EAST LOTHIAN PRIVATE TOUR
FROM EDINBURGH

East Lothian private tour from Edinburgh2022-11-15T14:53:05+00:00

East Lothian is a picturesque and rural area to the east of Edinburgh and offers peaceful rest bite to the hustle and bustle of the capital city. It is an area rich in agriculture with small villages nestled into the landscape and a dramatic volcanic coastline featuring The ‘Bass Rock’ near North Berwick.

East Lothian is also home to ‘Scotland’s golf coast’ which features many coastal links and parkland courses.

Each private tour is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the narrow back roads of Scotland.

Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.

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Tour duration
1 day (9am – 5pm)

Book direct for the best rate
You won’t find a better rate for our tours

We pick you up
We’ll collect & return you from your Edinburgh hotel, cruise port or airport

Instant confirmation
Receipt for your booking immediately

Inclusions:

Exclusions:

  • Lunch (we can recommend a place)
  • Entrance into attractions & sites
  • Gratuities (optional)
WHAT WE’LL DO…

East Lothian offers a wealth of different things to see and do. It is a county of two personalities on the coast and inland. It’s relative proximity to the border with England meant East Lothian has been the stage for many periods of Scottish history and a day touring the county is a memorable and rewarding one.

As we leave Edinburgh we travel through Duddingston Village and the beachside town of Portobello. We venture on to the picturesque village of Aberlady

Dirleton Castle

We’ll call at the 13th century Dirleton Castle, seat of the Norman De Vaux family. Like many border castles Dirleton was heavily damaged during the Scottish Wars of independence. By reformation times Dirleton had become somewhat derelict, however Oliver Cromwell reluctantly besieged the castle to expel a gang of marauders during the third English civil war, furthering the dilapidation of the building.

North Berwick

We continue to the fishing port town of North Berwick that features two volcanic plugs; The Bass Rock which is out at sea and home to a huge colony of seabirds and North Berwick Law to the south of the town. North Berwick hosts a picturesque harbour of small fishing boats and sailing yachts as well as a lifeboat station. We’ll visit the site of the North Berwick Witch Trials were over 70 woman were trailed by order of James VI.

Tantallon Castle

Travelling on from North Berwick Tantallon Castle becomes dominant on the skyline. The impressive 5-story castle was built in the mid 14th centuary and was home to the Earls of Angus and saw a number of battles during its 300 year life before being ruined by Oliver Cromwell in 1651. Tantallon is also unique in its fortified design given the perilous cliffs to the east and its setting on the dramatic coast.

Dunbar & John Muir

From Tantallon we visit Dunbar where John Muir was born. John’s house is immortalised in the ‘John Muir Birthplace’ museum and shows the humble beginnings living in a strict and religious family before he emigrated to America to become one of the richest and influential characters of the late 20th century.

Preston Mill

From Dunbar we then travel the short journey inland to the sleepy and quaint village of East Linton. The change in the landscape is marked, from rugged coastline to rolling hills. We’ll visit Preston Mill, a fine example of a watermill that processed the crops from surrounding farmland. Built in the 18th century it’s red tiled roof and tranquil setting seem more apt to a movie scene but the mill still works today, albeit more for tourists than for any mainstream production.

Hailes Castle

We then venture down the single track roads to Hailes Castle, a little-known but fantastic red-stone castle on the banks of the River Tyne. The castle was constructed in parts between the 13th and 16th century and also features a Doocot (Dove Cot). Hailes was a strategic stronghold during the Scottish wars of independence. In the 14th century it was owned by the Northumbrian De Gourlay family.

At the end of the day we head back to Edinburgh and to your accommodation. On the return leg you will marvel at the city Skyline ahead as you can make our Arthur’s Seat, the Castle and Docks in Leith. On a clear day you can even see the Forth Bridges in the far distance.

Optional Museum of Flight

For aviation enthusiasts the day is not complete without a trip to the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune and a visit to the worlds only commercial supersonic aircraft Concorde.

