Willow Cottage

Belhaven Smokehouse in Dunbar (9 miles) offer a super range of smoked fish, meat, cheese and local produce, and there are a number of quality butchers in the area selling locally sourced meat as well as game. Andersons Butchers in North Berwick (19 miles) come highly recommended, selling pork from the locally reared Mangalica or ‘hairy pigs ‘(a Hungarian cross between domestic breeds and wild boar). There is also a traditional fishmonger in Dunbar High Street. Larger supermarket shopping can all be found in Dunbar, Haddington and North Berwick.

For eating out, there are a wide range of dining options in the area but try The Creel in Dunbar for warm, informal dining and locally sourced food and seafood, or the Rocks Hotel for their excellent seasonal menu.

Further afield, the Waterside Bistro in Haddington is a super choice for lunch or evening dining, along with plenty of lovely coffee stops along the way.

The very picturesque harbour at Cove sits around a mile and a half away with with access to the main quay via a track along the cliff-side, and a secluded sandy cove on the other side of the harbour via an old salted storage tunnel cut through the hillside.

More recently, Cove Harbour has featured in a number of films, including “Mrs. Brown”, the film about Queen Victoria’s prolonged stay in Scotland. It also featured in the art of ‘The Glasgow Boys” as several of this informal alliance of Victorian artists visited the Cockburnspath area to paint the local scenery in the early 1880's.

The John Muir Country Park covers some of the most spectacular East Lothian coastline, featuring expansive sandy beaches which are a haven for wildlife and birdlife. The Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick offers the opportunity to view the rich marine-life and birdlife of the area using powerful webcams and telescopes, including some curious seals and dolphins if you are particularly lucky!

Here you can also take boat trips to some fantastic locations. Enjoy a seabird catamaran cruise, a three island seabird safari or for nature lovers and photographers, an unforgettable experience on the Bass Rock or Isle of May.

Other favourite spots include the vast glorious beach at Gullane; the dune-fringed sands at Belhaven; or the secluded sands at Seacliff - an enchanting gem with a tiny harbour and wonderful views north towards Tantallon Castle.

For cycling you can join Sustrans 76 which runs all the way down the coast to Berwick upon Tweed or you can enjoy some leisurely cycling circuits along traffic free paths and minor roads, taking time to explore the quaint coastal villages of the area.

Bikes can be hired from Belhaven Bikes in Dunbar, while fatbiketours.co.uk in North Berwick run lessons and guided treks on specially designed ˜fatbikes” which are a fantastic way to explore the remote sandy bays and ancient clifftop castles of the area on two wheels.

Take the John Muir Way for walking, a scenic route passing through North Berwick and following the line of the East Lothian coast, or walk sections of the Southern Upland Way which ends right in the village of Cockburnspath.

For watersports, superb kayaking can be found around the waterways off Dunbar, with thrilling wakeboarding and ringo rides at nearby Foxlake. Surf buffs can enjoy some enjoy some wonderful sport right along the coast and there is a surf school in Dunbar offering lessons in paddleboarding, surfing and coasteering. There are also dive charters from the harbours in Dunbar and North Berwick taking in the stunning nature reserve sites around the Forth, Bass Rock and Isle of May.

For golf, the area is world-famous for its stunning links courses with North Berwick, Muirfield, Luffness, Gullane all within easy reach.

Finally take a visit to the magnificent city of Edinburgh (36 miles or half-an-hour by train from Dunbar) where you can explore the fascinating architecture of the old town and soak-up the culture and heritage of this beautiful vibrant city. Wander the cobbled closes and narrow stairwells of the Royal Mile; take a candle-lit tour of the underground vaults of the old city for some fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s darker past; or perhaps partake in a wee dram or a tasting session at the Scotch Whisky Centre where you can learn to nose, swirl and taste like an expert.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the city in July and August, don’t miss the vibrant Fringe Festival, exceptional Jazz and Blues Festival or the Edinburgh Military Tattoo ending with a poignant lone piper lament high on the castle ramparts. Truly spectacular!

C&C experiences

We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.

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Children and families

Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.

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Fishing

Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.

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Historic houses and castles

With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.

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Wildlife

Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.

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Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Golf

There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.

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Adventure Sports

If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.

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Cycling & mountain biking

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

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Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Ancestral history research

Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.

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