
Why this eclectic seaside town is the best in Scotland
However, North Berwick in East Lothian stands out amongst the rest thanks to its "eclectic" mix of shops, "pristine" beaches and wonderful eateries.
Located around 20 miles from Edinburgh, the town was an important ferrying hub for pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Andrew during the Middle Ages.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw the development of the whaling industry as well as the golfing and holiday sectors, which are still huge today.
North Berwick is located around 20 miles from Edinburgh (Image: Getty Images)
Why North Berwick is the best and prettiest seaside town in Scotland
North Berwick has been widely recognised as one of Scotland and the UK's best and prettiest seaside towns, with both The Times and Time Out commending the location.
In its recent ranking featuring places across the country like Brighton and Margate, Time Out said it is easy to see why the seaside settlement in East Lothian is one of the best.
Discussing what's on offer here, the magazine said the beaches, which are dotted with "glistening" rock pools, are "bliss".
The town is said to have an 'eclectic' mix of shops (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The high street also boasts a number of "charming" cafés, gift shops and art galleries
This was echoed by Visit Scotland, which told travellers that North Berwick is home to an "eclectic" mix of shops and businesses.
There are also a number of excellent restaurants popular with both locals and visitors.
One of these includes the Lobster Shack, an eatery that was recently included in a list from The Times of the best places to eat by the sea.
The newspaper said that this beloved seafood restaurant on the harbour front is "the jewel in the crown" of this stunning seaside town.
Recommended Reading:
Patrons who have come here have raved about its haddock tacos, lobster rolls and fish cakes.
When talking about the famous town, it is impossible to ignore the many natural features nearby, such as the North Berwick Law, an extinct volcano with "sweeping views", and the Bass Rock, a former Jacobite prison that is home to a large gannet colony.
The former was recently named the best budget-friendly walk in Scotland based on data produced by Trainline.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
Warning as extreme heat in Europe could see temperatures hit 43C
Warning as extreme heat in Europe could see temperatures hit 43C Temperatures in parts of Europe are reaching extreme levels Firefighters battle a wildfire in Greece earlier this week as temperatures soar across Europe (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images ) Parts of Europe have been put on red alert as temperatures across parts of the continent are set to climb towards the mid-40s in the coming days. Aemet, Spain's national weather agency, has issued a 'special notice' for a heatwave in place for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. In one spot - the Cordoba countryside - there is a "significant risk" and up to a 70% chance that the temperature could reach 43C before Saturday evening. The sweltering heat is set to continue for days and into July. It's not just Spain facing the heat either, as Italy confronts melting tarmac amid the relentless heat and Greece battles vicious wildfires. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . While the UK could see a heatwave of its own in the coming days, the temperatures expected are nothing compared to what people are expected to see in parts of Europe. However, with the school holidays around the corner and many Brits travelling to the continent, advice has been issued. Temperatures in southern Spain on Monday afternoon are feared to be well above 40C Article continues below On its website, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has issued warnings about extreme heat in four countries, including in Greece, where nighttime temperatures are sticking stubbornly above 30C in large parts of the country. The FCDO has also issued heat-related warnings for Turkey, Cyprus and Spain. France's national weather agency, Meteo France, has echoed these warnings, cautioning that the high temperatures put "everyone at risk, even healthy people." Portugal recently recorded its highest temperature this year at 40.5 degrees, while parts of Spain have seen the mercury rise above 42 degrees. Article continues below "Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that currently attract the traditional 'sun and sand' summer tourists are likely to become too hot for comfort in the summer," said Bas Amelung, a professor at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. , forecasts that popular holiday destinations like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey could become unbearably hot in summers to come. "If a large majority of holidaymakers thinks some European destinations will soon be 'too hot', they may well start adapting, either by going somewhere else in summer or by going to the same place in another season."

