Haddington Attractions
Popular destinations for the city-dwellers of Edinburgh are Haddington and the Lammermuir Hills in East Lothian, a contrast to the heavy industrialized old counties of Mid and West Lothian. Haddington, the administrative center for East Lothian, lies in a pretty spot on the banks of the River Tyne, crossed here by the 16th century Nungate bridge. David I founded the town in the 12th century and John Knox is said to have received divine inspiration here in 1515. A memorial to the controversial reformer stands in front of the Knox Memorial Institute.
Haddington consists of many faithfully restored streets and boasts more than 100 buildings of architectural interest from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries with most of them in High Street. The Classical town hall was designed by William Adam in 1748 and the 170ft/52m tower by Gillespie Graham was added in 1831.
Haddington consists of many faithfully restored streets and boasts more than 100 buildings of architectural interest from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries with most of them in High Street. The Classical town hall was designed by William Adam in 1748 and the 170ft/52m tower by Gillespie Graham was added in 1831.
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Gullane Golf Courses
Gullane's most popular golf course is the 18-hole Muirfield course which has often served as the venue for the British Open. There are several other courses in the Gullane area.
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Lennoxlove House
Named after the Duchess of Lennox, Lennoxlove House is a popular tourist attraction. Surrounded by attractive flower beds and lush greenery, the house displays possessions belonging to the Duchess.
Bass Rock
Bass Rock rises 350ft/107m out of the sea a mile or so off the coast. Boat trips sail out to this island of dark gray volcanic basalt. The island is a favorite breeding ground for Gannet.
Birdwatchers will find the best time to visit during the Gannets' nesting period between April and August.
Birdwatchers will find the best time to visit during the Gannets' nesting period between April and August.
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North Berwick, Scotland
(Near Haddington)
North Berwick is today a popular golfing destination. It is also where Robert Louis Stevenson spent several summers when he was young.
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Stevenson House
The 16th C Stevenson House has changed hands several times over the centuries, and most recently underwent restoration work by John Dunlop.
Aberlady, Scotland
(Near Haddington)
The coastal village of Aberlady (pop. 700) is noted for its fine sandy beaches and the sea bird reserve in Aberlady Bay. The 16th C Luffness Castle is an extension of a medieval keep (13th C).
Gosford House
Situated on the banks of the Firth of Forth near Longniddry (6mi/9.6km north of Haddington) stands another of Robert Adam's Classical-style mansions. Work started c 1790 but the north and south pavilions were replaced by larger wings from designs by William Young in 1890. Ornithologists will be interested in the parkland as wild geese have been breeding here since 1983.
Haddington House
Three houses dating from the 17th C are worth seeking out: Haddington House (now the town museum) and its magnificent rose garden in nearby St Mary's Pleasance, Boswell Castle and the Moat House. The stepped gable and pantile roofs in Mitchell's Close have been faithfully restored.
St Mary's Parish Church
The 206ft/63m long St Mary's Parish Church which is known as the "Lamp of Lothian" was begun in the 14th century; it retains the original central tower, while the nave and west front were restored in the 20th century.
Hours
April 26 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 11:00 | 13:30 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
