Top Things to do in East Lothian
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in East Lothian, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in East Lothian, United Kingdom including John Gray Centre, Gosford House, Polson Park, Newhailes House & Gardens, John Muir's Birthplace, Torness Nuclear Power Station, The Lodge Grounds, War Memorial Garden, Fisherrow Harbour, Byre's Hill and Hopetoun Monument.
Restaurants in East Lothian
1. John Gray Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
The John Gray Centre houses the County's Archives & Local History Department, a Museum covering the entire County's history from the Prehistoric settlements up to the present day and a branch library for Haddington, which also provides access to Internet and wifi for visitors. We also provide Baby and Disabled Adult changing facilities.
Reviewed By Mardrg - Richmond, United States
In my first trip to Scotland, I wanted to learn about my ancestors, who had lived in Haddington until the mid-1800s. Quite late in the afternoon, we learned about the archives and decided to visit. Bill Wilson, archivist, welcomed us warmly and promptly began to search for information about my ancestors, with the bits and pieces I could provide. In a rather short period of time, he unearthed a wealth of information. His kindness, research knowledge, and enthusiastic willingness to help tremendously exceeded our expectations. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the day and were returning to Edinburgh in the evening. We now know that, had we been wiser, we would have scheduled a much longer stay in Haddington and spent the majority of our time in the archives. Demonstrating his willingness to go above and beyond, he followed up our visit with additional research and links via email. I can’t wait to do more independent research, knowing I now have the ability to communicate with the expert archivists in Haddington. I am now looking forward to visiting Scotland, and specifically Haddington, again, and spending much more time learning from the archivists! What an invaluable resource!
2. Gosford House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By brianhN5441HF - Longniddry, United Kingdom
Lovely farm shop , easy disabled access walks , beautiful ponds , some wildlife. Some boggy bits so wear boots if wet weather. Interesting buildings scattered around the estate particularly liked the mausoleum and the quaint little building beside the smaller pond. Unfortunately dogs have to be kept on lead due to the wildlife and some farm animals. But otherwise enjoyed my visit. There is a play area near the farm shop for kids. Would recommend if you enjoy a relaxing walk in woodlands and have a few hours to spare.
3. Polson Park
4. Newhailes House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
17th century country house on the end of Edinburgh with 80 + acres of unique protected landscape. Also home to Weehailes, our new adventure play-park specially designed for younger children and themed around the Newhailes story. We’re currently undertaking an exciting conservation project to restore several areas of the highly significant 18th century designed landscape, including the flower garden, kitchen garden and formal lawns. Please note that as of February 2019 the stables courtyard and main house will be closed as we undergo building and conservation works to improve our facilities and protect our historic buildings. However Weehailes play-park, our outdoor diner and the wider estate are fully open and accessible.
Reviewed By JaneUK - Wales, United Kingdom
This is a modern and exciting wooden playpen for kids. Plenty here for an hour of play snacks and another hour. All the things kids like zip wires tunnels clamber nets. A smaller toddler area. For parents it is fully enclosed, there is a toilet block with running water just adjacent, there is a pop up food van doing hot drinks, burgers (v), hot dogs, nachos, healthy grown up soup and amazing cake. You can eat at tables with umbrellas with excellent views of the playground. There is also an enclosed greenhouse you can eat in but you dont have views of the play area. It is spotless. If you bring your own food you can use tables just outside and come back in with hand stamp. We went by bus and had a lovely walk by the stream. Managed about 4 hours all in which was amazing vfm. Had 4-14 yo. To be fair 14 yo was really just entertaining the little ones but he enjoyed it nonetheless. If you join NTS you get repeat visits for free. Can't recommend enough.
5. John Muir's Birthplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By 19Daly07 - Worcester, United Kingdom
Interesting and friendly little museum full of fairly amazing facts about this fascinating man that did so much for the environment and the preservation of the natural world. The museum is free, small but packed with easily digestible information that make it well worth the visit. It's well laid out so never boring, interactive and with a lot of visual stuff that makes it well worth the visit. Take your time and don't miss it
6. Torness Nuclear Power Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 64rossw - Berwick upon Tweed, United Kingdom
We had a visit to Torness today we were fortunate as we were only 3 in our group, our guide Maureen was great lots of information and answered all our questions. It is a fantastic piece of engineering all British built, this tour I would highly recommend for everyone as long as you can get up stairs. The diagrams are very informative and easy to understand, don't miss this visit.
7. The Lodge Grounds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Bibcay - Gateshead, United Kingdom
This is a brilliant peaceful grounds the park is great I love the wildlife. When you are up the park you get a great view of north berwick.
8. War Memorial Garden
9. Fisherrow Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Salmo01 - Largs, United Kingdom
Used to visit here as a child back in the 60s. This very quaint harbour has not changed a bit albeit a lot busier. This areas is a must for bird watchers and the like due to the number of the speices in the area. Great views of Fife and Edinburgh from the harbour wall point.
10. Byre's Hill and Hopetoun Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Geezersl - West Molesey, United Kingdom
Small car park and an uphill walk leads you to some fantastic views all over east Lothian even better if you can get up the tower, the views are amazing on a clear day
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