Accommodation in North Berwick

Discover 10,000 years of culture and heritage of Scottish coastal villages at the Coastal Communities Museum, located just above the town library. Also interesting is the 18th-century Preston water-mill which bears a distinctive conical-roofed kiln. The working Tantallon Studios is a great place to pick up original pieces crafted by resident artists. Wedding planners and wannabe florists should definitely consider a workshop at the whimsical School of Floristry.

Consider a boat excursion to Fidra Island which was born from volcanic activity around 335 million years ago. Boat trips also operate from North Berwick harbour to the Isle of May which is a magnet for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.

Observe gannets, puffins, shags and cormorants at the Scottish Seabird Centre. If lucky, you might spot some seals, dolphins and whales too. In easy reach of the centre is the tide-filled pond on East Sands beach where families paddle, swim and canoe on warm summer days. Just east of North Berwick is the unspoilt Seacliff beach, thronged by picnickers, sun bathers and surfers. The 17th century Lodge Grounds are an oasis of wild gardens and mature trees, offering scenic views of North Berwick Law and the Bass Rock.

Tantallon Castle

5 km east of North Berwick is the semi-ruined, 14th century castle built by William Douglas. One of the last great medieval castles, it is also a popular filming location.

National Museum of Flight

Housed inside an original wartime building, Scotland's national aviation museum holds an annual air show every July. The Concorde experience comes with an interesting and informative audio guide. Refurbished hangars and interactive exhibits keep the kids entertained.

Dirleton Castle

This medieval fortress–residence was home to three successive noble families over 400 years and possesses the oldest castle architecture in Scotland. Watch out for the bleak prison pit, the cavernous storage vaults, and the dovecot – a well-preserved pigeon house with more than 1,000 nesting boxes.

Yellowcraig Beach

Set in its own cove with views of an 1885-built lighthouse on Fidra Island, this beach was the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. It is popular with families with kids and dog walkers.

Bass Rock

The offshore islands of Bass Rock play host to 150,000 gannets during the peak of the breeding season. Formed over 320 million years ago, the area still houses active volcanoes. Take a catamaran cruise to Bass Rock and enjoy a sumptuous fish & chips platter on the isle.