The Open Arms Hotel · Explore the Local Area
From medieval castles and seabird islands to world-famous links, golden beaches and lively market towns, East Lothian offers memorable days out in every season.
Use the filters below to explore 24 carefully selected places and experiences, then follow the official visitor link for current opening times, booking details and access information.
Showing all 23 East Lothian places and experiences.
Heritage
Dirleton Castle brings together more than four centuries of Scottish history in the heart of the village. Explore its medieval ranges, great hall, kitchen, vaults and chapel, then slow down in the renowned gardens and herbaceous borders. Its compact scale makes it easy to combine a heritage visit with a walk through Dirleton or an afternoon at nearby Yellowcraig.
Plan a visit to Dirleton Castle
Heritage
Standing beside the village green, surrounded by traditional stone buildings, mature trees and a peaceful churchyard, Dirleton Kirk is one of the most significant landmarks in this beautiful East Lothian village. Built in 1612, Dirleton Kirk is considered one of Scotland’s earliest post-Reformation parish churches. It replaced the older medieval church at Gullane, which had become unusable.
Explore Dirleton Kirk
Towns & Villages
Nestled between rolling countryside and the stunning East Lothian coastline, Dirleton Village quietly captures your imagination. Traditional stone cottages, colourful gardens and peaceful lanes sit alongside the imposing ruins of Dirleton Castle, the historic Kirk and the village green, creating a place that feels authentic. Directly opposite the castle, The Open Arms Hotel is the perfect place to relax.
Explore Dirleton Village
Towns & Villages
North Berwick comes alive for ten days every summer as Fringe by the Sea returns from Friday 31 July to Sunday 9 August 2026. Set on the East Lothian coast with views across the Firth of Forth towards Bass Rock, the festival combines music, comedy, talks, and a unique seaside atmosphere. What began as a local coastal festival has grown into a major fixture in Scotland's summer calendar.
Explore the Fringe by the Sea Festival
Heritage
Preston Mill is one of East Lothian's most distinctive historic buildings, with its conical roof and riverside setting near East Linton. Guided visits explain how the region's last commercial watermill worked and what daily life was like for the miller. The neighbouring Phantassie Doocot and surrounding countryside make this a rewarding stop for architecture, photography and local history.
Discover Preston Mill
Heritage
Tantallon Castle occupies a dramatic cliff-edge position overlooking the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock. Its vast red sandstone curtain wall recalls the power of the Red Douglas dynasty and the sieges that shaped this formidable stronghold. Where access permits, the elevated viewpoints provide some of the most memorable coastal scenery in East Lothian.
Explore Tantallon Castle
Heritage
The Flag Heritage Centre at Athelstaneford tells the traditional story of the Saltire and the village's connection with Scotland's national flag. The exhibition is housed in a restored doocot behind the parish church and uses an audio-visual presentation to introduce the legend. The memorial, churchyard and viewpoint can be visited throughout the year, while the centre itself operates seasonally.
Visit the Flag Heritage Centre
Coast & Beaches
Yellowcraig is a sheltered sandy cove close to Dirleton, with wide views towards Fidra Island and its lighthouse. Families can combine time on the beach with the adventure play area, woodland paths and nature trails behind the dunes. The mix of coast, grassland and woodland makes it a strong choice for an easy outdoor day near The Open Arms Hotel.
Explore Yellowcraig Beach
Coast & Beaches
Gullane Bents combines a broad sandy beach with high dunes and coastal grassland on the edge of the village. It is popular for walking, picnics, sunbathing and wind-powered watersports when conditions are suitable. After the beach, Gullane's cafés, restaurants and golf heritage are all within easy reach.
Discover Gullane Bents
Coast & Beaches
Seacliff is an unspoilt, privately managed beach with striking views of Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock. Its rocky edges, open sand and tiny stone harbour give the bay a secluded character that feels very different from the larger resort beaches. It is particularly rewarding for coastal photography, quiet walks and unhurried time beside the sea.
Explore Seacliff Beach
Coast & Beaches
Belhaven Bay stretches through John Muir Country Park beside dunes, salt marsh and flower-rich grassland. At low tide, the much-photographed Bridge to Nowhere provides access towards the broad beach and its expansive estuary views. The bay is well suited to walking, picnics, wildlife watching and observing surfers from the shore.
