Discover East Lothian this autumn with walks, woodlands, whisky, beer, pubs, family fun & pumpkins galore
Make the most of the glorious Autumnal days by exploring the attractions and countryside on your doorstep.
There’s fun for all the family to be had, whether it’s kicking up leaves in the woods or picking pumpkins for Hallowe’en, or you might prefer to stay cosy outside and in with a more grown-up treat like taking a distillery tour or visiting a micropub.
We’ve put together some great suggestions for things to do just a stones’ throw from the capital, ideal for giving you that autumn glow.
Visit East Lothian
East Lothian is one of Scotland’s destination gems – ideal for a day out, short break or a holiday.
Being just half an hour from Edinburgh makes it easily accessible, and a good bus and train service also means you can leave the car at home and remove the stress of driving.
If you go down to the woods today…
With the changing of the seasons comes the glorious reds, coppers and golds of autumn leaves, and some of the woodlands in this area would rival New England in the Fall. It’s at this time of year that the countryside feels alive with crisp air and wide-open skies.
From tranquil gardens to rugged coastal paths there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Pressmennan Wood near Stenton village is an enchanting ancient woodland of oak and beach trees which surround a quiet loch – kids will love the folklore of the woods, said to be home to the mysterious Glingbobs and Tootflits!
Close to Haddington, there’s Butterdean Wood, which is a great choice for families with plenty of paths and sculptures tucked along the routes. The flat trails make it ideal for young and old.
One of East Lothian's hidden gems! Woodhall Dean, close to Dunbar is a peaceful oak woodland managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, where the changing leaves create a spectacular autumn display. It’s great for birdspotting too.
Binning Wood, near Tyninghame, is a much-loved spot for autumn walks, with a mix of towering pines and broadleaved trees. Wide, flat trails make it perfect for family walks or cycling and is also a great spot for wildlife – keep an eye out for red squirrels darting among the trees.
Parks and gardens
John Muir Country Park, just along the coast from Dunbar, is a mix of forest, saltmarsh and sandy beach. At this time of year the sycamores and birch trees turn golden and migrating birds gather in the estuary. You can walk wooded paths along to Belhaven Bay, where you can stroll across the sands, gazing out to Bass Rock on the horizon and the iconic Bridge to Nowhere.
Gosford House and Grounds, near Longniddry, is a grand country estate surrounded by expansive parkland where you can stroll along the tree-lined avenues, enjoy views of the ornamental lakes, and soak up the colours of the season. The estate is home to ancient oaks, beech trees, and sweeping lawns that make for a perfect autumnal walk. (note you do need a grounds walking permit to explore the estate.)
If you prefer a gentler stroll, Archerfield Walled Garden is a lovely spot to see autumn unfold. The woodland trail is full of seasonal colour, while the gardens themselves showcase a variety of plants and trees at their best in autumn light. The Fairy Trail is a must for families and you can round off your walk with a trip to the café to refuel and warm up.
Pumpkin picking and parties
Pumpkin carving has become an art form – and there’s nothing to beat picking out your own pumpkin and heading home to create your masterpiece. Here’s a couple of Hallowe’en-themed events with fun for all the family
Balgone Pumpkin Patch offers over 10 acres of land with more than 27 varieties of pumpkin to pick from plus a 2km haunted trail where you’ll need to watch out for ghosts and ghouls, there’s trick or treat, places to eat and lots more.
Newhailes haunted Halloween trail is a test of your skills – and your nerve! Walk through the estate and follow the clues, finishing up on our front lawn for fun games.
The spooktacular decorations are already up for East Links Family Park Pumpkin Festival. Every child will get a free pumpkin and can join in fancy dress competitions, pumpkin carving workshops (leave them with the mess!), games and word hunts, but will they be brave enough to enter the haunted house?
Eat, drink and be merry
No visit to Scotland is complete without a trip to a distillery, brewery or a traditional inn - and East Lothian is home to some of the very best.
Tour Glenkinchie Distillery, the Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker, and discover the art of Scotch whisky making. Visit NB Gin, producers of award-winning gin, enjoy a tasting experience full of flavour and craftmanship and why not try their rum? Don't miss Belhaven Brewery, Scotland's oldest working brewery, where tradition and innovation combine in every pint.
But if you just want to enjoy a cosy pint in a lovely pub with convivial company and delicious food then here’s some you might want to try – Staggs Bar in Musselburgh (named Scottish pub of the year), Station Yard Micropub in Dunbar, The Old Clubhouse in Gullane and the Garvald Inn in Garvald.
If you’re already missing the summer festival vibe then there are a couple of music festivals still to come including Lammermuir Festival, and Dunbar Traditional Music Festival
Learn more
Discover a world of fun on your doorstep on the Visit East Lothian website. Click here