Towns

East Lothian is renowned for its beautiful beaches and coastal paths including Gullane, Longniddry and Aberlady Bay.  

The Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve forms part of the John Muir Way that stretches from Fisherow in Musselburgh to Dunglass. The Bay is full of wildlife and an ideal place for bird watching. Aberlady Bay is situated between the pictureque villages of Gullane and Aberlady. Gullane Bents, the village of Gullane's award-winning beach, is backed by large sand dunes.  Gullane also has several small shops and cafes.  

The seaside town of North Berwick lies to the south of Faside with it's a beautiful seaside town with long sandy beaches and individual shops, galleries and restaurants, activities including boat trips, golf, tennis and watersports. 

North Berwick is home to the award winning Seabird Centre with its discovery centre, live cameras, boat trips, gift shop and tea room. Nearby Yellowcraig Beach also has a woodland walks and is perfect for a family day out.

East Lothian has many beautiful castles including Dirleton Castle, a medieval fortress which was abandoned in the 17th Century.  The ruins and garden are run by Historic Scotland which also has the ruins of Tantallon Castle near North Berwick.  Tantallon is a 14th Century fortress which has fabulous views over to the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth.  Lennoxlove House, the home of the Duke of Hamilton, dates back to the 1300s and offers guided tours during the summer months.

The Glenkinchie Distillery, like so many others, was founded by farmers and is situated in a quiet hollow, surrounded by the fields which supply the barley for malting on site.

Picturesque Preston Mill sits on the River Tyne which still drives the mill's water-wheel. The conical roofed kiln and red pantile roof of these old 18th-century buildings hold a magnetic attraction for artists and photographers.  

Finally, Edinburgh is only a 12 minutes train ride away and is home to the world famous Edinburgh Festival, The Fringe and The Military Tattoo. Edinburgh is a fantastic and very historic city and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. It is also home to possibly the most famous New Years Party in the world - Hogmanay!