Things to Do

North Berwick is a seaside town approximately 25 miles east of Edinburgh, extremely popular with all age groups all year round.  It boasts a picturesque harbour, two magnificent, sandy beaches and the famous Seabird Centre. Visitors can enjoy boat trips in season, to the Bass Rock, the Isle of May and some of the other islands in the vicinity, where Gannets, puffins, guillemots and seals are invariably seen: even Minke and Fin whale have been spotted in recent weeks off Craiglieth.  Recently a pod of Orcas was spotted in the area.  Several species of wader frequent the shore. Green woodpeckers can be seen at nearby Yellowcraigs.  Aberlady Bay is a short drive along the coast. The new Bird Centre (opened by the late Sir Magnus Magnusson) will be of interest to ornithologists. 

As well as the holiday maker seeking an attractive spot for peace and quiet, North Berwick attracts a wide variety of sportsmen and women.  Sports include tennis, dinghy sailing, yachting, surfing and fishing.  The only BSAC dive school in Scotland is situated in North Berwick.  It also runs PADI courses.   Golfers are spoilt for choice: there are two courses in the town itself and several other excellent courses in the immediate area, including Muirfield and Gullane.  For walkers there are attractive paths to explore inland and along the coast.  The views from the top of Berwick Law, across to the Isle of May and over to Fife, are not to be missed.  The John Muir coastal trail starts in Dunbar and winds its way via North Berwick to Mussleburgh.

Many visitors simply enjoy strolling along the beach watching others at play, watching the birds, the waves or the passing boats, both large and small. There is never a dull moment, yet there is always plenty opportunity to find peace and quiet.

Preston Mill, The Museum of Flight at East Fortune, where a Concorde now sits, and a Butterfly Farm are some of the other attractions in the area.  A good bus service links all the neighbouring towns.

With a twice hourly train service to Edinburgh, North Berwick is conveniently situated for day trips to Scotland’s capital city. The Edinburgh Festival and Tattoo run for 3 weeks in Late August into September. The journey right into the city centre lasts about 30 minutes and saves you the agony and expense of hunting fruitlessly for a parking space! 

But a few minutes walk away from the flat, in the High Street, you will find an interesting variety of shops, banks, Post office. Numerous restaurants offer a wide range of international cuisine.  There are three supermarkets in North Berwick.  Sommerfield - on the main road east to Tantallon Castle also has a handy cash point.   The supermarket in the High Street is open 7 days a week till late in the evening. 

Evenings in Scotland are long. Swimmers and surfers are often still playing in the water as late as 10pm in summer.  Hardier folks can be seen swimming even in October.   In winter, the bracing sea air is no less enjoyable, though you may wish to wrap up well!  For those who enjoy photography sunsets and sunrises all year round are spectacular.

From the flat there are beautiful views across the East Bay to the Bass Rock and the Isle of May. The East Bay is literally across the road: the Seabird Centre and pretty harbour but a short distance away.  North Berwick prides itself on its clean water status.  The vast expanses of golden sands provide as much peace and tranquillity as you want yet, hours of entertainment.

A recent visitor could not believe that any one town could offer so much.