Optional Distillery Visit

It is possible to adjust this itinerary to visit East Lothian’s only whisky distillery near Pencaitland. Glenkinchie Distillery is a picturesque lowland distillery that has a fantastic tour and visitor experience.

SUGGESTED TOUR ROUTE…

Each tour we operate is unique and designed to your requirements. Here is an example of this tour’s route…

November 20, 2019 5:10 pm
  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 73 miles
  • Time 3 h 3 min
  • Speed 24 mph
  • Min altitude 0 ft
  • Peak 0 ft
  • Climb 0 ft
  • Descent 0 ft

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some of the frequently asked questions about our East Lothian private tour from Edinburgh, however if you have a specific question please contact us

Can I customise the tour?2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, we can customise any itinerary. We’ll email you shortly after booking to ask if you have any customisation requests and suggest additions you may wish to make.

Can the tour start at the airport / cruise port2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, we regularly pick up guests from the airport or cruise port. Read more about shore excursions from cruise ships

Do I need to bring anything with me?2022-11-15T14:45:22+00:00

We recommend bringing a jacket (even if the forecast is good!) and comfortable shoes. We’ll provide everything else including umbrellas, binoculars refreshments and a wee treat or two!

Do you provide car seats for children?2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, by law children under 135cm (4.4 foot) must travel in a booster seat. We can also provide baby seats. Please advise us if you need this.

How do I pay for the tour2022-11-15T14:42:58+00:00

When you book you pay a 20% deposit. The final payment is due on the date of departure and is taken from your card automatically. We don’t accept cash for your tour payment.

I need to change my tour date2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

No problem, as long as we have availability we can change the tour date. The deposit is transferable to your new date

What about ‘comfort stops’2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

There are plenty of toilet opportunities! Each of our tours is designed to have regular breaks and tour guide can accommodate most requests for bathroom stops.

What about lunch on tour2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Scotland is full of amazing places to eat and we’ll recommend stops that champion the best in Scottish quality and make the most of your time.

What is the maximum number of guests2022-11-15T14:41:56+00:00

We have two versions of our minivan; either 6 or 7 passengers. Find out more about our premium minivans

Where do I meet the tour2022-11-15T14:41:56+00:00

We pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. In some instances parking in the city centre is restricted so there might be a short walk to your vehicle, but your guide will walk with you to the vehicle.

ALL OF OUR TOURS COME COMPLETE WITH…

KILT WEARING TOUR GUIDE

We are passionate, professional and full of personality. Let us share our knowledge of Scotland

HOTEL / CRUISE BERTH PICK UP

We’ll collect & return you at the start and end of the tour

BOTTLED SCOTTISH WATER

`Chilled, premium still and sparkling Scottish water is provided

PREMIUM MERCEDES MINIVAN

Our minivans offer luxury interiors and excellent legroom for up to 7 guests and their bags

ONBOARD WIFI

Stay connected to friends and family on tour with unlimited super-fast wifi

RECENT CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

  • Thomas W

    Guide picked us up and dropped us off on time (very important since we were coming from a cruise ship) and was very friendly and knowledgeable. Drove us to all the key points of interest, and the van was very clean and comfortable. Communication from [...]

    Published On: October, 2023
  • T Miller

    From the moment Sandy picked us up, we knew we were in for a wonderful day trip experience around Edinburgh. His historical knowledge of the city and surrounding area is top notch! He tailored our day to take in some hidden gems and provided us [...]

    Published On: October, 2023
  • Annemarie D

    We had so much fun with Andy! He was a pleasure to spend an afternoon with. We visited Rosslyn Chapel and some other places that were in keeping with our interests, like the oldest pub in Scotland (I know, many make the claim, but I'm [...]

    Published On: September, 2023
  • Mary Carol S

    Fantastic day with Michael! Great views of Loch Lamond. A nice hike and lunch there as well. Michael was really informative about Sterling Castle and all of Glasgow. I would highly recommend this tour and Michael.

    Published On: September, 2023
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