The National
15 hours ago
- The National
Why this eclectic seaside town is the best in Scotland
However, North Berwick in East Lothian stands out amongst the rest thanks to its "eclectic" mix of shops, "pristine" beaches and wonderful eateries. Located around 20 miles from Edinburgh, the town was an important ferrying hub for pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Andrew during the Middle Ages. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the development of the whaling industry as well as the golfing and holiday sectors, which are still huge today. North Berwick is located around 20 miles from Edinburgh (Image: Getty Images) Why North Berwick is the best and prettiest seaside town in Scotland North Berwick has been widely recognised as one of Scotland and the UK's best and prettiest seaside towns, with both The Times and Time Out commending the location. In its recent ranking featuring places across the country like Brighton and Margate, Time Out said it is easy to see why the seaside settlement in East Lothian is one of the best. Discussing what's on offer here, the magazine said the beaches, which are dotted with "glistening" rock pools, are "bliss". The town is said to have an 'eclectic' mix of shops (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The high street also boasts a number of "charming" cafés, gift shops and art galleries This was echoed by Visit Scotland, which told travellers that North Berwick is home to an "eclectic" mix of shops and businesses. There are also a number of excellent restaurants popular with both locals and visitors. One of these includes the Lobster Shack, an eatery that was recently included in a list from The Times of the best places to eat by the sea. The newspaper said that this beloved seafood restaurant on the harbour front is "the jewel in the crown" of this stunning seaside town. Recommended Reading: Patrons who have come here have raved about its haddock tacos, lobster rolls and fish cakes. When talking about the famous town, it is impossible to ignore the many natural features nearby, such as the North Berwick Law, an extinct volcano with "sweeping views", and the Bass Rock, a former Jacobite prison that is home to a large gannet colony. The former was recently named the best budget-friendly walk in Scotland based on data produced by Trainline.


Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Wales Online
Tiny Welsh fishing village crowned UK's most beautiful has sandy beaches and its own dolphins
Tiny Welsh fishing village crowned UK's most beautiful has sandy beaches and its own dolphins This dreamy seaside town regularly tops the list of Britain's "prettiest town" thanks to its largely "unspoilt" coastline New Quay's not just about dolphin spotting and beach walks; it's still a working seaside town, with sea fishing and fish processing. (Image: Getty Images/VisitBritain RM ) With its sandy beaches, resident bottlenose dolphins, and connections to the renowned poet Dylan Thomas, New Quay in Ceredigion has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a seaside escape. New Quay's not just about dolphin spotting and beach walks; it's still a working seaside town, with sea fishing and fish processing. And if you're around in August, you're in for a treat; the annual Cardigan Bay Regatta, one of the oldest regattas in the UK, brings a flurry of sailing fun, races, and seaside festivities to this perfectly placed coastal bolthole. The coastal spot has just been named one of the UK's "best seaside towns" by Holiday Cars, bagging the top spot on the list, writing that "New Quay is a small but buzzy town, yet not completely overrun with tourists, so it's a happy medium for those who seek relaxation but not isolation." Beautiful New Quay has also been dubbed the most isolated town in England and Wales due to its distance from nearby amenities. Residents in the charming town face a long trip to a major supermarket. The town has a Costcutters and a nearby Morrisons Daily. Beautiful New Quay has also been dubbed the most isolated town in England and Wales due to its distance from nearby amenities (Image: WalesOnline/Gayle Marsh ) However, it's a 20-mile trip to visit the nearest major supermarket, either Tesco or Aldi in Cardigan, while the closest train station is 40 minutes away in Aberystwyth. Despite its small size, there's still plenty to do here; here's how to make the most of a trip to New Quay. Article continues below Go on a dolphin spotting trip New Quay is famous for being a dolphin hotspot (Image: Joshua Pedley ) What could be better than spotting dolphins leaping out of the water on picturesque Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast, recognised for its unspoilt coastline and wildlife The New Quay Boat Trips Company runs fully guided dolphin and wildlife spotting trips, where you may see bottlenose dolphins, Porpoises, and Atlantic Grey seals, which can be viewed in the bay during certain times of the year. These extremely reasonable trips start from just £15 per adult and £7.50 for children. