North Berwick

It's home to an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and bars, not to mention world-renowned golf courses. Just a 30 minute train journey from Edinburgh, North Berwick offers striking views out to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony. Indeed the bird takes its Latin name, Sula Bassana, from the island.

It is also home to the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre, and nearby attractions includes the mighty Tantallon Castle to the east and Dirleton Castle to the west. Also, thanks to North Berwick in Bloom, the town has won multiple awards for its gardens, floral displays and wildflower gardens.

As a seaside town, North Berwick boasts classic fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours, as well as quirky tearooms, trendy coffee shops and an array of creative, boutique and independent shopping experiences. There’s plenty to keep you entertained, with boat trips around the local islands, putting greens, playgrounds, tennis courts and other sporting activities. Why not take a swing at a golf club, such as North Berwick, Glen, or the nearby Muirfield?

A jam-packed events programme provides year-round entertainment with highlights including the North Berwick Highland Games, Fringe by the Sea and Puffin Fest, which celebrates the return of the puffins to the local islands.