Top Things to do in East Lothian
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in East Lothian, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in East Lothian, United Kingdom including Seacliff Stables, Gullane Beach, Coast to Coast Surf School, Amisfield Walled Garden, St Marys Pleasance Garden, Victoria Harbour, Hailes Castle, Tantallon Castle, National Museum of Flight, Belhaven Beach.
Restaurants in East Lothian
1. Seacliff Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Come and enjoy the stunning views and scenery in some of Scotland's best countryside on horseback. There is minimum traffic as we only ride on private land. Many of our horses are home-bred, with a range to suit all levels and abilities. The horses are trustworthy school masters which allows beginners, nervous riders and children to gain experience and confidence. We also cater for the more capable riders as we have a large range of experienced competition horses to suit each individual.We also have pony days where children can enjoy looking after and caring for a pony whilst learning true horsemanship. Keep looking at website or facebook page for updates on pony days.We can also offer this experience to adults who have missed out on this in their junior years whether it be individual or groups! If you have a young child wishing to have a go then we also offer half an hour rides.
Reviewed By jeannieshaw_moriah - Tulsa, United States
5 of us, ranging in age from 7 to 57 went on an hour long ride at Seacliff Stables. We had 1 total beginner (7 year old) 2 with a little experience and 2 more experienced riders. Seacliff matched us perfectly with wonderful horses and 1 pony for the 7 year old. Gorgeous horses and so well behaved! The scenery is absolutely spectacular!! I wish we could have ridden here all day! They took us through the country side, beautiful fields overlooking castle ruins and incredible views of Bass Rock, then onto the beach where we trotted the horses a bit. It was a simply wonderful morning with the sweetest and friendliness staff who took such good care of us! I highly recommend booking with Seacliff Stables!
2. Gullane Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By keepp2014 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A beautiful clean wide stretch of coastline, wonderful at low tide. Loved by families, dog walkers, couples or even those just looking for a bit of solitude - big enough to accommodate all. Enjoy, breathe deep
3. Coast to Coast Surf School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Coast to Coast Surf school has grown a reputation Scotland wide for high quality surf sports teaching, with a team of experienced instructors offering quality lessons and courses for both Surfing and Bodyboarding. We also run Stand up paddle board and Coasteering classes. For the more adventurous we offer amazing surf camps on the west coast islands and north coast of Scotland
4. Amisfield Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
5. St Marys Pleasance Garden
6. Victoria Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By as0915
The harbour is quite small, nevertheless, the scenery is absolutely stunning! The fish and chips were very tasty too. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Hailes Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By andrewhdk - Falkirk, United Kingdom
My wife and I wanted to visit Hailes Castle and climb up Traprain Law before trying lunch in East Linton. We were holidaying in Dunbar to attend the Lammermuir Festival and enjoy sea walks, historic sites and local restaurants. What we found particularly attractive about visiting Hailes Castle is its size and neatness. . Though now a well-preserved ruin, because it’s small and well-maintained, and also because there are only a few visitors at any one time, it becomes easy to visualise the whole picture of castle life, and to imagine the bustle and activities around the whole castle in the 1400s. PRACTICALITIES It’s worth saying, as others have done, that the road taking you to Hailes Castle, called Brae Heads Loan, is almost single-track, with very few passing places, so drive cautiously and expect to have to reverse some distance if you meet another car head-on. Brae Heads Loan is accessed by turning off the A199 where ‘Hailes Castle’ is signed, then turning off to the right. On reaching the castle, which is set back from the road and overlooks the (Scottish) River Tyne, there’s a parking area for two or three cars. But since visitors aren’t frequent, that’s probably enough. Entry is free; there is no shop or attendant. The grounds of the little castle are impeccably maintained by Historic Scotland, grass well mown, signage undamaged. We found the small Hall and the vaulted Bakehouse and Brewhouse rather beautiful, and the views from the windows down to the Tyne are impressive. Families can easily get down to the river for a picnic. HISTORY The castle is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, dating from the early 1200s when its thick curtain wall was laid. It was begun as a tower house by the de Gourlay family from Northumbria, taken from them by forfeit in the wars of independence, and conferred on the de Hepburn family, who added substantial extensions in the 14th and 15thC. The Hepburns, who were also from Northumbria, built the west and east towers during the 15thC. Mary Queen of Scots’ third husband, James Hepburn, was from this family. Then Oliver Cromwell attacked and incapacitated the castle after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650; it was no longer a viable fortification and was used for storage until coming into public trust in the 20thC. Overall, we found Hailes Castle charming, romantic and – significantly – easy to imagine alive historically. It’s well worth an hour’s visit.
8. 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...
9. National Museum of Flight
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,052 reviews
Discover a world-class collection of aircraft and hear the fascinating stories of the people who built and flew them at one of Scotland’s top attractions. Please book a timed entry ticket online at nms.ac.uk/flight in advance of your visit. Learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day and immerse yourself in supersonic experiences and our historic hangers and airfield. Get on board Scotland’s Concorde to discover what transatlantic flight was like for its passengers and crew and learn more about its supersonic legacy. Then round off your day with a visit to our shop and cafe, or bring your own picnic to enjoy in our outdoor picnic area. We’re Good to Go: A range of new safety measures have been put in place, including enhanced cleaning, hand sanitising stations and pre-booking.
Reviewed By helenc422
A fantastic place to visit. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit, Concorde is spectacular but there are lots of other things to see with friendly knowledgeable staff and interesting videos to watch in the main areas. Our boys loved the assault course,we had lovely cakes and scones in the cafe and the whole place felt very clean and safe under COVID rules. Definitely a place to visit!
10. Belhaven Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By grantmP6248GF - Dunbar, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful place to be, wild and unspoilt just as John Muir thought too.....jogging, surfing, dog walking and people watching all a pleasure in this sanctuary from the everyday.....
