Full-Day Trip: Sands and Castles of East Lothian from Edinburgh

Edinburgh , Scotland

Full-Day Trip: Sands and Castles of East Lothian from Edinburgh

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(57 reviews)

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About this experience

Follow the breathtaking East Lothian coastline for a fantastic blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Enjoy the first stop at Archerfield Walled Garden. A unique destination in the heart of the beautiful East Lothian countryside, with lovingly tended Gardens, extensive grounds, Garden Café, Shop and Food Market, there is lots to see and do

Spend time exploring the well preserved castles of Dirleton and Tantallon. Gain insights to medieval life and architecture as you roam the castle grounds.

Free time for lunch in North Berwick. Once a royal burgh, the town boasts a picturesque high street, beautiful sandy beaches and a relaxing atmosphere.

A final stop on the way home at Athelstaneford, the birthplace of the Scottish Flag where you will learn about the battle between the Picts and the Angles, the vision of King Angus, and how the Scottish Saltire came to life.

Available options

Full-Day Trip: Sands and Castles of East Lothian from Edinburgh

What's included

Scenic tour through the County of East Lothian

Regular stops for photos and rest breaks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Time to explore Yellowcraig and Seacliff beaches

Services of an English-speaking driver guide

Detailed itinerary

Archerfield Walled Garden is a unique destination in the heart of the beautiful East Lothian countryside. Close to the seaside towns of Gullane and North Berwick and just 20 miles from the centre of Edinburgh, it’s the perfect place for a stop to grab some refreshments. With lovingly tended Gardens, extensive grounds, Garden Café, Shop and Food Market, there is lots to see and do. Families will love the woodland Fairy Trail and enclosed play area. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast looking for inspiration or a foodie looking for delicious brunch, you will love what’s on offer here.

The first stop on our journey brings us to the well preserved Dirleton Castle. The castle is located at the heart of the rich agricultural lands of the barony of Dirleton, and guards the coastal approach to Edinburgh from England, via the port of North Berwick. You will have the chance to roam through the beautiful gardens, gaining insights into medieval life and architecture

This seaside town is a former royal burgh. It is situated on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, approximately 20 miles (32 km) east-northeast of Edinburgh. North Berwick became a fashionable holiday resort in the nineteenth century because of its two sandy bays, the East (or Milsey) Bay and the West Bay, and continues to attract holidaymakers. You can spend your time here meandering the streets, wandering along the beach on the East Bay, or by popping into the the Scottish Seabird Centre to learn about the wildlife in this area.

Tantallon Castle is a ruined mid-14th-century fortress, located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of North Berwick. It sits atop a promontory opposite the Bass Rock, looking out onto the Firth of Forth. The last medieval curtain wall castle to be constructed in Scotland, Tantallon comprises a single wall blocking off the headland, with the other three sides naturally protected by sea cliffs. The views from the castle across the Firth of Forth do not disappoint.

The last of our stops is the wee village of Athelstaneford which is known for its connection to the Scottish flag. According to popular legend, the original Scottish saltire - the white diagonal cross on a sky blue background - was first adopted here. A visit to the National Flag Heritage Centre will provide more insight.

What's not included

Food and drink

Individual hotel / multi-point pick-ups and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

47 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel time is added to the total tour duration

Meeting point

Meet the driver/guide at Charlotte Square* for check in at 8:45am for a sharp 9:00am departure.
*The bus stop outside the National Records of Scotland (17 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DJ) is the exact location of departure.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture