East Lothian Attractions: Things to do in East Lothian on non-golf days
Copyright: Visit East Lothian
Photographer: Rob McDougall
Planning a luxury golf escape does not mean every hour has to be spent on the fairways. East Lothian and nearby Edinburgh offer a rich mix of castles, coast, wildlife, whisky and world-class culture that will delight golfers and non-golfers alike.
From your base at Gilmerton House just outside North Berwick, you are ideally placed to explore it all, with most highlights within 10 to 40 minutes.
Historic Attractions on Scotland’s Golf Coast
Dirleton Castle
A breathtaking medieval fortress with romantic gardens and atmospheric ruins. Ideal for a gentle morning explore before a seaside lunch.
Tantallon Castle
Clinging to sea cliffs with panoramic views of the Bass Rock. Photographers love the vantage points and the drama of the North Sea swell.
Musselburgh Links
One of golf’s original venues. Even on a non-golf day, it is fun to walk the ground where centuries of history unfolded.
Hailes Castle
on the River Tyne for peaceful picnic spots.
Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot for picture-perfect architecture that Outlander fans may recognise.
East Lothian landscapes & wildlife
Copyright: Visit East Lothian
Photographer: Tom Duffin
Coastal walking paths
Choose from Yellowcraig, Seacliff, Belhaven Bay and Tyninghame beaches for vast sands, rock pools and big-sky sunsets.
Bass Rock and birdlife
Boat trips circle the volcanic island, home to one of the world’s largest gannet colonies. Binoculars recommended.
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
Interactive exhibits and live cameras on Bass Rock. Great for families or a breezy hour before coffee.
Parks and trails
John Muir Country Park for dunes and pine woodland, and the Lammermuir Hills for gentle moorland hikes on clear days.
Distillery tours near North Berwick
Copyright & Photo Credit: Visit East Lothian
Photographer: Tom Duffin
Glenkinchie Distillery
The Lowland home of Johnnie Walker. Book a tour and tasting, then enjoy the landscaped gardens.
North Berwick Distillery
Award-winning gin and vodka with relaxed, informative tastings.
Add a local flavour
Host a private tasting at Gilmerton House, or visit independent bottle shops in North Berwick to curate a region-by-region flight.
A day in Edinburgh
Only around 30 minutes from Gilmerton House to the city centre, Edinburgh rewards every type of traveller.
Headliners
Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, and the cobbled closes of the Old Town.
Edinburgh Festivals
Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival in August, Christmas markets and Hogmanay in winter.
Edinburgh food and shopping
When it comes to Food and Shopping in Edinburgh you are spoilt for choice.
From fine dining to neighbourhood bistros, plus artisan coffee, whisky bars and independent retailers on George Street, Victoria Street and Stockbridge.
Relaxed luxury near North Berwick
Archerfield Spa
Spa time
Book a local spa session for massages, pool time and thermal suites between rounds.
Seafood and shorelines
Enjoy crab and lobster in season, fish and chips on the harbour wall, or a long lunch in one of North Berwick’s restaurants.
Art, galleries and makers
Pop into studios and galleries in North Berwick and Gullane for coastal photography, ceramics and textiles.
Soft adventure and family fun
National Museum of Flight
Walk under wings and step aboard Concorde. The National Museum of Flight is a brilliant option for mixed-age groups.
Foxlake Adventures
Wakeboarding, ringo rides and low-level zip lines in a lakeside woodland setting.
East Links Family Park
East Links Family Park is ideal if younger travellers are in tow, with farm animals, a miniature railway and go-karts.
Cycling and e-bikes
Quiet lanes and coastal paths make for leisurely rides. Pack a picnic and follow the shoreline.
Two easy non-golf day plans
Coast and Castles
Morning at Dirleton Castle. Late coffee in North Berwick, then a beach walk at Yellowcraig with views to Fidra. Afternoon at Tantallon Castle and a short hop to Seacliff beach for golden hour.
Dinner back at Gilmerton House.
Culture and Drams
Morning in Edinburgh at the National Museum of Scotland and a stroll along the Royal Mile to the Castle Esplanade.
Return via Glenkinchie Distillery for a tour and tasting. Evening meal in the oak-panelled dining room at Gilmerton House.
Why Gilmerton House is an ideal base for non-golf days
Central to the coast
Minutes from North Berwick, the castles and beaches, and within easy reach of Edinburgh.
Space to unwind
Thirteen double bedrooms across the main house and Gilmerton Lodge, generous lounges, a snooker room and roaring fires.
Memorable evenings
Host a private tasting, live music or a chef-prepared dinner in the oak-panelled dining room, or stage a larger celebration in The Laundry House.
Ready to plan the perfect non-golf day from a luxurious, exclusive-use Georgian Mansion near North Berwick?
Enquire about your stay at Gilmerton House
Copyright: Visit East Lothian, Photographer: Tom Duffin