North Berwick was recently voted by Guardian readers as one of the top 10 seaside villages in the UK .

Once famously known as "The Biarritz of the North", it has more recently been described as "Scotland's Riviera" in a recent Sunday Times article on places to visit in the UK. It has so much to offer tourists of the area, not least its magical sandy beaches, rocky coastline with picturesque islands close to the shore and of course the pretty, thriving town of North Berwick itself. It has been a famous self catering holiday destination across the generations.

East Lothian is reputedly the driest, sunniest part of the U.K. and the many sandy beaches and rocky coves provide a wonderful natural playground for children and adults alike. Little wonder that visitors are attracted to this charming, coastal holiday resort with its pleasant situation and scenery, yet just half an hour by car or train from Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh.

North Berwick itself offers a good variety of shops, bistros, coffee bars & restaurants. There are many interesting walks around the town, including North Berwick Law, a small hill, 612ft. high, with magnificent views over East Lothian, the Firth of Forth, Fife and beyond.

The Harbour Area

At the busy picturesque harbour with its yachts and fishing boats, a the outstanding attraction is the Scottish Seabird Centre which is of international significance. Here you can watch puffins and gannets close up using the latest interactive technology or take a boat ride to The Bass Rock regarded by many as one of the worlds seven wildlife wonders.

Golf is the main leisure pursuit with 8 championship courses within 5 miles, however, bird watching, sailing, diving, cycling, archery and even karting are also to be enjoyed in this beautiful setting. There are ample opportunities for hill walking, sea or river angling, as well as the many well preserved castles to visit for those with historic interests.

There is a Sports Centre with swimming pool, squash courts and games hall as well as excellent tennis courts where the East Lothian Open Tennis Tournament is held annually The East Lothian Yacht Club is the venue for many national and international dingy regattas and can attract as many as 250 competitors to any one event.

Read about Gullane >


Gullane Beach Gullane

FIrth of Forth Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Login
Register
My shortlist
Booking hotline 01620 893204

Dirleton Castle


 

Just two miles along the coast from North Berwick is the hamlet of Dirleton, often described as 'Scotland's prettiest village' - and it doesn't disappoint with its village green bordered by neat rows of cottages and a romantic ruined castle, the oldest part of which dates back to around 1220, and taken by the English in 1298.  Unfortunately large parts were destroyed by Robert the Bruce's men in 1314 but regardless it remains a major attraction, and is now in the care of Historic Scotland who run the souvenir shop.  The castle gardens are glorious and listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the world's longest herbaceous border.  Outside the gates of the castle is a children's play park which families with younger children will enjoy.

If all that sightseeing makes you in need of refreshments there are several choices in Dirleton - the Open Arms Hotel and Castle Inn are both renowned for their hospitality and food, and for afternoon tea we recommend The Dirleton Gallery and Cafe on Manse Road which serves lunches and afternoon tea and also sells original paintings and other craft items produced locally.

After eating, a walk on the beach will stretch the legs and within walking or cycling distance is Yellowcraigs, one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in East Lothian.  The trip will also be popular with the kids as there's a play park set in the woods and for those inspired by art of photography the view out to sea and breathtaking, in one direction you take in the lighthouse on Fidra Island and in the other the famous Bass Rock at North Berwick.  For walkers the village is on the John Muir Way proving miles of paths that travel along the East Lothian coastline.

For the golfer you are in the heart of East Lothian's great courses with Gullane, North Berwick, Muirfield, Luffness, Archerfield and The Renaissance all within 5 minutes of your self catering property.

There are plenty of tourist attractions locally including at Gullane, North Berwick, the Myreton Motor Museum and the Museum of Flight, home to Concorde.  A day in the city of Edinburgh is also an easy trip as the railway station at Drem is close to Dirleton and offers a fast, direct service into the city centre approximately every half an hour.