The UK has many seaside towns that feel like a home away from home, but very few are claimed to be among the best places to not only visit, but places to live. One picturesque gem that has recently been put in a top 10 stunning places to visit and dubbed ‘Biarritz of the North’ is North Berwick, East Lothian. It ranks as number one places to visit by the Telegraph and became a fashionable holiday hotspot, tourists drawn to its two sandy bays and its seaside links – the venerable North Berwick Golf Club was founded in 1832.
Just a 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh, the town of North Berwick lies on the shores of the Firth of Forth, offering breathtaking views of Bass Rock — home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets. As well as being a wonderful place to live, North Berwick has much to offer visitors. One of its main attractions is the Scottish Seabird Centre, where tourists can take boat trips to get a closer look at puffins, gannets, and a variety of other wildlife.
A TripAdvisor review from one visitor cited ‘I’ve wanted to do this trip for so long…. I was not disappointed. I’d booked in advance to make sure I could sail on my visit to North Berwick.’
A lot of the reviews had high praise for the seabird centre with another visitor adding ‘ The islands were stunning as was the bird life. I’m pleased to say we removed a foil balloon along the way from the water. I’d love to do this again and land on the Bass Rock……next year.’
Its beaches, Milsey Bay and West Bay, are also popular among visitors. Milsey Bay is a family favourite, while West Bay is perfect for long coastal walks and water sports.
Golf is also a big part of the town, with courses including North Berwick Golf Club, Glen Golf Club, and nearby Muirfield, one of the world’s most famous courses.
The high street has a wholesome community feel to it with a lot of independent shops, cafés, and traditional fish and chip shops.
Thanks to the work of North Berwick in Bloom, the town is also home to award-winning gardens and floral displays.
Events are held throughout the year, including Fringe by the Sea, the North Berwick Highland Games, and Puffin Fest, which celebrates the return of puffins to the nearby islands.
Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle are just a short drive away for those interested in history.
Those who visited previously have praised the town’s beauty and charm. One TripAdvisor review described it as ‘a charming town’ but warned that ‘parking is a serious problem for those who travel by car,’ especially in the summer.
Another said it has ‘excellent, unspoilt beaches and harbour with plenty of natural features to explore, including the beach, rock formations, and sand dunes’.
