North Berwick is one of the quaint seaside towns in East Lothian on the shores of the Firth of Forth. When you get off the 30 minute train ride from Edinburgh. the first thing you notice are the purple, red, yellow, orange and green unique flower displays that are all around town. As you make your way down High Street you will find an eclectic mix of shops, multi-cultural restaurants, multiple fish n' chips options and cool coffeehouses. There is plenty to do on your perfect day in North Berwick.
You might start your day with a walk or run on the beach. If you're a golfer, you might schedule an early tee time on one of their world renowned golf courses. Your next stop would be for coffee and a scone at Steampunk Coffee on Kirk Ports Street or the Buttercup Cafe on High Street. Steampunk is located in an old warehouse, take a seat in one of their cushy antique chairs while the music of Hugh Laurie, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong or classic rock artists fills the air.
After coffee, you might head over to the Scottish Seabird Centre and hop on a late morning catamaran or RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for a ride out on the Firth of Forth to Bass Rock to watch the gannet, and if you're lucky the puffin will be in town. Make sure to book your boat ride in advance. If you're riding the RIB, the Centre gets you geared up for this speed boat ride with waterproof pants and a jacket. An up close view of Bass Rock is probably one of the most popular attractions in North Berwick. As you approach Bass Rock you can see the gannet nesting their white and gray feathers fluffed around them like a soft blanket and when the boat slows to a stop they fly up and dive back down all around you. There are many great photo opportunities on all their boat rides. Don't miss a visit to the Centre's exhibits and enjoy lunch in their cafe.
The rest of the afternoon might be spent at the 400 year old Direlton Castle, exploring the views at Tantallon Castle, or shopping on High Street. Stop in for tea and be warmly greeted by Mary at Why Not. Check out the local art and products at Why Not on your way out. Watch the sun set by making the climb up North Berwick Law, a conical hill with great views of the harbor and on a good day you can see all the way to Edinburgh.
For dinner grab Chinese at Lucky House, Indian at Tiger Coast, fish n' chips at North Berwick Fry, but if it's Friday night head back to Steampunk Coffee for wood-fired pizza from the Big Blu van. End the night with ice cream at Alandas Gelateria.
North Berwick is now one of my favorite places to visit.