Things to do in East Lothian
East Lothian stands as an underexplored gem, brimming with remarkable attractions that await your exploration. For those fortunate enough to choose a Haven Seton Sands Holiday Park as their base, there is plenty to do within easy reach of your accommodation.
From historic castles and distilleries to wildlife spotting and outdoor adventures, East Lothian offers an array of experiences that promise to make your stay truly unforgettable. In this guide, we invite you to embark on a journey through the best attractions in East Lothian, ensuring that your holiday is nothing short of wonderful.
1. Prestongrange Museum
Discover East Lothian’s industrial heritage at this free open-air museum, featuring historic machinery and buildings. Highlights on site include a pottery, glassworks, brickworks and a Cornish beam engine.
The site nestles in attractive woodland which is a haven for local wildlife. The Pithead Canteen Cafe offers light refreshments, and the visitor centre is open throughout the summer months. Guided tours are available for a small fee. Get there via a short drive from Seton Sands.
While in the area, look out for the Preston Tower, the ruins of a fortification dating back to the 14th century.
2. Dirleton Castle and Gardens
Discover the serene beauty of Dirleton Village, home to the charming Dirleton Castle and its exquisite gardens. Wander through manicured lawns, fragrant flowers, and centuries-old architecture. While some parts of the castle are closed for repairs, a great deal of the ancient halls can still be walked freely and explored.
Finally, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the gardens and explore the historic village, where time seems to stand still.
3. National Museum of Flight
From birds to planes! Discover the thrill of aviation history at East Lothian's National Museum of Flight. Located in the historic East Fortune Airfield, this museum takes you on a fascinating journey through the world of flight and aerospace innovation. Wander among a diverse 4-hanger collection of aircraft, from iconic Concorde to vintage biplanes, and delve into interactive exhibits that bring the stories of pioneering pilots and groundbreaking technology to life.
With other outdoor displays showcasing impressive planes and helicopters, the museum offers an immersive experience that leaves you inspired by the human spirit of exploration that made flight possible.
4. Glenkinchie Distillery
Glenkinchie stands tall as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker, ready to welcome you. It distils the renowned Edinburgh Malt, enjoyed worldwide both on its own and as a pivotal component of Johnnie Walker whiskies.
You can enjoy a tour to the recently reopened Visitor Centre to learn the ins and outs of the distillation process and maybe even get a few samples on the way! It’s a truly informative and thoroughly enjoyable experience that might leave you a little merrier than when you went in!
5. Yellowcraig Beach
A beautiful sandy beach with views of the iconic Fidra Island and its lighthouse, Yellowcraig is something of a hidden gem on the East Lothian coast. Often peaceful and always dog-friendly, it is perfect for coastal walks and family picnics.
Yellowcraig is part of the Firth of Forth Site of special Scientific Interest, and is home to roe deer, numerous birds such as goldcrests and greenfinch, and many coastal flowering plants. Look out for red anemones, starfish and sea snails in the rockpools.
The beach is just 25 minutes southwest from our Seton Sands Holiday Village and there is ample parking, a nature trail and hidden sculptures to discover.
6. John Muir Way
If you fancy a breath of fresh sea, air, this 134-mile route named after the renowned Scottish conservationist, offering seaside vistas, historic castles and monuments, and quaint harbours.
Seton Sands itself is part of the trail, which extends northeast to North Berwick for a picturesque section that includes Longniddry Bents beach, the grand Gosford House, and the pretty seaside town of Aberlady and its nearby nature reserve.
The walk from Seton Sands to Aberlady covers four miles and is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty.
7. Scottish Seabird Centre
Uncover the captivating wildlife that populates the shoreline at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. Through interactive exhibits and live camera feeds, you can delve into the lives of seabirds that inhabit the nearby islands and cliffs. Watch puffins, gannets, and seals in their natural habitat and gain a newfound appreciation for the coastal ecosystems that make East Lothian truly special.
8. North Berwick
A short drive along the coastline from Seton Sands lies the quaint seaside town of North Berwick. Immerse yourself in its delightful atmosphere as you stroll along its sandy shores with splendid views of the Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth across to Fife, indulge in freshly caught seafood, and explore its vibrant shops and cafes.
Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat trip to the nearby Bass Rock, home to one of the world's largest colonies of gannets. The rugged coastline, charming streets, and warm hospitality of North Berwick are not to be missed.
9. East Links Family Park
Families staying at Seton Sands will find a glut of entertainment at the East Links Family Park. From farm animals to go-karting, and trampolines to a thrilling adventure playground, this park offers a wide range of activities that will delight both young and old. Make memories with your loved ones over a day of laughter, play, and shared experiences.
10. Visit Tantallon Castle
Step back in time as you set foot in the awe-inspiring Tantallon Castle. Perched majestically atop cliffs overlooking the North Sea, this medieval fortress offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland's storied past.
Explore the dramatic ruins, stand in awe of its formidable walls, and take in the breathtaking views of the sea. The castle's rich history and scenic beauty create an experience that will leave you truly mesmerised.
Start planning your Great British break
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Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2032 Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments for until 2032 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them. Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. ‘Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent or superior gradeholiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £783.75 (includes purchasing discount of £19.58) and monthly letting income of £634.00. The monthly difference equates to £130.17 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly; to meet the site fee payment of £130 per month, an additional credit of £0.17 per month will be applied to the owner’s account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them. Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income. “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. "Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £939.58 (includes purchasing discount of £28.83) and monthly letting income of £751.17. The monthly difference equates to £159.58 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.