The coastal town is a great place to do your Christmas shopping, while also seeing some ‘fabulous’ sights
From Edinburgh to Glasgow, Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations. But if you’re after a lesser-known gem away from the bustle of city life, there’s a town with one of the “loveliest” high streets just a half-hour train ride from Edinburgh.
North Berwick is a coastal town in East Lothian, 25 miles east of Edinburgh known for its miles of unspoiled coastline, as well as for being home to some of the UK’s oldest heritage and natural sites.
But it’s North Berwick’s high street that has attracted the most attention recently, with The Times naming it as one of the UK’s “loveliest” earlier this year. The town is known for its independent shops and eateries, including the Bostock Bakery, which is headed up by award-winning pastry chef Ross Baxter, and Lindsay Lees Baxter.
Highlighting the town’s unique offerings, The Times wrote: “Stop at peaceful Paper Flower for handmade cards and gifts and family-owned Norden for hip homewares or put your pet first and shop at Barker & Bone, a designer boutique for the discerning dog (and cat) owner.”
They also highlighted the Lobster Shack, “where the freshest catch is served up at harbour-front tables with outdoor heaters”. Another spot that will interest staycationers is The Glebe House, which is located just off the high street, less than ten minutes’ walk to the beach and described as “a period-drama of a B&B”.
There’s no shortage of places to eat in North Berwick, including Osteria, a highly-rated family-run Italian restaurant with a rather unusual menu. Osteria offers diners the choice between just three starters, three main courses and three desserts, making it a dream for those who struggle to decide what they want to eat when faced with a large menu.
Food and drink aside, there’s lots of things to do while in North Berwick. Milsey Bay and West Bay are just two of the town’s sandy beaches, the latter of which offers excellent views over the Firth of Forth and the harbour.
And once you’ve explored the town and the beaches, why not take a ferry out to Bass Rock. Sitting approximately two kilometres offshore from North Berwick, Bass Rock is home to a colony of gannets, once described as one of the “wildlife wonders of the world” by Sir David Attenborough.
Nature lovers can join regular boat trips from the Scottish Seabird Centre to the land formation, giving you the chance to see the birds up close.
Tripadvisor reviews from past visitors to the town also highlight some of its attractions, with Ann commenting: “North Berwick has so much to offer. Something for everyone with its beaches, lovely high street with shops and eateries and the pretty harbour which you could spend some time people watching and enjoying looking at all the boats.”
Another reviewer, Jo, shared: “Fab little town, plenty of shops and eateries, fabulous bays and the harbour is wonderful.”
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