East Lothian – Scotland’s Golf Coast
No serious golf traveller should miss East Lothian, also known as Scotland’s Golf Coast. Here, the sea and sky stretch wide, with courses that are both iconic and intimate. Muirfield offers a stern yet elegant test, the kind that has hosted champions for more than a century. Gullane, with its immaculate links turf and postcard-perfect views across the Firth of Forth, showcases variety across its three courses, while Dunbar traces the coastline in exhilarating fashion. The charming Kilspindie provides a compact but testing links, beloved for its timeless character, while Craigielaw and its Lodge are a modern addition that has swiftly become a favourite, with first-class facilities and accommodation right on the course.
For those flying in or out of Edinburgh, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, one of the oldest clubs anywhere and just minutes from the airport, is the perfect bookend to a golfing itinerary, offering a refined parkland setting close to the city.
Beyond golf, East Lothian tempts visitors with the seaside charm of North Berwick, boat trips to Bass Rock with its vast seabird colonies, and whisky tastings at Glenkinchie Distillery. Hotel partners such as Marine North Berwick, The Lodge at Craigielaw, The Leddie, and Garleton Lodge provide elegant bases, from spa indulgence to boutique comfort.
Nearby Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a city where history and culture blend seamlessly. Towering over the skyline, Edinburgh Castle sets the stage for the Royal Mile, a cobbled stretch alive with historic closes, vibrant pubs, and independent shops. The New Town’s Georgian elegance contrasts beautifully with the Old Town’s medieval charm.