Serviced Apartments in East Lothian Council

Discover the best activities and attractions East Lothian Council has to offer, and find out what makes this city a vibrant and exciting place to live or visit.

John Muir Country Park (Gullane, Aberlady & coastline)
John Muir Country Park protects miles of sandy beaches, dunes and coastal habitat between Aberlady and Gullane, offering walking, cycling, birdwatching and water sports. It draws visitors regionally and internationally, supporting local cafes, accommodation and outdoor-activity businesses while underlining East Lothian’s reputation for accessible coastal nature — boosting eco-tourism and wellbeing for residents. The park’s conservation work and interpretation (linked to John Muir’s legacy) also provide education and volunteer opportunities that strengthen community engagement with the natural environment.

John Muir’s Birthplace & the John Muir Festival (Dunbar)
John Muir’s Birthplace is a small museum and visitor hub celebrating the life and legacy of the naturalist born in Dunbar; it anchors the annual John Muir Festival and related cultural programmes. These events attract families, schools and international visitors, raising awareness of local heritage and generating income for shops, B&Bs and hospitality venues in Dunbar. The museum and festival also promote environmental education, arts and community projects, reinforcing local identity and year-round cultural tourism.

Scottish Seabird Centre (North Berwick)
The Scottish Seabird Centre is a conservation-focused attraction offering live cameras, interactive exhibits and wildlife boat trips to watch puffins, gannets (notably on Bass Rock) and other seabirds. As a science and education charity it creates skilled jobs, supports wildlife-guiding and boat operators, and acts as a major draw for North Berwick — sustaining restaurants, hotels and independent retailers. Its emphasis on sustainable tourism and real-time research links conservation with the local economy and boosts East Lothian’s profile as a wildlife destination.

National Museum of Flight (East Fortune)
Housed on a historic WWI/WWII airfield, the National Museum of Flight showcases historic aircraft, flight simulators and aviation exhibitions, plus airshows and special events that bring visitors to the area. The museum generates economic activity through visitor spending, event tourism and school/group visits, and supports regional skills in heritage conservation and event management. Its unique setting (hangars, runway) and high-profile displays make it a landmark for aviation enthusiasts and families alike, enhancing East Lothian’s cultural and educational offer.

North Berwick Harbour & High Street (harbourfront dining, shops and boat trips)
North Berwick’s compact harbour and lively high street combine independent boutiques, seafood restaurants, cafés and providers of boat trips to Bass Rock and the Isle of May. This concentrate of coastal leisure and commerce is a cornerstone of local tourism, sustaining fishing-related businesses, hospitality jobs and seasonal markets. The area’s scenic character, strong seafood identity and easy access to wildlife experiences make it a top draw — circulating visitor spend through accommodation, retail and food sectors and helping small businesses thrive.

Explore the diverse transport options available in East Lothian Council, from efficient public transportation systems to convenient road networks. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city, this section will give you an overall look at the available transportation systems.

Public Transit System
- Commuter rail (ScotRail — North Berwick branch & East Coast Main Line services) - Frequent ScotRail commuter services link East Lothian towns into Edinburgh (North Berwick branch) and the East Coast Main Line runs through the area, providing regional and inter‑city connections via stations on the coast.
- Bus services (Lothian Buses, Stagecoach and independent operators) - Local and regional scheduled bus routes connect East Lothian towns and villages with Edinburgh, coastal communities and neighbouring council areas; operators include the major regional companies and smaller local firms.
- Coach and long‑distance connections - Longer‑distance coach and rail links to other parts of Scotland and England are accessible via rail interchanges and major bus/coach hubs in the area and in nearby Edinburgh.
- Community transport and demand‑responsive services - Council‑supported and voluntary-sector community minibuses, dial‑a‑bus and other door‑to‑door services provide essential links for rural and vulnerable residents.
- Park & Ride and commuter car parks - Rail station car parks and roadside park & ride sites near principal routes support commuting into Edinburgh and other centres.
- Ferry and excursion boat services - Seasonal/commercial boat trips operate from coastal towns (notably North Berwick) offering wildlife and island excursions (e.g., Bass Rock / Isle of May).
- Taxis and private hire - Local taxi firms and private-hire vehicles (including app-based services available via Edinburgh) provide on‑demand local and inter‑town travel.

Major Highways
- A1 - The principal trunk road on the east coast running north–south through/along East Lothian, linking Edinburgh with the Scottish Borders and England.
- A199 - Coastal and local connector serving many of the seaside towns and linking into the A1 and other local roads.
- A198 - Key coastal/connector route providing access between towns and to the A1 corridor.
- A720 (Edinburgh City Bypass) / M8 / M9 (via Edinburgh) - Major motorway and bypass routes accessible via Edinburgh that connect East Lothian to the wider Scottish motorway network and the central belt.
- Local A and B roads - A network of A‑ and B‑classified roads provides intra‑council connections between towns, villages and tourist destinations.

Cycling Infrastructure
- Cycle routes, traffic‑free paths and long‑distance routes (John Muir Way / National Cycle Network links) - East Lothian offers a mix of segregated on‑road cycle lanes, traffic‑free coastal and countryside paths, and national/long‑distance routes (including the John Muir Way and National Cycle Network links) supported by the council’s Active Travel initiatives to improve commuting and leisure cycling.

Recent and Upcoming Improvements
- Electrification and new rolling stock on commuter routes - Recent electrification projects (notably the North Berwick branch) and introduction of modern electric trains have improved frequency, reliability and journey times on commuter rail services.
- Enhanced East Coast line services and station facilities - Ongoing timetable and facility improvements on the East Coast Main Line have strengthened inter‑city and regional connections for coastal stations.
- Active Travel investment and walking/cycling upgrades - Continued council and Scottish Government funding (including Sustrans and Active Travel programmes) is delivering new and upgraded cycle lanes, pedestrian improvements and safer junctions across East Lothian.
- A1 and trunk‑road safety/junction works - Transport Scotland and local partners have delivered, and continue to plan, targeted safety upgrades, junction improvements and capacity works on the A1 corridor to improve traffic flow and safety.
- Bus infrastructure and service reviews - Local and regional initiatives are upgrading bus stops, implementing bus‑priority measures in places, and reviewing timetables and ticketing to restore and enhance services following recent network changes.
- Local transport planning and Park & Ride/parking projects - East Lothian Council and regional partners (SEStran/Transport Scotland) are progressing transport studies, feasibility work on expanded park‑and‑ride and station parking, and integrated planning to improve cross‑boundary commuting options.