things to do
North Berwick is a beautiful seaside town in East Lothian, with fabulous beaches, golf courses, a historic harbour (where you can eat lobster and chips), excursion boats and an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Bonshaw by the Beach, on Melbourne Road, is a few metres from the beach and a 5 minute walk from the High Street, Scottish Seabird Centre and the harbour.
Just 35 minutes from Edinburgh there are wonderful views of the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony with 150,000 birds on the rock.
Here is a list of just some of the many things to do and see. There are many attractions, restaurants and shops North Berwick has to offer.
Food, drink and days out
Restaurants and Cafes
Herringbone
Good varied menu, cocktails & craft beers. Very popular so you might need to book. Open lunchtime till late.
theherringbone.co.uk
Lobster Shack
Freshly cooked, locally caught lobster or fish & chips. Eat it at the harbour or on the rocks looking out to sea.
the lobster shack
The Rocketeer
The Rocketeer is situated in what was once North Berwick’s Coastguard Station at North Berwick Harbour. It serves fresh local produce in enclosed inside/outside surroundings. North Berwick lobster, fish and chips, seafood platter and burgers.
rocketeerrestaurant.co.uk
Steam punk
Sit in or take-away coffee (they roast their own), homemade cake, soup and sandwiches. Seating outside or inside in an interesting interior.
steampunkcoffee.co.uk
Seabird Centre cafe
Cafe on the harbour with a sea view deck to sit outside, weather permitting. Lunch, coffee and cake.
seabird.org
Buttercup cafe
One of North Berwick's wee gems. Breakfast, lunch, cake and great homemade scones.
92 High St, North Berwick EH39 4HE
Drift
Drift coffee house is made up of 6 shipping containers sitting on the edge of a cliff looking over the sea to the Bass Rock. Just outside North Berwick, on the coastal road to Dunbar, it's a must visit.
drift cafe
North Berwick Fry
Never had a bad fish supper from here. There's usually a queue so lots of other people must think so too!
11 Quality St, North Berwick EH39 4HJ
Cake cafe
Independent, family friendly cafe for breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake.
104 High St, North Berwick EH39 4HE
Places to visit
Bass Rock & the Isle of May
Boat trips can be booked at the Scottish Seabird Centre, with Braveheart and Sula boat trips bring available at the harbour from easter through to autumn. They have a variety of trips from a 3 island Seabird Safari to a tour of the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. Being close to these islands with gannets and puffins circling around is quite an experience.
seabird.org.visit/boats
northberwickboattrips.co.uks
sulaboattrips.co.uk
seafari.co.uk
Scottish Seabird Centre
An environmental hub where you can see close-ups of seabirds and mammals via interactive live cameras. There is a discovery area, cafe with a seaside decked area and seasonal boat trips as listed above.
seabird.org
Museum of flight
Aviation adventure at East Fortune airfield. Trace the history of aviation from the First World War to today and visit Concorde.
nms.ac.uk
Dirleton and Tantallon Castles
Dirleton Castle is a medieval fortress 2 miles west of North Berwick. A romantic castle often in the forefront of Scottish history since it was built in the 12th Century. Tantallon Castle has spectacular views of the Bass Rock with towers to climb and a grim pit prison to visit.
visitscotland.com dirleton castle
visitscotland.com tantallon castle
The John Muir Way
The John Muir Way runs through North Berwick. Climbing Berwick Law gives great views of the town, Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh, Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock. There are so many walks to do, with miles upon miles of glorious sandy beaches.
johnmuirway.org
Golf courses
East Lothian is well known for its links golf courses. There are many to choose from!
golfeastlothian.com
Get into the sea
Sailing course are available for all levels. Contact the East Lothian Yacht Club for details.
elyc.org.uk
To get amongst the stunning coastline of North Berwick and East Lothian Stand Up Paddleboards and Kayaks are available for hire.
gosupscotland.com
Shopping
Groceries
Wilson's Fruit and Veg
Great wee shop selling locally sourced produce.
9 Market Place.
Earth Matters
Refills of dish washing liquid etc. Veggie & vegan foods.
94 High Street.
Nisa local
A handy little supermarket, 5 minute walk from Bonshaw.
18-26 High Street.
Co-op
Another small supermarket which is open till 10pm most nights.
117 High Street.
Anderson’s Quality Butchers
Family owned award-winning butcher.
36 High Street.
Bostock Bakery
Wonderful artisan bakery specialising in sourdough bread, pastries & cakes, all made fresh daily.
42 High Street
‘Why Not’
Delicatessen, cafe and over twenty independent retailers under one roof selling locally sourced produce and crafts.
91 High Street
Lockett Bros
Specialist whisky and wine merchants.
133 High Street
Supermarkets
There are 2 supermarkets which are a 5 minute drive from North Berwick.
Tesco - Tantallon Road
Aldi - Dunbar Road.
Browsing the High Street
Great Escape
Lifestyle and leisure clothing and footwear. They also supply Stand Up Paddle Boards , Surfboards and a limited amount of Sailing equipment.
Time and Tide
Simple, natural home interiors. Shop for everything from clocks, lamps & cushions to furniture, accessories & more.
timeandtidestores.co.uk
Chandlers
Knitters heaven
Madame Butterfly
Gifts, homeware, vintage and furniture.
Norden
Scandi furniture and home accessories.
Rock & Bird
Art supplies, stationery, crafts and toys.
Etc.
Fantastic kitchenware and gift ideas.
Turnbulls Hardware
Fabulous hardware and DIY shop.
Essentials
Banks
TSB - 41 High Street
Bank of Scotland - 23 Westgate
Post office
7 High Street
Chemists
Boots - 80 High Street
Smith's Pharmacy - 66 High Street
