Location: North Berwick
Top Things to do in North Berwick
The 5 Best Historic Sites in North Berwick, Scotland
North Berwick (/nɔːrθ ˈbɛrɪk/; Scottish Gaelic: Bearaig a Tuath) is a seaside town and former royal burgh in East Lothian, Scotland. It is situated on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, approximately 25 miles (40 km) north-east of Edinburgh. North Berwick became a fashionable holiday resort in the nineteenth century because of its two sandy bays, the East (or Milsey) Bay and the West Bay, and continues to attract holidaymakers. Golf courses at the ends of each bay are open to visitors.
Restaurants in North Berwick
1. Tantallon Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 899 reviews
Tantallon Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock, this formidable castle was a stronghold of the Douglas family. Ascend Tantallon’s towers for spectacular views of the Bass Rock and to watch gannets plunge into the North Sea. Then descend into the depths of a particularly grim pit prison. The castle was home to the powerful Red Douglas dynasty, which often clashed with the Crown. It was besieged by both James IV and James V but was ultimately destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in a siege of 1651. Many artefacts are displayed to help tell its dramatic stories.
Reviewed By 220NickS - Oxford, United Kingdom
A hefty walk along the beach from North Berwick (watch the tides and check your path or stay on the road) or a bus ride from the town, this was not to be missed. Views out onto crashing waves and masses of seabirds out by the Bass Rock: this was an awesome spot! The red castle walls are foreboding, majestic and even with some restrictions for the pandemic there was access to the battlements. Staff on hand were helpful and friendly- more than making up for having to book beforehand (a minor irritation), information boards were, well, informative, and on the whole a really enjoyable afternoon. I’m not a huge fan of cafes at such sites- but Tantallon, if you’re thinking about it, even a stall in the car park would be welcome...
2. 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.
3. Dirleton Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
Dirleton Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. A romantic castle often in the forefront of Scottish history since it was built in the 12th century. The renowned gardens include an Arts and Crafts herbaceous border and Victorian garden. The herbaceous border has been authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest.
Reviewed By kenf426 - Gateshead, United Kingdom
I joined Historic Scotland last month and have been looking on their website of places to visit, I chose Dirleton Castle due to reviews on here and decide to give it a visit, on arrival there is one small car park and toilets near to the castle entrance, the castle does not have a café and you have to use toilets near the car park, Once in the castle via a long stair way or via a ramp you notice the place is small compared to other castles but it has loads of rooms you can go into and have a good look around, you can also climb up near to the top, there is lots of info boards around to let you know what the castle originally looked like. The gardens are kept lovely loads of flowers all in bloom with nice walk ways around them and some people sitting around having picnics.. On our visit there was a guide who had on display armour with loads of weapons including all types of swords, he was very good telling us all about the evolution of them and how sayings we use today came about relating to some of the weapons.. Overall an excellent place to visit if you've never been put it on your "list" of places to visit. I will be back myself soon.
4. War Memorial Garden
5. Abbey Church of Scotland North Berwick
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
