Based in East Lothian, Barley Cottage holiday accommodation sits in 1,100 acres of beautiful farmland and is in an ideal location for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. There are endless options for walkers and wildlife fanatics from the moment you step out of the front door. Both countryside and coastal routes are plentiful, whether you are looking for a relaxing breath of fresh air or a more energetic march to burn off some of the inevitable holiday indulgences.
East Lothian boasts many beautiful golden beaches offering a variety of activities on both wet and dry land. Gullane, Yellowcraigs, Tyninghame, Seacliff and North Berwick beaches are all within easy reach.
Golfers will also be spoilt for choice. East Lothian is one of the best regions for golf in Scotland, with 22 courses offering choice to golfers of all standards. The famous golf courses at Dunbar, Gullane and North Berwick and The Open Championship course, Muirfield, are all within 15 minutes’ drive.
Explorers won’t be forgotten with pretty villages, historic castles and museums to visit. There are also lots of things for families and to keep little ones happy. With sandy beaches, animal farms, horse riding, parks a plenty, crafting fun and swimming pools galore, children young and old will be spoilt for choice.
Haddington, Gullane, North Berwick and Dunbar are all close by and offer an array of delightful shops, lively pubs, restaurants and leisure activities.
See ‘Visit East Lothian’ for general information and our own recommendations below
Hidden Beauty
A beauty salon located just a stone’s throw away from Barley Cottage.
Suzanne at Hidden Beauty opened the doors of her new salon located on the farm in January 2018. We worked hard with Suzanne to create the perfect bespoke space for her to offer her clients relaxation and pampering. Contact Suzanne direct to book an appointment during your stay in Barley Cottage. Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment!
Fletchers Cottage, Archerfield
If you are looking for pure relaxation and a spa day away from it all we would highly recommend visiting Fletchers Cottage at Archerfield. Be prepared to relax as soon as you walk through the doors! One of a kind in Scotland and perfect for a relaxing spa day or wellbeing retreat.
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
The Scottish Seabird Centre is situated at North Berwick harbour, with stunning views across the Firth of Forth and the iconic Bass Rock. An interactive wildlife adventure with Discovery Centre, gift shop, cafe and seasonal boat trips. A Scottish five-star visitor attraction with something for the whole family, whatever the weather.
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune
Scotland’s national aviation museum is based just along the road at East Fortune. Wing your way to one of Scotland’s best days out at the outdoor museum with a 4-hangar collection of aircraft, including Concorde and Boeing 707 to board.
East Links Family Park, Dunbar
A farm themed activity park that brings out the child in all ages! Here you can enjoy a train safari through the animal paddocks, explore the farm or get up close in the small animal barn. The four level Fortress is an adventure itself and then there are go-karts, trampolines, jelly belly, ball blast arena, hay barn with climbing walls, soft play area, pedal tractors, Education Barn and JCB Young Drivers Zone.
Fingers and Thumbs, North Berwick
Adventures in art to create and keep. Based in North Berwick, Fingers and Thumbs provide tuition and inspiration in art and craft for everyone – regardless of age, experience or ability.
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick
Tantallon Castle is a formidable stronghold that stands on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Forth. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view from the battlements, admire wild flowers in season and soak up the history of the last of the grand medieval castles.
Coast to Coast Surf School, Dunbar
High quality surf and adventure sports teaching, with a team of experienced instructors offering a wide range of quality lessons and courses in the sports of Surfing, Bodyboarding, Stand Up Paddling and Coasteering.
Fox Lake, Dunbar
Foxlake Adventures hosts a number of exciting activities for all the family. You’ll find a Ropes Course, Wakeboarding, Segways, and childrens’ park combined with great food in the Boardside café and buzzing atmosphere.
Seacliff Stables, North Berwick
A unique horse-riding experience, two miles from North Berwick is offered by this family run horse riding stables surrounded by stunning scenery to explore which can include views of Tantallon Castle and the world-famous Bass Rock.
Forth Boat Tours
Boat Trips from North Berwick around Bass Rock and Craigleith on the Sula II, a traditional sea-going launch.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Edinburgh which is easily accessible by train from Drem Station. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.
