To the east of Edinburgh, this area of countryside between the North Sea and the Lammermuir Hills boasts seaside resorts, golf courses and a number of attractively-built villages and castles.

After a visit to Edinburgh, a stay in East Lothian offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and the scenery in Scotland. The North Sea coast, as far as Dunbar, is a succession of seaside villages, mediaeval castles and rocky coastline or cliffs interspersed with golf courses. At Aberlady and Gullane, the 18-hole courses are as highly renowned as the sandy beaches. Gullane, in particular, is home to the highly sought-after Muirfield course as well as a golf Museum. Once you go past the ruins of Dirleton Castle (C12th), with its cottages and flower gardens, you come across the seaside resort of North Berwick with its Victorian feel. It has been the same as since the C19thwith the arrival of the railway, which made it popular amongst the people of Edinburgh. The spectacular Bass Rock, just across from the town, is a haven for seals and northern gannets. Father to the East, there is Tantallon Castle, a splendid C14th red sandstone fortress at the water’s edge. These two sites are very popular with nature and history lovers. As you move inland from Dunbar, dominated by a ruined fortress, the hinterland of East Lothian is full of surprises. Amongst which is the town of Haddington and its delightful architecture, on the banks of the River Tyne, and the village of Gifford, from which you can set off on delightful walks through the Lammermuir Hills. Visitors will also be curious to discover the Museum of Flight, to the north of Haddington, and its impressive collection of aircraft.