Visit Belhaven Bay
Wildlife & Nature
The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick introduces the wildlife and marine habitats of the Firth of Forth. Interactive exhibits, live island cameras, films and expert talks reveal the lives of gannets, puffins and other coastal species. A visit also supports the centre's marine conservation and education work, with a café and harbour views completing the experience.
Explore the Scottish Seabird Centre
Wildlife & Nature
Seasonal wildlife boat trips leave North Berwick Harbour for the islands of the Firth of Forth and the famous Bass Rock. Depending on the route and time of year, passengers may see gannets, puffins, guillemots, seals and other marine wildlife. Trips are weather-dependent and advance booking is recommended, so check current sailing information before travelling.
View Bass Rock boat trips
Wildlife & Nature
Aberlady Bay became Britain's first Local Nature Reserve in 1952 and protects an extensive landscape of salt marsh, dunes and shoreline. Its paths lead through changing habitats where visitors can watch wading birds, wildfowl and seasonal coastal wildlife. The open terrain is peaceful but exposed, so suitable footwear and preparation for changing weather are sensible.
Explore Aberlady Bay
Wildlife & Nature
North Berwick Law is a prominent volcanic hill rising above the town and the surrounding East Lothian coast. The steep path to the summit rewards walkers with views towards the Bass Rock, Craigleith, the Forth islands and inland countryside. Allow time for the climb, wear footwear with reliable grip and take particular care in wet or windy conditions.
Plan the North Berwick Law walk
Golf
Muirfield is the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, whose written records date to 1744. The celebrated links is known for its balanced routing, changing wind directions and long association with championship golf. Visitor arrangements are limited and carefully managed, so golfers should consult the club directly and plan well in advance.
Visit the Muirfield website
Golf
The historic West Links runs along the Firth of Forth, where the sea, beach and old stone walls are integral parts of the course. North Berwick Golf Club was formed in 1832, although golf has been played on this ground for much longer. The imaginative holes and traditional links conditions make it one of East Lothian's most distinctive visitor golf experiences.
Explore North Berwick West Links
Golf
Gullane Golf Club offers three links courses across elevated ground above the village and the Firth of Forth. The No 1 course has hosted major national and international events, while the wider club provides options for different abilities and itineraries. Panoramic coastal views, firm turf and exposure to the wind create a classic East Lothian links experience.
Explore Gullane Golf Club
Golf
Archerfield Links lies on the coastal estate between Dirleton and Gullane and offers two 18-hole championship courses. The Dirleton Links has a rugged links character, while the Fidra Links combines fast-running ground with pine-framed holes. The estate also provides coaching, fitting and practice facilities for golfers planning a more complete experience.
Discover Archerfield Links
Walks & Cycling
The John Muir Way crosses Scotland from coast to coast and reaches its eastern end in John Muir's birthplace of Dunbar. Its East Lothian sections connect beaches, harbours, farmland, historic sites and several of the region's towns. Walkers and cyclists can choose a manageable day section or use the official route information to plan a longer journey.
Plan a John Muir Way route
Walks & Cycling
The Dirleton and Yellowcraig Circular links the historic village with woodland paths, coastal grassland and the sandy beach. It is a useful way to experience several local landscapes without committing to a full-day long-distance route. Check the official route description before setting out and allow extra time for the castle, village or beach along the way.
View the Dirleton and Yellowcraig walk
Towns & Villages
North Berwick is a lively seaside town with beaches, an historic harbour and views towards the islands of the Firth of Forth. Independent shops, cafés, restaurants and galleries sit within walking distance of the Scottish Seabird Centre and coastal paths. The town also makes a convenient starting point for boat trips, golf, a climb up the Law or a visit to Tantallon Castle.
Discover North Berwick
Towns & Villages
Dunbar combines a working harbour, dramatic cliffs and a long High Street with strong links to the sea and Scottish history. Visitors can explore John Muir's Birthplace, walk around the harbours and Battery, or continue into John Muir Country Park. The town is also the eastern end of the John Muir Way and a practical base for beaches and outdoor activities.
Explore Dunbar
Towns & Villages
East Fortune is a small rural village near East Linton, best known as the home of the National Museum of Flight. Set on a former Second World War airfield, the museum features historic aircraft, aviation displays and the chance to board Concorde. Surrounded by open countryside, East Fortune is an interesting stop for visitors exploring East Lothian's heritage and attractions.
Explore East Fortune and the MuseumOpen Arms Hotel,
Main Street, Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland
EH39 5EG
Tel: 01620 850 241
Email: info@openarmshotel.com
