Edinburgh Day Trip | Journey to the Edge of the World Along the Coast
📍 North Berwick In my personal opinion, North Berwick is the most worthwhile coastal town to visit near Edinburgh. It has charming town views, beautiful coastlines, and a unique bird-watching experience. 🏖️ 🔹 Getting There - It’s only a 35-minute train ride from Edinburgh. If you’re not in a hurry, you can also take the scenic X5 bus, which takes about an hour. The town is small and easy to navigate, with a quaint town center (featuring some charming little restaurants and shops), a stunning coastline, a bird-watching center, and a beach. 🚌 🔹 Sights to See - The entire town is picturesque, with no specific must-see attractions. The main route runs from the train station to the Scottish Seabird Centre. You can also stroll along the nearby beach or, if you have the energy, hike up The Law for some great views. Walking along the coast always reminds me of the phrase, “We sit on the rocks and watch the sea, and perhaps we will fall in love under the rocks.” 🤍 - Scottish Seabird Centre This place has restrooms and a small café, making it a perfect spot to take a break (especially if it’s raining). 🌧️ - Bird-Watching Boat Trip 🦆 This is a niche activity but incredibly special! You can choose from different boat tours to Bass Rock to see seabirds. In spring, you might even spot puffins (some tours allow you to land on the island). If you’re interested, book early as the tours are limited and tickets are hard to get on the spot. 🎫 While you can see Bass Rock from the coast, getting up close is a completely different experience. Countless seabirds circle overhead, the water is crystal clear, and there’s a beautiful lighthouse. ‼️ The boat ride isn’t long, but I do get seasick easily. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider getting a prescription from your GP for seasickness medication. 🤢 🔹 Food Recommendations - The Rocketeer Restaurant A well-known seaside restaurant. Reservations are recommended. The food is decent, with typical seafood flavors, and it’s right by the sea. 🍔 - Phuel Food An amazing and affordable sandwich shop! Choose your own fillings and dressings for paninis, salads, soups, or baked potatoes. It’s a quick and delicious option, perfect for enjoying on the beachfront benches. 🥪 Overall, North Berwick is incredibly beautiful and definitely worth a visit! If you’re in Edinburgh and looking to explore the nearby coastline, this would be my top pick (it’s very close and has stunning views). Compared to the more tranquil Dunbar, North Berwick is better suited for tourism. 🌅 It’s stunning on a sunny day, but it also has a unique charm on a rainy day. You might even see a full rainbow along the coast after the rain! ✨ Time to hit the road! 🚗 #EdinburghDayTrip #NorthBerwick #ScotlandTravel #BeachVisit #UniversityOfEdinburgh #EdinburghTourism