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44. Dirleton Castle


Romantic Dirleton Castle has graced the heart of the picturesque village of Dirleton since the 13th century. For the first 400 years, it served as the residence of three noble families. It was badly damaged during Cromwell’s siege of 1650, but its fortunes revived in the 1660s when the Nisbet family built a new mansion close to the ruins. The beautiful gardens that grace the castle grounds today date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and include the world’s longest herbaceous border!


Admission charge. Open Apr – Sept 9.30 – 5.30pm; Oct – Mar 9.30 – 4.30pm.


Postcode: EH39 5ER Tel: 01620 850330 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk


11. Levenhall Links


The unlikely setting of a landscaped spoil heap from a power station provides a year round spectacle and an area fast becoming Scotland’s premier birdwatching site. Levenhall boasts a variety of habitats including shallow water scrapes, a boating pond, ash lagoons, hay meadow, woodland and utility grassland. This supports species including wading birds such as bar-tailed godwit, dunlin, redshank, and lapwing, together with duck, widgeon, gulls and tern. Discover the varied wildlife of this fascinating area from specially constructed hides, or from the various tracks.


Postcode: EH21 7QE Tel: 01620 827279 www.eastlothian.gov.uk


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22. Prestongrange Museum


Prestongrange is a site of major importance in the story of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Over the centuries, the site has been a harbour, glass works, pottery, coal mine and brick works. You can still see remnants of these former industries, and many of the structures are still intact. These include the rare Hoffman Kiln built in 1937 and the Cornish Beam Engine, unique in Scotland as the only beam engine still on the site where it worked. The Visitor Centre includes displays, a film and a children’s section, as well as a self guided audio tour. Enjoy the all ability path through the wildlife area.


Museum open all year. Visitor centre 1st Apr – 31st Oct, 11.30am – 4.30pm.


Postcode: EH32 9RY Tel : 0131 653 2904 (out of season: 01620 820600) www.prestongrange.org


55. Yellowcraig Beach


Yellowcraig is a natural cove beach with spectacular views to the 1885 lighthouse on Fidra. The soft white sands make it a popular family beach, a great place for rock pooling and finding your own small treasures! Yellowcraig also offers a nature trail and a network of footpaths through the sheltered woodlands and extensive grassland dotted with wildflowers and butterflies in the summer. There is an adventure play area located next to car park and a barbecue site (which must be pre-booked with the council).


Postcode: EH39 5DS Tel: 01620 827279 www.eastlothian.gov.uk


6. Scottish Seabird Centre 6 33. Longniddry Bents


Nestled between the Forth and the coast road is the long sandy beach of Longniddry Bents. There are rock pools to explore, areas of semi-natural coastal grassland bright with flowers in the spring and summer, and fine views looking towards Edinburgh and the Forth Bridges. Many sea and wading birds frequent this area making it a regular haven for bird-watchers. Grey seals are often spotted to the west of the bay. Look out for the remains of World War II anti-tank defences. Longniddry Bents is part of the John Muir Way coastal walk.


Nearest Postcode: EH32 0PU Tel: 01620 827279 www.eastlothian.gov.uk


The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award winning wildlife interpretation centre and a world leader in remote wildlife viewing. Control interactive live cameras to zoom in on the gannets on the world-famous Bass Rock, focus on the grey seals on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve and spy on puffins on Fidra and Craigleith. Uncover more in the Wildlife Theatre, Migration Flyway, Environment Zone and the Telescope Deck. There’s also the chance to enjoy seasonal boat trips, unwind on the café’s seaside deck and indulge in the gift shop. The Seabird Centre is right in the centre of the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick, with beaches and a harbour to explore.


Admission charge. Open all year, times vary


Postcode: EH39 4SS Tel: 01620 890202 www.seabird.org


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