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Things to Do in East Lothian

22 attractions and days out

Photo © Jim Riding, Google Maps

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.

John Muir Country Park ⭐ 4.8

Parks & Play Areas

John Muir Country Park

Explore Dunbar's stunning coastal landscape with sandy shores perfect for families, welcoming wheelchairs, pushchairs, dogs and little ones with full facilities for all visitors.

Pease Dean Wildlife Reserve ⭐ 4.8

Parks & Play Areas

Pease Dean Wildlife Reserve

Explore woodland trails and spot local wildlife at this natural reserve near Dunbar, where families can enjoy picnics amid scenic surroundings. Snacks available on-site, though facilities are limited.

ReBoot Disc Golf Course ⭐ 4.8

Adventure Golf

ReBoot Disc Golf Course

Launch flying discs at elevated baskets across this challenging outdoor course at Foxlake, where families can enjoy picnic-friendly surroundings and refuel at the onsite restaurant.

Tyninghame Beach ⭐ 4.8

Beaches & Coastline

Tyninghame Beach

This expansive sandy coastline offers plenty of space for children to explore and play, with wheelchair access and the option to bring your own picnic for a perfect family day out.

Balgone Pumpkins at Balgone Estate ⭐ 4.8

Farm Parks

Balgone Pumpkins at Balgone Estate

Pick your perfect pumpkin straight from the field at this family-run estate, with accessible pathways throughout and dining facilities on-site to complete your autumn day out.

Gullane Beach ⭐ 4.8

Beaches & Coastline

Gullane Beach

This expansive sandy stretch along Marine Terrace offers excellent wheelchair access and welcomes picnickers to enjoy seaside fun, from paddling in the waves to creating sandy masterpieces on the shore.

John Muirs Birthplace ⭐ 4.7

Museums & Galleries

John Muirs Birthplace

Step into the childhood home of America's legendary wilderness advocate at this engaging Dunbar museum, featuring hands-on exhibits celebrating John Muir's environmental legacy.

Jamboree Adventure Soft Play ⭐ 4.7

Indoor Soft Play

Jamboree Adventure Soft Play

Located at Musselburgh Sports Centre, this indoor play venue offers active fun for kids with climbing frames, slides and activity zones. Note that facilities are limited, with no baby changing areas or wheelchair access available.

North Berwick Mystery Treasure Trail ⭐ 4.7

Trails & Treasure Hunts

North Berwick Mystery Treasure Trail

Explore North Berwick while cracking codes and hunting down a criminal in this family-friendly detective adventure starting from Quality Street. Pack a picnic and let the kids channel their inner sleuth!

Yellowcraig ⭐ 4.7

Parks & Play Areas

Yellowcraig

This Dirleton park offers outdoor space for families to explore, though facilities are limited with no toilets or baby-changing areas and picnics aren't permitted.

Newhailes House and Gardens Musselburgh ⭐ 4.5

Historic Houses & Gardens

Newhailes House and Gardens Musselburgh

This National Trust Scotland estate near Edinburgh offers families historic rooms to explore, expansive grounds for wandering, and facilities including baby changing areas and ramps.

Scottish Seabird Centre ⭐ 4.5

Zoos & Animal Parks

Scottish Seabird Centre

Discover Scotland's incredible coastal wildlife at this harbourside centre, featuring interactive cameras that bring you face-to-face with puffins, gannets and seals in their natural habitat.

AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Edinburgh ⭐ 4.4

Trampoline & Bounce Parks

AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Edinburgh

Bounce into action at Edinburgh's premier indoor trampoline venue, featuring high-flying fun zones for all ages with baby changing facilities and assistance for guests requiring extra support.

Archerfield Walled Garden ⭐ 4.4

Historic Houses & Gardens

Archerfield Walled Garden

This enchanting historic garden offers families a delightful woodland trail filled with fairy-tale surprises, plus refreshments and full accessibility for wheelchairs, pushchairs and pups.

Prestongrange Museum ⭐ 4.4

Museums & Galleries

Prestongrange Museum

This East Lothian heritage site welcomes families with full accessibility, picnic areas, and dining options. Well-equipped facilities include baby changing rooms and plenty of parking.

Jabberwocky Soft Play and Cafe ⭐ 4.2

Indoor Soft Play

Jabberwocky Soft Play and Cafe

Let little ones burn off energy in this welcoming indoor play centre with wheelchair access, baby-changing rooms and a café serving snacks for hungry families.

East Links Family Park ⭐ 4.6

Farm Parks

East Links Family Park

Meet friendly farm animals and explore exciting outdoor adventures including go-karts, a safari train ride and maze at this Dunbar attraction with picnic areas and onsite dining.

Belhaven Bay ⭐ 4.5

Beaches & Coastline

Belhaven Bay

This sweeping coastal stretch near Dunbar offers families golden sands and onsite facilities including parking, toilets and a restaurant, perfect for seaside days out along the Lothian shore.

Dunbar Leisure Pool ⭐ 4.4

Swimming & Leisure Centres

Dunbar Leisure Pool

Make a splash at this family-friendly pool featuring exciting waterslides, wave machine, beach zone and playful water jets, plus an ocean-themed soft play area to keep little ones entertained.

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery ⭐ 4.4

Museums & Galleries

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Discover local heritage through rotating displays of historical artefacts and artwork on High Street, with expert-led tours revealing fascinating stories from Dunbar's past.

Beaches & Coastline
Whitesands Bay

Beaches & Coastline

Whitesands Bay

This expansive sandy stretch beside Whitesand Nature Reserve welcomes families and four-legged friends for picnics and seaside fun, with wheelchair-friendly access throughout.

Farm Parks
Kilduff Farm Pumpkin Festival 2023

Farm Parks

Kilduff Farm Pumpkin Festival 2023

This accessible farm festival near Athelstaneford offers autumn fun for all ages with pushchair-friendly paths, baby facilities, and dining options where you can also bring your own picnic.

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