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West Lothian
West Lothian extends from a few miles west of the city to Bathgate in the west, and Bo'ness and South Queensferry on the Firth of Forth in the north. The main attractions include the Scottish Railway Exhibition and the Union Canal at Bo'ness and the ruins of the 15th century royal Linlithgow Palace in a magnificent setting on the banks of Linlithgow Loch. At South Queensferry, there are panoramic views past the Forth road and railway bridges to Fife and the distant mountains, and you can take a boat trip to the ruins of Inchcolm Abbey founded by Augustinian priors in 1123 on the island of Inchcolm. Nearby is the stately home and extensive grounds of Hopetoun House, originally built in the 18th century and later extended by William Adam.
Midlothian
Midlothian is a mixture of rolling hills (the Pentlands, offering varied walks with great views) and former coal mining settlements, such as Newtongrange, the locus of the Scottish Mining Museum. Midlothian, however, is perhaps best known for Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, centre of the controversy about the location of the Holy Grail (as of the Da Vinci Code fame) but a beautiful church in its own right.
East Lothian
In contrast, East Lothian is a region of rich farmland, long sandy beaches (such as Yellowcraigs near North Berwick), famous golf courses (such as Muirfield at Gullane) and seaside towns. Haddington is an attractive market town and the nearby 14th century Lennoxlove House contains the death mask of Mary Queen of Scots. The picturesque village of Gifford, a couple of miles south of Haddington, is a convenient base for walkers and it has a choice of good restaurants. To the north-east of Haddington at East Fortune is the Museum of Flight where Concorde is one of the most popular exhibits.
North Berwick flourished in Victorian times as a seaside resort and harbour. A steep climb up the 184-metre Berwick Law provides fine views to Bass Rock and its gannet colony. Places to visit include the Scottish Seabird Centre and the Auld Kirk, both at the harbour. The ruins of the 13th century Dirleton Castle lie a few miles west of North Berwick but Tantallon Castle, destroyed by Cromwell in 1651, occupies a more dramatic position on the cliff-tops 3 miles east of North Berwick. The port and resort of Dunbar lies about 12 miles east of North Berwick and is famous as being the birthplace of the explorer and conservationist John Muir (1838-1914) who founded the concept of the US national parks (his life and work is exhibited in the John Muir House). There is a 2-mile walk from the ruins of Dunbar Castle at the harbour to the John Muir Country Park at Belhaven Bay (Belhaven ales being first brewed by monks at Dunbar and is continued to this day).
Information
There are tourist offices in the major towns in the Lothians. Restaurants in East Lothian include: the Waterside Bistro in Haddington; the Tweeddale Arms and Goblin Ha Hotel in Gifford; the Grange, Tantallon Inn, Marine Hotel and Deveau's Brasserie in North Berwick; and the Creel in Dunbar. In West Lothian, try the Marynka, Livingston's and the Champany Inn in Linlithgow.
Sleeps: 2 (3) , Bedrooms: 1
Idyllically situated with the beach (from which there are unlimited views across the Firth of Forth) to the front and the golf course to the rear, and just a few miles from the centre of Edinburgh by fast train, Driftwood is an attractive and comfortable holiday home and an ideal base for exploring this part of Scotland.
Sleeps: 2 (3) , Bedrooms: 1
In a quiet, leafy lane, overlooking a waterfall, on the banks of the river near the village of Cramond on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Dowies Mill apartment is the upper floor of a beautifully restored 17th century terraced cottage. Full of character and beautifully appointed, it is a convenient and excellent base for exploring both the city and many parts of central Scotland.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
Those looking for a seaside or a sailing holiday will love Nether Abbey, a most comfortable, newly built apartment in the delightful resort of North Berwick, just along the coast from Edinburgh. Those looking for a golfing holiday will think they've died and gone to heaven, with more superb courses (think Muirfield, Luffness, Gullane...) in the immediate area than can be savoured in the duration of the average holiday.
Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2
With the golf course behind it and the sea in front, Shore Cabin, 30 miles east of Edinburgh on the Forth estuary, could hardly be better placed for a relaxing family holiday. Neat, trim inside and easily maintained, it stands in its own fenced garden with fabulous views of the Bass Rock, the sea and the beach from both cabin and garden.
Sleeps: 6, Bedrooms: 3
is perfectly situated for visitors who want to be within easy reach of all the attractions of Edinburgh and yet have a quiet rural base. It is situated just 3 miles from the City Boundary and a mile from the historic village of Roslin.
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