(August only) Visit site
Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
The Scottish Seabird Centre is situated at North Berwick harbour, with stunning views across the Firth of Forth and the iconic Bass Rock. An interactive wildlife adventure with Discovery Centre, gift shop, cafe and seasonal boat trips. A Scottish five-star visitor attraction with something for the whole family, whatever the weather.
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune
Scotland’s national aviation museum is based just along the road at East Fortune. Wing your way to one of Scotland’s best days out at the outdoor museum with a 4-hangar collection of aircraft, including Concorde and Boeing 707 to board.
East Links Family Park, Dunbar
A farm themed activity park that brings out the child in all ages! Here you can enjoy a train safari through the animal paddocks, explore the farm or get up close in the small animal barn. The four level Fortress is an adventure itself and then there are go-karts, trampolines, jelly belly, ball blast arena, hay barn with climbing walls, soft play area, pedal tractors, Education Barn and JCB Young Drivers Zone.
Fingers and Thumbs, North Berwick
Adventures in art to create and keep. Based in North Berwick, Fingers and Thumbs provide tuition and inspiration in art and craft for everyone – regardless of age, experience or ability.
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick
Tantallon Castle is a formidable stronghold that stands on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Forth. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view from the battlements, admire wild flowers in season and soak up the history of the last of the grand medieval castles.
Coast to Coast Surf School, Dunbar
High quality surf and adventure sports teaching, with a team of experienced instructors offering a wide range of quality lessons and courses in the sports of Surfing, Bodyboarding, Stand Up Paddling and Coasteering.
Fox Lake, Dunbar
Foxlake Adventures hosts a number of exciting activities for all the family. You’ll find a Ropes Course, Wakeboarding, Segways, and childrens’ park combined with great food in the Boardside café and buzzing atmosphere.
Seacliff Stables, North Berwick
A unique horse-riding experience, two miles from North Berwick is offered by this family run horse riding stables surrounded by stunning scenery to explore which can include views of Tantallon Castle and the world-famous Bass Rock.
Forth Boat Tours
Boat Trips from North Berwick around Bass Rock and Craigleith on the Sula II, a traditional sea-going launch.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Edinburgh which is easily accessible by train from Drem Station. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.
(August only) Visit site
East Lothian, Scotland’s Golf Coast – pure perfection since 1672
East Lothian is one of the best regions for golf in Scotland, with 22 courses offering choice to golfers of all standards and tastes. You may recognise many of the courses located within Scotland’s Golf Coast – Dunbar, North Berwick, Gullane, The 2013 Open Championship course at Muirfield, and Musselburgh one of the world’s oldest courses, where golf has been played since 1672. The county offers traditional links and classic inland golf courses, many steeped in history and complemented by modern, challenging, courses. All coupled with friendly clubhouses and affordable green fees. Scotland’s Golf Coast Road provides easy access for visitors and short journeys between courses.
The Main Course, Gullane Visit site
Herringbone, North Berwick Visit site
The Crown & Kitchen, East Linton Visit site
Drift, Nr North Berwick Visit site
The Loft, Haddington Visit site
Brands Larder, East Fortune Visit site
The Store, Dunbar Visit site
Gosford Bothy Farm Shop, Aberlady Visit site
Bostock Bakery, North Berwick & East Linton Visit site
The Cheese Lady, Haddington Visit site
Seacliff, Nr North Berwick
Gullane Bents, Gullane
Tyninghame Beach, Nr Dunbar
Signing off for a while...
Day 5 of the new year and we’re in another lockdown. Not where any of us want to be (especially in the depths of winter in Scotland) and certainly the 5 of us are all feeling topsy turvy again. The prospect of...
Jan 5
Fizz by the firepit. 2021 - so far, so good.
#happynewyear #welcome2021 #firepitseason #fizzandfirepit #newyearsday #familytime #alittlepieceofus #magical #scotland #visitscotland #outdoorlife #outdoorliving
Jan 1
Looking forward, not back, this Hogmanay, with a grateful heart and thanks to all who have support our family this year.
Hoping 2021 is kinder to us all but particularly those for whom 2020 has been unbearably hard.
See you ...
Dec 31
Merry Christmas you lovely lot!
There couldn’t have been a better day for this @modocreative parcel to arrive. I have wanted one of these for so long and finally bit the bullet this year. Not expecting it to arrive before Christmas as ...
Dec 24
