Historic East Lothian Private tour from Edinburgh

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

Our next stop will be Dirleton Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and was the residence of the Norman De Vaux family. Dirleton, like many border castles, was heavily damaged during the 14th century Scottish Wars of Independence. Dirleton had become somewhat derelict during reformation times, but it was Oliver Cromwell who besieged the castle during the third English civil war to expel a gang of marauders, resulting in further degradation of the structure.

North Berwick

Next we call at the regions largest town and historic fishing port at North Berwick. North Berwick hosts a picturesque harbour of small fishing boats and sailing yachts as well as a lifeboat station. Take a stroll along the coast with impressive views. For the adventurous we can climb North Berwick Law, a small hill that overlooks the town.

We’ll visit the site of the North Berwick Witch Trials where over 70 women were trailed by order of James VI. The women were accused of having sent devils to climb up the keel of a ship carrying the King’s bride. The brutal test began on Halloween night and lasted over two years.

Tantallon Castle

In the distance beyond North Berwick, Tantallon Castle dominates the skyline. During its 300-year history, the impressive five-story castle, a home of the Earls of Angus, witnessed numerous battles before being destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1651. Besides its unique setting on the dramatic coastline and its perilous cliffs to the east, Tantallon is also unique for its fortified design.

The Bass Rock sits off the coast of Tantallon. The towering volcanic rock rises dramatically from the sea to 107 m at its highest point. It is home to a huge colony of Gannets who nest here annually. With the castle in the foreground and the huge rock in the sea beyond, this is a unique spectacle in Scotland.

Dunbar & John Muir

The John Muir Birthplace museum is located in Dunbar, where John Muir was born. The museum is a tribute to his humble beginnings living in a strictly religious family before emigrating to America. By the end of the 20th century he’d become an influential figure in conservation and is the father of the National Park movement in the USA.

Preston Mill

After Dunbar, we drive to East Linton, a sleepy and quaint village surrounded by rolling hills. Preston Mill is a good example of a watermill that processed crops from surrounding farms. A red-tiled roof and a serene setting make it appear more suited for a movie scene than for any mainstream production. Indeed it features in Outlander. Built in the 18th century, the mill still works today, but mostly for tourists.

Hailes Castle

On the banks of the River Tyne, Hailes Castle is a little-known but spectacular red-stone castle. During the Scottish wars of independence, Hailes served as a strategic stronghold and features a Doocot (Dove Cot). The castle is built in parts between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Northumbrian De Gourlay family owned it in the 14th century.

Optional distillery visit

Glenkinchie Distillery, a picturesque lowland distillery known as ‘The Edinburgh Distillery’ is a fantastic tour and visitor attraction near Pencaitland, which can be included in this itinerary. Glenkinchie has been through a £multi-million restoration in 2020 and is also ‘The Lowland home of Johnnie Walker’.

At the end of the day we head back to Edinburgh. On the return leg 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.