Discover extraordinary days out in East Lothian this spring/summer
Now is the perfect time to make the most of East Lothian’s 40 miles of stunning coastline or take a stroll through the rolling countryside.
And with so many options for outdoor adventures and days out, it’s also the ideal location for an amazing summer break.
Where to stay
Book a break in one of East Lothian’s many B&Bs, hotels and self-catering cottages this spring and summer and enjoy a home away from home with the warm welcome that awaits you.
If you find the idea of an active seaside break attractive, then the Dolphin Inn in Dunbar will make the perfect base for you. It’s a hostel but not as you know it: think bright, airy rooms with a retro vintage vibe, and its location on the stunning east coast offers the perfect affordable base for adventure, exploring and discovery.
For great food and rooms in a relaxed setting elsewhere, head to the recently refurbished Watchman Hotel in the village of Gullane. The 18 rooms blend hospitality with informality for a venue that's ideal for golf fans and beach lovers alike: the hotel overlooks four of Scotland’s best golf courses with a fifth within walking distance, while the nearby unspoilt sandy beach offers the chance to spot a dolphin.
Enjoy a sustainable approach that doesn’t skimp on luxury at the elegant Carberry Tower which topped VisitScotland’s eco-tourism accommodation guide, just 15 minutes from Edinburgh. This magnificent mansion house, which has 30 beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, was once a childhood holiday home for the Queen; guests can explore the 35 acres of beautiful grounds, full of sweeping lawns, tree-lined avenues and landscaped nooks and crannies.
Or take in the incredible views at Boatshore by the Sea, a quirky self-catering cottage on the seafront in Cockenzie that dates back to 1690 and is ideal for families or couples.
Where to eat
Discover why the region is known as Scotland’s food and drink hub with everything from high-end dining to friendly foodie hotspots. Spring and summer will mean the freshest produce on offer in East Lothian’s many farm shops and delis, while cafes and restaurants will be serving up everything from the very best coastal cuisine to traditional dishes and home-baking.
Try the authentic Brig & Barrel, a freehouse pub in the heart of the Belhaven next to the 300-year-old Belhaven Brewery. It's family- and dog-friendly and there's even a beer garden with individual booths where you can try the juicy burgers, home-cured salmon or the tasty stack of panko-crumbed haggis, Stornoway black pudding and baby turnip with Drambuie cream sauce.
Dine al fresco at the Craigielaw Courtyard Restaurant part of Craigielaw Golf Club, which boasts spectacular sweeping views of the East Lothian coastline, the Firth of Forth, Fife and Gullane Hill. The bistro-style menu includes everything from pan-fried duck breast with honey and wild berries, vegetables and potatoes and king prawn and poached salmon linguine with samphire cream to bacon sandwiches.
Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy Sweet Haven Musselburgh for a great selection of ice cream, baked waffles, crepes, chocolate fountain and fondues, shakes and sweets. The Oreo bash cheesecake is to die for!
And don't miss the Farmers' Market in Haddington on the last Saturday of every month, where you will find a wealth of local food as well as the chance to meet the farmers who grow or rear the wares.
What to do
East Lothian offers no ordinary day out.
Incredible landscapes, rare habitats and untouched corners mean that lovers of the great outdoors are spoiled for choice in East Lothian.
As the weather warms up it’s a fantastic place to lace up your hiking boots to take in the scenery, or enjoy a bracing dip with the help of some of the country’s leading adventure sports companies like Ocean Vertical, an ethical adventure company specialising in paddle boarding, coasteering, surfing, SUP yoga, climbing and mountaineering, or Coast to Coast Surf School.
Thrillseekers will also love Foxlake Adventures, an award-winning adventure hub that offers a variety of exhilarating outdoor activities. From the UK’s first ropes course over water and a ziptrail through the trees to Ringo Rides, Segway experiences and wakeboarding lessons with fully trained staff, there’s something for the whole family.
Find out how a boy from Dunbar became a driving force behind the global conservation movement at John Muir’s Birthplace, a unique free museum which tells the tale of his inspirational life as an inventor, botanist, geologist, glaciologist, farmer and artist. It is also the starting point for the John Muir Way coast-to-coast trail, which runs for 134 miles across Scotland’s heartland.
Discover the wonders of marine life along this pristine coastline at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick where the leading conservation and education charity’s five-star Discovery Experience brings to life the wonders of Scotland's exceptional marine habitats and wildlife. There’s a busy programme of events throughout spring and summer – plus it’s the perfect time to take a boat trip to discover stunning seabirds and marine life, including endangered puffins, the world's largest colony of Northern gannets, and maybe even dolphins, in the Firth of Forth.
East Lothian is also home to some of the nation's finest championship golf courses where golfers of all abilities to test their game and enjoy the welcoming hospitality on offer, while cycling fans should check out Belhaven Bikes if you fancy exploring on two wheels.
Head to Musselburgh Racecourse for a packed calendar of racing throughout the year including the Edinburgh Cup in first-class facilities just six miles from Edinburgh. Or elsewhere in Musselburgh, discover what’s on at The Brunton, a vibrant theatre and community space.
There’s an amazing range of events and festivals to enjoy in the region throughout the summer months.
This year, Newhailes House will be hosting its first family-friendly music festival – tickets for Festhailes on Saturday, May 7, can be bought here.
Later in the summer, North Berwick plays host to Fringe by the Sea where the line-up includes Texas, Lulu, Irvine Welsh, Candi Staton, Eddi Reader and Ed Byrne.
Respect, protect, enjoy
Please respect the beautiful countryside and Love East Lothian responsibly.
Visit www.visiteastlothian.org to plan an extraordinary break in East Lothian this spring and summer.