Things to do...

Your holiday starts here. Days out at the beach or at the golf course or exploring the beautiful surroundings

Image: Visit East Lothian – MKJ Photography

Image: Visit East Lothian – Rob McDougal

Explore

Explore Dirleton:

A gentle stroll through the village reveals one of East Lothian’s hidden gems. Dominating the village green is the magnificent Dirleton Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens and colourful herbaceous borders. The village itself is wonderfully peaceful, with charming stone cottages, welcoming pubs and easy access to some of Scotland’s finest coastline.

Beach and coastal

Spectacular beaches

Just beyond the village lies Yellowcraig Beach, a spectacular stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and woodland. Popular with families, walkers and paddleboarders, it offers wonderful views across the Firth of Forth to Fidra Island, said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

Yellowcraig Beach – perfect for families, ice cream van at the main car park in high season, swimming, surfing, kite surfing and sunset walks.
North Berwick Beach – a classic seaside town beach with cafés, shops and ice cream nearby.
Gullane Bents – miles of sand backed by dunes, ideal for walking and wildlife spotting and often an ice cream van at the main car park.
John Muir Way – enjoy sections of this renowned coastal trail, taking in breathtaking sea views and picturesque villages. Head to Bellhaven just outside Dunbar for a spectacular beach and see the famous Bridge to Nowhere. There is a water sports centre here too where you can hire equipment.
Aberlady beach has a nature reserve which a haven for bird watching.

Image: Visit East Lothian

Image: Glynn Satterley

Golf

A short drive...

Golf enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Some of the world’s most celebrated courses are within a short drive of Dirleton.

Muirfield (2 miles away)
North Berwick West Links (2.5 miles away)
North Berwick East (The Glen) (3 miles away)
Renaissance Golf Club (1 mile away)
Gullane Golf Club with 3 courses available (2 miles away)
Archerfield Links with Dirleton and Fidra courses (1 mile away or 2 minute walk through the woods in the village)
Luffness New Golf Club (2 miles away)

Whether you’re visiting for a bucket-list golfing trip or simply fancy a casual round with friends, East Lothian offers courses for every level of player. There are kids courses in both North Berwick and Gullane and a fun putting green in North Berwick.

Walking

The John Muir Way

There is a vast range of opportunities for walking. The John Muir Way runs right outside the properties. Visit East Lothian website has a number of walks in the surrounding areas but also see the local village association guide for some of the less well known and some hidden gems. https://dirletonvillage.org/village-and-area-information/walking-in-and-around-dirleton

Four-legged guests are very welcome in East Lothian. The surrounding area offers countless opportunities for scenic walks.

Favourite local routes include:

Yellowcraig Beach and woodland trails
Gullane Bents
Dirleton village and castle grounds. Walks through the woods next to the memorial green
The John Muir Way coastal paths

Secure Dog parks are available at Smeaton Garden centre and also opposite Drift Café at North Berwick.

Please remember to keep dogs on a short lead when near livestock and wildlife, and also during bird nesting season.

Image: Rob McDougall