North Berwick

North Berwick is a small Scottish seaside town on the south bank of the Firth of Forth, about 25 miles east of Edinburgh, which has a frequent rail service to the town. It became a popular holiday resort in the 19th century because of its two sandy bays, and represents the ideal location for a traditional British family seaside holiday. Out in the Firth opposite the town are the islands of Fidra and Bass Rock; the latter hosts a thriving colony of birds, including puffins, gannets, and other seabirds.

• Boat trips to Bass Rock and other islands - The best way to see the birds on the islands up close.
• Scottish Seabird Centre - Visitor centre about Bass Rock , and the seabirds found there and elsewhere.
• Berwick Law - 613ft volcanic hill which dominates the town, with its arched whalebones visible from afar, and a Napoleonic era signal station.
• Beaches - One of North Berwick's main attractions, the beach has golden sands and rocks to clamber on for all the family, and a tide-filled swimming/paddling pool.
• Putting, Crazy Golf, and Trampolines - Everything you need to keep the family entertained.
• North Berwick Museum
• East Lothian Yacht Club

There has been a harbour at North Berwick since the 12th century, and for 500 years there was a ferry crossing to Earlsferry, near Elie in Fife. This was popular with pilgrims to St Andrews.

English invaders led to the construction of nearby Tantallon Castle in the Middle Ages, and a nunnery was built at North Berwick.

The late 19th century saw North Berwick develop golfing and holiday facilities.

As a child our family would often stay at the caravan park and campsite on the cliffs above the town, or in one of the bed and breakfasts on the shore. My memories there are of traditional seaside holidays, building sandcastles and dams on the beach, or clambering on the rocks - one time my brother and I almost got caught by the incoming tide, but were saved by the shouts of a passing stranger - nothing worse than wet feet and legs. Bass Rock and the putting greens also stay in my mind from those days.