Thing To Do In North Berwick

Walking

East Lothian also offers a great variety of walking and landscapes with the coast line and cliffs to the north of the county, the Lammermuir Hills to the south with an expanse of arable farmland and woodlands in between. Many of the paths go to or pass by vantage points offering views of the surrounding countryside.   It is now possible to walk the length of the East Lothian coast, almost 73km from Edinburgh to the Borders on the fantastic John Muir Way.  There are a number of leaflets showing the various walking trails along the coast, the John Muir Way, around towns and villages. Please see www.visiteastlothian.org for more information and online leaflets.

Should you fancy a climb, there is of course North Berwick Law, the large lump of volcanic rock that presides over the town (613ft high), although steep in places the views from the top are the best in the area.

Harbour, Beaches, Firth of Forth

Located on the southern side of the Firth of Forth, North Berwick is an attractive, bustling seaside resort and harbour town. Most of the busy town's "going's on" happen around the harbour, which is nestled in between the two sandy bays. Children love the safe, sandy beaches, so it's a popular place for a family summer holiday but the pleasant East Coast climate makes North Berwick an ideal choice for a short holiday in the Spring, Summer Or Autumn.

The Bass Rock, other islands and Wildlife

Looking out to the Forth, the sea is dotted with islands of volcanic rock. The most famous of which is the Bass Rock, with its towering cliffs, this is home to over 150,000 gannets in peak of the season. The Gannets spend most of the year on the Bass until the end of October when they head to sunnier climes. Fidra, another of the islands off the coast of North Berwick, was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure island. Boat trips to these and other islands and to view the wonderful wildlife of Gannets, Puffins, Shags, Guillemots, Razorbills and Grey Seals can be arranged at the harbour. Fishing and Deep Sea Diving trips can also be arranged.

Castles

East Lothian is home to many beautiful castles, steeped in history. Tantallon Castle perched on the cliffs looking out to the Firth of Forth and The Bass Rock, Direlton Castle with its magnificent draw bridge, dungeons and award winning Gardens and Hailes Castle hidden away along the banks of the River Tyne.

Golfing

East Lothian provides an inspirational setting for Golf and with 22 courses to choose from it may well be the highest concentration of links golf courses in the world! Indeed eight of these Gold Courses feature in the National Club Golfer’s Top 100 Links in the UK and Ireland! is one of Scotland's best regions for golf. “This incredible corner of the Home of Golf features a depth, variety and quality of Golf Courses which can compete with any golf destination in the world.” (Scotland’s Gold Coast – Golf Guide) For more information on golfing in East Lothian, please visit www.golfeastlothian.com

Free Family Favourites!

"As a family we have lived our whole life in East Lothian and will only be too happy to share our experience and talk about the things that we like to do as a family, give ideas of special days out for when the weather is good and of course things you might like to do when the weather is, perhaps, not so good!  There are hidden gems all over East Lothian but you simply will not find them advertised at the tourist office or on the web but as a family who have lived, worked and played for 3 generations in East Lothian and North Berwick we will be happy to impart our knowledge and to suggest itineries so that everyone gets the most out of their holiday.  I have just a little selection of my Family’s Favourites and they just so happen to also be Free! A day at the beach, Crabbing at the Harbour, Harbour Jumping (sshhhh don’t tell the harbour master), Law Climbing and Pony Spotting or a Family Bike Ride!”
 

Seabird Centre

An interactive wildlife adventure in North Berwick with a Discovery Centre, Gift Shop, Café and Seasonal Boat Trips. A Five Star Visit attractions. To find out more please visit www.seabird.org and don’t forget to pick up your discount card at Gilsland Park reception.

Museum of Flight

From the defenders of our nation and jumping jets to the supersonic speed of Concorde and airborne maternity wards, discovery the stories behind one of Europe’s best collections of aircraft and find out about the heroes that flew them. For more information please visit www.nms.ac.uk/flight

The Children’s Course

Originally established in 1888 as the “Ladies’ Links” the Children’s course comprises a 9 hole Par 3 layout situated adjacent to the 15th & 16th holes on the West Links. An ideal facility for youngsters to learn the game. During July & August there is a programme of competitions open to all children under 14 and many compete from age six or younger. Adults may play the course – but must be accompanied by a child! For more information please visit www.northberwickgolfclub.com/the-course/childrens-course There are also two putting greens in North Berwick please

On Yer Bike

Gilsland Park is perfect for the kids to scoot and cycle around in a safe environment and there are some lovely safe cycles from the park down into North Berwick. We have lost count of the number of children who have learned to ride their bike at Gilsland!