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome aboard. If you fancy some sea fishing, you can also join one of the sea fishing trips, which can be found in the harbour. Follow the Dylan Thomas Trail A Dylan Thomas Trail blue plaque (Image: James Davies Photography ) The 'cliff perched, toppling town' of New Quay, Ceredigion, was a sanctuary for Welsh poet Dylan Thomas between 1944 and 1945, when he lived at Majoda, across the bay from New Quay. It was here that Dylan was at his most productive, writing radio scripts, such as "Quite Early One Morning" and "Memories Of Christmas." The latter was inspired by an early morning walk through the town and along the cliff path overlooking the harbour, dotted with fishing boats, surrounded by colourful terraced houses. He completed the poems Vision and Prayer, Holy Spring, Poem in October, Fern Hill and A Refusal to Mourn the Death by Fire of A Child in London here. Most famously, though, it's believed that New Quay inspired the village of Llareggub in Under Milk Wood and its residents, who gave birth to some of the memorable characters. The 'cliff perched, toppling town' of New Quay, Ceredigion, was a sanctuary for Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (Image: Getty ) The Dylan Thomas Trail passes through places associated with Thomas in Ceredigion, marked by blue plaques and information boards in Lampeter, Aberaeron, and New Quay. It was officially opened by Aeronwy Thomas, Dylan's daughter, in July 2003. It was also featured in the 2014 celebration of Dylan's centenary. Follow the trail, and you'll discover places in New Quay frequented by Dylan Thomas at that time, including the London House, which was once the home and shop of Dylan Thomas' friend Norman Evans. He was thought to be the inspiration for 'Under Milk Wood's 'Nogood Boyo'. Now it is 'The Corner Shop' and New Quay Post Office. Other spots include the Dolau Inn, his wife Caitlin's favourite pub, and The Black Lion Hotel, one of Dylan's favourites, which was owned by his friend Jack Pat (Patrick). Feast on fish and chips New Quay has a wide range of restaurants, pubs and takeaways, with several fish and chip shops close to the shoreline for a scenic chippy tea. (Image: Getty Images ) New Quay has a wide range of restaurants, pubs and takeaways, with several fish and chip shops close to the shoreline for a scenic chippy tea. Café Mariners serves award-winning Cod and Chips, along with traditional meals, salads, homemade specials, teas, coffee, cakes and ice creams. For a swish fish supper, head to the Bluebell Bistro, which has an enviable position with glorious views over Cardigan Bay. The Bistro is so close to the sea that dolphins can often be seen in the harbour, so keep an eye out while feasting on freshly made dishes. Try their ½ New Quay Lobster or the impressive Mixed Seafood Platter, loaded with Mussels, scallops, and salami, as well as crevettes, red mullet, whitebait, cod, and prawn skewers, and a Crab and Crayfish Cocktail. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Walk the coastline The Wales Coast Path has become one of the nation's most celebrated tourist attractions (Image: © Crown Copyright - Visit Wales ) New Quay's beaches extend in a golden arc around the bay and are ideal for relaxing and strolling by the sea. Hop on the Wales coast path to explore a scenic stretch of coastline, enjoying views out to Cardigan Bay. The section of the Ceredigion Coast Path between New Quay and Aberaeron is one of the most popular stretches and includes one of Dylan Thomas's favourite walks along the beach between the town and his wartime home at Llanina. Nigel Nicholas, Wales Coast Path Officer, says that history is a real highlight on this route, "New Quay is full of history and during the 18th century, it was notorious for its smugglers! Vessels carrying illegal cargo into Cwmtydu and Cei Bach would moor out at sea and in the dead of night small rowing boats would go and collect fine wines and spirits". There are several routes of varying distances available on the Wales Coast Path site or on the All Trails app, where you can follow a waymarked route that hugs the cliffs and offers an abundance of wildlife. Article continues below