The East Lothian Life: Golf, Sea, and City
East Lothian has a way of bringing together everything people love about Scotland: a diverse range of property types, big open skies, beautiful beaches, and a real sense of community.
Not too far from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, it’s a place where you can play golf on some of the world’s most famous courses, walk for miles along sandy shores, and still get into the city with ease.
For anyone thinking of moving, East Lothian is well worth consideration. Here are some reasons why.
The Golf Coast: A golfer’s paradise
East Lothian has a high concentration of championship links, with more than 20 courses clustered together. Affectionately known as The Golf Coast, many residents grew up caddying or learning the game on these courses, and the sport remains woven into the community.
Muirfield, known around the world and once home to The Open, is perhaps the most famous. Gullane, with its three courses and sweeping sea views, is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. And North Berwick West Links, which overlooks Bass Rock, brings character to every round, with a history dating back to the 1830s.
Archerfield Links and The Renaissance Club set the standard for exclusivity in East Lothian. Archerfield combines two excellent courses with a luxury spa, relaxed clubhouse, members’ lodges, and top-tier practice facilities, creating a full lifestyle destination.
Right next door, The Renaissance Club, which is private, ultra-prestigious, and hosts the Scottish Open, is renowned for its discretion and super-exclusive gated homes.
Together, the Golf Coast courses embody the pinnacle of East Lothian’s elite golfing lifestyle, offering a refined alternative to more tourist-heavy golfing destinations.
Unsurprisingly, demand for homes near the fairways is strong, with buyers often seeking a property that puts them within easy reach of their favourite course.
Coastal living at its best
East Lothian’s coastline runs for around 40 miles, and it’s one of the county’s biggest draws, offering long sandy beaches, wild dunes, dramatic cliffs, and lots of bracing fresh air.
Lifestyle-wise, the coastal settlements of East Lothian each have their own distinct personality.
The elegant seaside town of North Berwick, for example, is lively, with seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and a thriving cultural calendar. It’s also known for golden sandy beaches like Yellowcraig and Seacliff, along with paddleboarding, sea swimming, and clifftop walks.
The coastal town of Gullane blends refined living with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and is well known for its golf courses and sandy beach.
Aberlady and (the slightly inland) Dirleton villages both bring charm, with traditional stone cottages, village greens, and a timeless feel, while the harbour town of Dunbar combines historic views with a rugged, outdoorsy lifestyle.
Easy commutes
Another reason East Lothian is so desirable is how close it is to Edinburgh, enabling residents to balance city careers with a slower-paced home life. Plentiful train and road links provide quick journeys into the capital, making daily commuting both practical and appealing.
The county has lots of popular commuter hubs, giving you all the benefits of rural and/or coastal living, without losing quick access to the city.
- North Berwick has direct train connections to Edinburgh (around 33 minutes), making it ideal for commuters who prefer to live by the sea. It’s also around 45 minutes by car from Edinburgh Airport, offering effortless access for second-home owners or frequent travellers.
- Gullane, a little further along the coast, doesn’t have a train station but offers an easy car commute (typically around 40 minutes) or a short drive to nearby Drem or Longniddry stations for rail access. It combines convenience with a slower pace of life.
- Musselburgh sits right on the edge of Edinburgh, making it the closest East Lothian town to the capital. Travel times into the city centre are typically under 30 minutes by car or train. It blends historic character with excellent schools and amenities, and for buyers wanting the shortest commute, it’s an easy choice.
Schools in East Lothian
Families moving here can find plenty of schooling options. Gullane and Aberlady Primary Schools sit at the heart of their communities, offering a welcoming atmosphere and are well-regarded for academic performance.
At secondary level, North Berwick High School is a popular state school, while Knox Academy in Haddington combines centuries of heritage with modern teaching.
For independent options, Loretto School in Musselburgh provides day and boarding across an 85-acre campus, complete with its own Golf Academy, while Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar is a well-regarded prep school in a coastal setting.
Homes and communities
The property landscape in East Lothian is as varied as its coastline. Picture-perfect cottages with sea views, elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses, exclusive gated communities, and substantial country estates are all part of the mix.
In recent years, sensitively designed new-build developments have also added to the housing stock, appealing to young families and those looking for low-maintenance living.
Lifestyle and leisure
East Lothian life naturally leans towards the outdoors. The John Muir Way runs through the county, giving walkers and cyclists daily access to peaceful countryside and wide coastal views.
Wildlife lovers can head to Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, while cycling the quiet lanes through farmland is a favourite weekend pastime.
Life by the water is more than just enjoying the view; it’s about the experience.
Sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wild swimming are just a small part of the rhythm of coastal living, with East Lothian Yacht Club in North Berwick offering a focal point for both beginners and experienced sailors.
North Berwick itself is a prime example of East Lothian’s offerings for families, with junior coaching at North Berwick Tennis Club and nearby Gullane Tennis Club and various summer camps offering sports such as golf, sailing, rugby, and more.
It’s a safe and manageable place for children to enjoy independence, cycling between the beach, clubhouse, and town centre.
The county’s events calendar is equally varied, from North Berwick’s Fringe by the Sea, a ten-day festival of music, food, and family events, to agricultural shows that celebrate local life.
Weekly markets, coastal conservation groups, and local makers’ fairs help give towns in East Lothian a strong year-round community feel.
Food and drink also play a big part. Farm shops, craft breweries, and distilleries have all flourished in recent years, while restaurants and cafés make the most of fresh, seasonal local produce.
Dining in East Lothian
Eating out in East Lothian reflects the county’s character: relaxed, welcoming, and rooted in its surroundings. There’s everything from fine dining to beachside cafés and traditional bistros, with menus often shaped by the day’s catch or local farm produce.
Whether it’s a family lunch, a coffee with a sea view, or a special evening meal, there’s plenty of choice.
East Lothian life
It’s this mix of coastline, countryside, and community, all within easy reach of Edinburgh, that makes East Lothian such a sought-after place to live.
Whether you’re looking for a family home, a weekend retreat, or a forever base, it offers a lifestyle that balances space, scenery, and lifestyle with real convenience.
If you’re thinking of moving, at Garrington Property Finders, we can help. With local insight and access to homes both on and off the market, we’ll work with you to find a property that captures the very best of East Lothian life.
Please get in touch for a no-obligation discussion about your search for property in East Lothian.
