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About East Lothian

looking down to the 13th green of the Glen Golf Club at North Berwick with Bass Rock behind, East Lothian

Glen Golf Club in North Berwick

the luxurious furnishings of the Blue Room at Lennoxlove House, near Haddington, East Lothian

the Blue Room of Lennoxlove House

the ruins of Dirleton Castle on a lovely sunny day

Dirleton Castle © Kenny Lam

Yellowcraig beach © Kenny Lam

East Lothian is ideal for touring with its beautiful towns, wonderful beaches and fantastic attractions to explore. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy such as extensive walking and cycling routes along with golf and even kite surfing.

Discover the historic towns of East Lothian such as Dunbar, the birthplace of John Muir, Haddington, a small market town, and picturesque North Berwick which boasts stunning coastal scenery. Take a trip to Athelstaneford where the original Scottish Saltire flag is said to have been first adopted. Visit the National Flag Heritage Centre to find out more about how the distinctive blue and white St Andrew’s Cross helped the Picts to win a crucial battle in AD 832.

Admire the amazing architecture and grandeur of stately homes and castles such as Lennoxlove House and Dirleton Castle. A great way to explore East Lothian’s magnificent historical attractions is by bike. Take your own or hire bikes once you arrive and follow extensive cycle routes through the area for an exhilarating tour. Or, for a more leisurely pace, follow the John Muir Way from Musselburgh to Dunbar to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Have a wild day out with the whole family at the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre where you can discover around 150,000 gannets nesting on the spectacular Bass Rock. Watch from the warmth of the centre’s state-of-the-art Discovery Centre, observe live footage from cameras at the nesting areas, or take a thrilling boat ride out to the huge granite Bass Rock, described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the 12 Wildlife Wonders of the World’.

Spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches such as hidden gem Seacliff, pristine Yellowcraig and kite surfing paradise Gullane. Or enjoy a few rounds of golf on the region’s fantastic collection of links courses that rank among the best in the world. Play on the famous Muirfield green where 15 Open Championships have been played and be sure to visit historic North Berwick Golf Club, established in 1832.