Best days out in East Lothian 2021: prize to be won

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Some of the most popular visitor experiences in East Lothian are back open for business, and to celebrate one lucky reader will win a £100 gift card.

Just down the coast from the city, East Lothian is the perfect day trip destination for those who love the great outdoors, family fun, walking, cycling, hiking, museums, restaurants, castles, distilleries, stunning landscapes and more. Take off on an adventure as you hop on board Scotland’s only Concorde, make a splash at a thrilling adventure park, explore fascinating heritage sites, visit some iconic Outlander locations, play on the world’s oldest golf course or take a boat trip to see endangered puffins.

Dirleton Castle is just one of the stunning attractions around East Lothian.Dirleton Castle is just one of the stunning attractions around East Lothian.
Dirleton Castle is just one of the stunning attractions around East Lothian.

With a number of five-star visitor attractions, East Lothian offers some of the best days out … and after a long lockdown, those attractions are offering a warm welcome to anyone who wants to Love East Lothian.

To enter the competition for a £100 East Lothian gift card, follow the link at the bottom of the article, but for now, here’s some ideas to help you plan your perfect day out.

Explore enchanting gardens and admire some of the oldest castle architecture surviving in Scotland at this magnificent fortress residence.

Foxlake Adventure Park is the perfect place for adventureFoxlake Adventure Park is the perfect place for adventure
Foxlake Adventure Park is the perfect place for adventure

From playing golf or tennis with views out to sea to enjoying family swim sessions, there’s a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports for all ages and abilities to enjoy throughout East Lothian. See website for opening times.

This five-star award-winning hub is the perfect place for adventure. It offers a variety of unique and exhilarating outdoor activities including the first ropes course over water in the UK, a ziptrail through the trees, wakeboarding lessons, Ringo Rides and Segway experiences.

Enjoy the tranquility of Inveresk Lodge GardensEnjoy the tranquility of Inveresk Lodge Gardens
Enjoy the tranquility of Inveresk Lodge Gardens

Discover Glenkinchie’s rich landscape and heritage at this new multi-million pound development. Transport yourself on a wonderful sensory journey, as you learn about how they create their rare Lowland-style whisky.

Experience a sense of wellness as you walk through these walled gardens hidden in the quaint village of Inveresk, close to Edinburgh.

The National Museum of FlightThe National Museum of Flight
The National Museum of Flight

Discover the stories behind one of Europe’s best collections of aircraft and get on board Scotland’s Concorde. See the new Brick Wonders display until June 27, where visitors can travel around the old and new Wonders of the World, recreated in half a million LEGO® bricks.

Discover breath-taking rococo designs in this 17th-century Palladian villa which reopened this April following significant restoration and renovation. You can also explore the estate’s charming woodland walks. The Weehailes Playpark, is a brilliant place for children to enjoy imaginative play.

Immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings at this picturesque historic mill, which had a starring role in the popular TV series Outlander.

Tantallon Castle.Tantallon Castle.
Tantallon Castle.

Explore the wonder of Scotland's marine world at the Scottish Seabird Centre’s five-star Discovery Experience, or take a boat trip to discover wonderful wildlife. This year also sees the leading conservation and education charity host its first ever Marine Fest from 31 May to 13 June 2021, supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, to raise awareness of the diversity of Scotland’s marine environment and wildlife and the pressures facing them.

Climb to the battlements of this grand medieval castle and marvel at its size. Set high on a cliff edge with spectacular views to the Bass Rock, Tantallon Castle was home to the Red Douglas dynasty.

Experience 10,000 years of heritage and culture, including the story of renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson who based some of his best work on his childhood holiday experiences in East Lothian.

Find out how a boy from Dunbar became a driving force behind the global conservation movement. This free museum is where the John Muir Way coast-to-coast trail begins.

Discover the history of East Lothian in 1,000 objects in this innovative free interactive five-star museum in Haddington. You can also find out how ancient Egypt captivated Scotland over 200 years ago through the stories of an archaeologist, an astronomer and an artist.

Coming soon

Currently offering audiences a wealth of arts and entertainment to enjoy viewing at home, when restrictions allow, the much-loved theatre and entertainment venue will be screening a series of films from 26 May, and hopes it won’t be too long before they can host events in person.

One of the UK’s most stylish racecourses with award-winning facilities, this five-star visitor attraction looks forward to welcoming racegoers again when government guidance allows.

Competition

To be in with a chance of winning a £100 gift card, simply answer the following: East Lothian is home to which famous supersonic passenger aircraft?

A) Concorde B) Spitfire C) A hovercraft

Know before you go

Kirsty Innes, spokesperson for the East Lothian Tourism Attractions Group said: “As we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, all our visitor attractions are working hard to adhere to government and public health guidance so they can open safely. We advise those thinking of visiting to check direct with businesses for opening times, advance booking and any special arrangements in place.

“You should also check what facilities, such as car parking and toilets, are available before you travel.

“Please respect our beautiful countryside and Love East Lothian responsibly. We look forward to welcoming you.”

Click here to plan your ultimate days out in East Lothian.

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