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14 John Muir’s Birthplace 14


Born in Dunbar in 1838, John Muir emigrated with his parents to the United States where he campaigned for the preservation of natural environments. Find out how John Muir’s life and work has inspired people all over the world and why he is known in the USA as the ‘father of the National Parks.’ The Dunbar birthplace of the pioneering conservationist is now a family-friendly interpretative centre exploring the work and achievements of this remarkable man.


Open all year round 10am – 5pm Mon – Sat, 1pm – 5pm Sun. Closed Mon/Tues from 1st Nov – 31st Mar.


Postcode: EH42 1JJ Tel: 01368 865899 www.jmbt.org.uk


15 St Mary’s Church, Haddington 15 11 National Museum of Flight 11


Head off on a journey of discovery as you visit this former airfield and explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Fill your day with interactive galleries, supersonic experiences, historic hangars, an assault course and acres of green grass and fresh air! Exhibitions include Fantastic Flight and The Jet Age and a collection of over 50 aircraft including high- ranking military planes and passenger aircraft. Seek out Comet and Concorde, Tiger Moth and Tornado, Spitfire and Sea Hawk, Jetstream and Jaguar. A shop and a children’s play area complement a visit to this fascinating museum.


Admission charge. Open Apr–Oct from 10am–5pm; Nov–Mar weekends only, 10am–4pm.


Postcode: EH39 5LF Tel: 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk


16 12 Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot 12


An idyllic 18th-century water mill with a distinctive conical-roofed kiln and red pantiled buildings, Preston Mill is extremely popular with artists and photographers. The mill remained in operation until 1959 and the water-wheel and machinery all still work. Come and learn about life at the mill and the stories of the millers who worked there. Afterwards, take a walk up to the unusual doocot, once home to 500 birds.


Admission charge. Open June – Sept Thurs – Mon 12.30 – 5pm


Postcode: EH40 3DS Tel: 0844 493 2128 www.nts.org.uk


16 Hailes Castle 16 13 John Muir Country Park 13


The John Muir Country Park covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline and is a haven for wildlife and people. From the Castle ruins in Dunbar to the Peffer Burn to the north, it includes the Cliff Top Trail with fine views of the sea and the Bass Rock; the long sandy sweep of Belhaven Bay; the River Tyne estuary; and extensive areas of grassland, salt-marsh and woodland. These diverse habitats contain a wide range of wildlife including birds, butterflies and plants. The Park is named after John Muir, the explorer, naturalist and conservationist born in Dunbar in 1838, and is part of the John Muir Way.


Postcode: EH42 1TY Tel: 01620 827279 www.eastlothian.gov.uk


Toilet facilities, including disabled toilets, are available at Shore Road and Linkfield Car Parks.


In a lovely location above the banks of the River Tyne, surrounded by a cluster of trees, Hailes Castle is a great spot for a picnic. The beautifully sited ruin incorporates a 13th century fortified manor which was extended in the 14th and 15th centuries. There are two vaulted pit-prisons. Despite its setting, it was far from impregnable and often found itself in the way of invading armies. The castle’s defenders repulsed two attacks by Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy, immortalised in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part One. They were not so fortunate in 1446, 1548 and 1650, when Hailes fell to its enemies. Its most renowned visitor was Mary Queen of Scots who stayed for a night in 1567 before her fateful third wedding to James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell.


Open all year.


Postcode: EH41 4PY Tel: 01620 827279 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk


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A short walk from historic Haddington’s town centre is the longest parish church in Scotland, St Mary’s. In a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Tyne, spanned by the nearby 16th century Nungate Bridge, St Mary’s is a tranquil oasis with a turbulent history. The present red sandstone building, started in 1375, was partially destroyed during the 1548-49 Siege of Haddington. The church is now fully restored. Combine it with a tranquil walk along the Tyne with a chance to see kingfishers, herons and sometimes even otters.


Open May - Sept, Sun- Fri 1.30pm - 4pm, Sat 11am - 4pm. Sunday services are 9.30am and 11am.


Nearest postcode: EH41 3EX www.stmaryskirk.co.uk


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