East Links Family Park

East links is the ideal family and children’s day out where the adults have as much fun as the kids! Situated just outside Dunbar it has become the premier visitor attraction in South East Scotland. Here are just a few of the things you can enjoy whilst there; The Train Safari, Outdoor Farm Animals, Indoor Animal Barn, Go Karts, Trampolines and Jelly Belly, Tractors and Bikes, The Fortress amongst many many more. For more information please visit www.eastlinks.co.uk and don’t forget to pick up your discount card at Gilsland Park reception.

Beaches

East Lothian has 40 miles of breathtaking coastline and award winning beaches. Strolling, Sandcastle Making, Paddling, Surfing, Rockpooling, Crab and Shell Hunting, Wildlife and Water sports. Find out more at www.visiteastlothian.org/explore/coast/beaches and www.thebeachguide.co.uk

Foxlake Adventures

Home to Scotland’s first Cable Wakeboard park and the UK’s only Ropes Adventure Course over water. Find out more and book your session at www.foxlake.co.uk and collect your discount card at Gilsland Park reception.

Kayaking

North Berwick Kayak hire provide affordable sit on top kayak hire with FatYak kayaks – available from 1 hour to multiply day hire. Delivery of equipment to your chosen beach can also be arranged. All equipment available to hire. Great fun and a great way to explore the coast line. More info at www.nbkayakhire.com and discount card from Gilsland Park reception.

On Yer Bike

Gilsland Park is perfect for the kids to scoot and cycle around in a safe environment and there are some lovely safe cycles from the park down into North Berwick. But if you want to go further afield, East Lothian is a wonderful county for a leisurely cycle with friends or the family. It’s mainly flat – not too hilly – which is always a bonus and the scenery is fabulous. The coastal road with lovely views across the Firth of Forth flows in and out of the pretty coastal villages or go inland to the countryside and rolling hills. The county is quite compact with lovely quiet country lanes, making it easier to visit the places of interest and refuel at the many establishments offering refreshments and fabulous home baking on the way! For ideas of where to cycle please check out www.visiteastlothian.org which shows many circular routes which have been developed. If off-road or fat biking is your thing, there’s loads of great cycle trails to test your skills. Check out the Coast Kid's blog spot for some great ideas.  Cycle hire is available at www.lawcycles.co.uk

Surfing

Dunbar plays host to the best surfable waves in the area and home to Belhaven Surf Club, currently the second top club in Scotland. Coast to Coast offers high quality surf and adventure teaching with a team of experienced instructors in the sports of Surfing, Bodyboarding, Stand up Paddle Boarding and Coasteering. Find out more at www.c2csurfschool.com

Diving

Diving off Scotland’s south east has been described as world class with a huge variety of ship wrecks and underwater cliff dives in and around the Forth, Bass Rock and the Isle of May.

Relaxation

The atmosphere on the park is relaxed and friendly and we like to think that from the minute you arrive at Gilsland Park you will start to unwind and enjoy.  It certainly is a pleasure to see that sometimes even before mum and dad have collected the keys to their accommodation, the kids are out of the car, meeting and playing with friends old and new.  But please let us know if there is something more we could do to help you enjoy your time here with us to the max.

NBeauty by Kelly Evans

Kelly is a local beautician who does a whole host of lovely treatments at great prices.  She is also available to visit your group in Gilsland’s accommodation for some treatments for more information and to book your appointment please contact NBeauty by Kelly Evans

Crafts and Floristry

Fingers and Thumbs

North Berwick’s independent Art and Crafts centre where you can enjoy in the crafts of pottery, painting and decoupage.  Please see www.fingersandthumbsnb.co.uk

 

The School of Floristry

Provide a wide range of creative and practical workshops for those wishing to make the most of flowers from their garden or the supermarket.  Fantastic for a different, creative day or weekend out with the girls.  Contact www.theschooloffloristry.co.uk with your requirements.

Spa Days

McDonald Marine Hotel & Spa 

Organise Spa days and book treatments at the Spa at the local Marine Hotel. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

 

Archerfield Spa

Fletcher’s Spa at Archerfield Estate is a haven of rustic luxury, as featured in the Sunday Times Travel Top 6 British Spas and the Tatler Spa guide.  Fletcher’s Spa certainly is one of a kind and perfect for relaxing spa days and wellbeing special treats.  www.archerfieldhouse.com/spa