East Lothian

East Lothian's coastline runs from Musselburgh and Prestonpans, both within easy reach of Edinburgh, out to Aberlady, Gullane and North Berwick, where sandy beaches, golf links and harbour views draw visitors for gentler, seaside breaks. North Berwick is the liveliest of these coastal towns, with a working harbour and views out to the Bass Rock, while Gullane and Aberlady offer a quieter pace suited to walking and coastal air.

Inland, Haddington and East Linton sit among farmland and riverside paths, with Haddington's historic streets making it a good base for exploring the wider county. Dunbar combines both worlds, its old harbour and clifftop walks giving it a coastal character distinct from the inland towns. Together these places suit travellers wanting either a lively day out or a slower, rural pause.

East Lothian's coastline and golf courses have long drawn visitors, and the places to stay reflect that mix of seaside town and country retreat. North Berwick and Dunbar hold the largest concentration of options, from harbourside hotels like Bayswell Park to smaller guesthouses within walking distance of the beaches, while Gullane offers a quieter base close to its renowned links.

Inland, Haddington and Musselburgh suit those wanting easy access to Edinburgh alongside a market-town or historic feel, with Carberry Tower providing something grander for a special stay. Aberlady and Prestonpans add a handful of characterful choices, including the Old Aberlady Inn and The Bonnie Badger, both known as much for their food as their rooms.

Budget and style vary widely across the county, so it is worth deciding whether you want to be near the coast path, the golf, or the train line into the city before picking a base.

East Lothian's coastline shapes much of what there is to do here, from the wide sands of Belhaven Bay and Tyninghame Beach near Dunbar to Gullane Beach further along the coast. North Berwick makes a good base for a day out, with a treasure trail and easy access to John Muir Country Park for walkers and families wanting rock pools, dunes and birdlife rather than a packed itinerary.

Inland and around the farms, the offer is more seasonal and hands-on: pumpkin picking at Kilduff Farm or Balgone Estate, wildlife spotting at Pease Dean Wildlife Reserve, or a round of disc golf at ReBoot. Musselburgh adds craft and activity options like Fingers and Thumbs Crafts Centre for a change of pace.

With attractions spread across Dunbar, Gullane, Musselburgh and North Berwick, it's worth pairing a beach visit with one inland stop rather than trying to cover the whole county in a single trip.

East Lothian's coastline is the main draw for campers, and sites here tend to sit close to the beach or within easy reach of it. Dunbar has a good concentration, including Belhaven Bay and the Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site, both handy for the coastal path and the town's harbour. Further east towards the border with the Borders, Thorntonloch Caravan Park makes the most of a quieter stretch of shore.

Around North Berwick, Yellowcraig Caravan and Motorhome Club Site and Tantallon Caravan & Camping Park put you within striking distance of the castle and the golf coast, while Station Park Caravan Site offers a more low-key base in the town itself. Aberlady's setting suits those wanting birdwatching and quiet walks over nightlife.

For something less conventional, Harvest Moon Holidays, Pinkerton Hill and Wamphray Croft lean towards glamping, with fixed accommodation that suits a shorter break without the packing. Gilsland Caravan Park adds another option for those touring by van rather than tent.

East Lothian's self-catering cottages spread across farmland, coastal villages and the low hills inland, giving visitors a base close to golf courses, beaches and the walking country around Traprain Law and the Lammermuirs. Properties like Broomrigg Farmhouse and Abbeymill Farm Cottage sit on working farms, while others cluster near Musselburgh and the Forth coast, handy for Edinburgh day trips without staying in the city itself.

The Forthview Luxury Lodges group offers several individual lodges, each named after local landmarks, so it's worth comparing them alongside smaller, more traditional cottages such as Eliza Cottage or Forman's Lodge. Choice generally comes down to whether you want rural quiet, sea views, or easy road access into North Berwick and Edinburgh.