saved the native broadleaf trees from invasive Rhododendrons planted by the Victorians. The trust also maintains the paths that thread their way through Pressmennan Wood, allowing visitors to have good access no matter the time of year.
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Preston Mill: Complete Visitor Guide
Preston Mill is located next to the River Tyne in picturesque farming country in the heart of East Lothian. The mill dates from the 18th-century and was used commercially until the 1950s but is now open as a tourist attraction managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Discover this unique historic attraction with this guide which includes a 360° virtual tour.
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Prestongrange Mining Museum: Complete Visitor Guide
Prestongrange in the coastal village of Prestonpans is a free-to-visit outdoor museum that showcases East Lothian’s rich industrial heritage. The museum aims to educate visitors about the 800-years of industrial activity that left its mark on the area, from the almost-vanished harbour to the long-abandoned colliery.
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Seacliff Beach: Complete Visitor Guide
Seacliff Beach is situated 5 miles south of North Berwick in East Lothian. This remote beach is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Tantallon Castle and is best known for its unusual sandstone harbour which is said to be the smallest in the UK.
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Seton Collegiate Church: Complete Visitor Guide
Sitting in immaculately manicured gardens, Seton Collegiate Church is a 4-star historic tourist attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The church is located near Prestonpans in East Lothian and can be accessed from the A198, 2 miles (3.22 km) west of Longniddry.
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Tantallon Castle: Complete Visitor Guide
Tag: CastlesTantallon Castle is a red sandstone fortification dating from the 1300s which overlooks the beautiful coastline near North Berwick in East Lothian. It is one of the oldest examples of a curtain wall castle in Scotland and is one of the top historic tourist attractions in the southeast of the country. Discover Tantallon Castle with this complete visitor guide.
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The 12 Best Things to Do in North Berwick for Families
North Berwick boasts golden beaches to the east and west, it has an eclectic mix of shops and cafés in the high street, and it is surrounded by attractions including North Berwick Law and Tantallon Castle. Discover this attractive East Lothian town with this complete guide to the best family attractions in North Berwick which includes a list of the top places to visit as well as lots of useful visiting advice.
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