Activities
Golf
North Berwick Golf Course
The West Links is one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in Scotland and can be accessed directly from the garden of the house. Founded in 1832 it is a classic links course which starts and ends in the town and runs along the coast in the direction of Edinburgh. The sea can be seen from almost every hole and and at several points it is possible for a wayward shot to end on the beach.
One of the most famous holes is the 15th, called Redan, a 190 yard par three, which has been studied and imitated by golf architects from all over the world and there are versions of this hole in America. Some famous golf matches have taken place on these links. Today the course is used as a qualifier for the British Open when it is at Muirfield.
Other Courses
It is said that there are no fewer than 100 further golf courses within a half hour radius of North Berwick, the best known being Gullane One and Two and Muirfield – frequently voted the best golf course in the British Isles and the setting for many famous Open Championships.
North Berwick
The centre of town is approximately 10 minutes walk from the property and provides a selection of basic shopping facilities and a number of good restaurants and bars. There is a train station in the centre of town with a reliable and regular rail link to the centre of Edinburgh taking approximately 35 minutes.
There are a number of historic monuments and houses worth a visit within easy reach of the town, including Tantallon Castle. East Lothian also boasts some of the best beaches in Scotland, which are excellent for walks, and horse riding can be arranged locally.
Edinburgh
Ediburgh is a city widely renowned for its beautiful architecture, friendly people and Castle perched high above the city centre. There are many art galleries and museums to suit every taste including the National Galleries of Scotland.
There are excellent shopping facilities with all the usual high street names and also a wide number of interesting gift shops and small art galleries. The city has at least five major theatres playing host to a wide variety of plays and concerts throughout the year.
It is during August each year however that the city truly comes to life with the Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe Festival, Book Festival and Jazz Festival attracting huge numbers of perfomers from all over the world. At the same time, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held at the castle and is certainly an experience not to be missed!
St Colms is approximately 50 minutes by car from Edinburgh airport and only 20 minutes by road from Dunbar which is on the main line from London to Edinburgh.