Holiday destinations near Edinburgh – discover East Lothian
East Lothian is the perfect holiday destination for 2020, with marvellous locally produced food and drink, stunning accommodation to suit all budgets, activities and attractions to thrill your family whatever their age.
While East Lothian is rightly known for pretty coastal towns and villages and of course its word-famous golf courses, we have a few ideas for you to try something a bit different.
We’ve handpicked seven hidden gems to make you fall in love with East Lothian as the perfect family friendly location for late summer and autumn.
For the adrenalin junkie
Foxlake Adventures is back open for business – crest the waves on a wakeboard, cruise around on a Segway or try the Foxfall low ropes course over open water to enjoy some high-energy, skill-testing fun in the great outdoors.
Top tip: book ahead to reserve your place on some of the best adventure you’ve ever had.
Walk on the wild side
Why not try somewhere a little more off the beaten track to feel totally relaxed in 2020?
Try Pressmennan Wood, a marvellous Woodlands Trust site near Dunbar, for impressive hilltop views over the neighbouring lake and a chance to spot wildlife including deer, otters, owls and bats.
Arguably at its finest in autumn when the colours pop, there’s something new to discover round every corner.
Top tip: can your kids find the magical, mythical creates hiding in Pressmennan?
John Muir Way
Named after Dunbar’s famous conservationist (the man who saved Yosemite and known as America’s father of the national parks) this 134-mile cross-country way ends in the heart of East Lothian, and offers up marvellous scenery and off-the-beaten track opportunities on every mile.
Ideal for exploring on foot or by bike, the section from North Berwick up through Dirleton and Longniddry offers some special delights along the way – not least of which are the views from North Berwick Law. Just outside Dunbar are the alpacas at Hedderwick Hill Farm, West Barns next to John Muir Country Park, you can take them for a walk! Or how about a well-earned pint of a local brewery’s finest at the end of the day?
Top tip: Download your route maps in advance to research your own stopping off points.
Bike trails and more
Post-lockdown we’re loving the great outdoors more than ever – and that means exploring; and where better to start than all or some of the Go East Lothian Trail?
Got a road bike or hybrid? Try the Bass Rock loop from Tyninghame or some picturesque routes around Archerfield, or any of the marvellous paths around Pencaitland. If off-roading gets your pedals pumping, try the many trails around the Lammermuir Hills.
Top Tip: If you don’t own your own, try hiring bikes locally as part of your holiday.
Step back in time
Historic Environment Scotland has opened up many of its sites, and many have stunning grounds to explore even if you cannot get inside.
Try 13th century Dirleton Castle and Gardens, home to generations of Scottish noblemen and besieged by Cromwell. Think it looks familiar? If you visit Amiens in Northern France you’ll spot a near double!
Head over to Tantallon Castle, which has been a Hollywood and Bollywood movie location, thanks to its impressive cliff-top presence.
Less well known, perhaps, is Hailes Castle near East Linton, in a pretty valley on the banks of the River Tyne. Thought to be the birth-place of Mary Queen of Scots’ third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, it’s one of the oldest castles in the country – and, strategically speaking, in an unusual location for a military stronghold. It all adds up to a parcel of delights just waiting to be explored.
Top tip: Check the website for an up to date list of what’s open.
Missing jetting away?
Who needs airports and queues when you can visit Concorde and friends at the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune, where timed entry slots will keep your family socially distanced as you walk around the breath-taking exhibits from around the world. Explore the history of flight, including the site’s own wartime efforts, when 2000 airmen were trained in East Lothian.
Top tip: It’s suitable for all ages – be sure to allow a good few hours to enjoy it all.
Take a boat instead …
If the water is more your thing, take a catamaran trip out around the Bass Rock or islands of East Lothian – bracing weather, stunning views and a natural wonder right here on our doorsteps.
Love your camera? Book a behind the lens trip to capture glorious gannets in the wild.
Fancy a seafari? A fast RIB will take you on a tour of the Bass Rock, Craigleith and the Lamb, for an unforgettable day out.
Top Tip: Build in a visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre first to research everything you are about to enjoy.
Ready to plan your own adventure? Find ideas at Visit East Lothian or follow @goeastlothian on Twitter and Instagram and @visiteastlothian on Facebook - #eastlothian