It’s amazing how just 24 hours can reset you. We often think we need far-flung adventures to feel restored, but sometimes it’s as simple as the right people, a little bit of planning and somewhere special to make new memories.
For me, that place was North Berwick. Well, specifically, the Marine North Berwick. So, when a family celebration came up, it was an easy choice. No airport queues, check-ins or boarding passes, just the pull of Scotland’s increasingly sunny days keeping us closer to home. And honestly? I didn’t feel like I was missing a thing. The east coast had everything I wanted.
Just 30 minutes by direct train from Edinburgh Waverley or a 45-minute drive from the capital’s southside, North Berwick is close enough that you could go for the day, yet far enough that the minute you arrive, you feel your shoulders drop. I have so many happy memories here: meandering along the beaches, devouring fish and chips on a breezy afternoon (sometimes upgrading to seafood from Lobster Shack, when the occasion calls) and breathing in that unmistakable sea air that makes everything feel simpler.
A Stylish Stop in Aberlady
If you’re driving, make a halfway pause at The Leddie in Aberlady. This is no ordinary pit stop - it’s a beautifully styled restaurant, bar and boutique hotel. Think soft leather banquettes, sumptuous cushions, sophisticated jewel-tones and a menu that tempts you to order more than planned. The coffee (and Sauvignon Blanc!) is excellent, lunch doesn’t disappoint and the sunny outdoor courtyard at the back is perfect on a warm day.
It’s the kind of place you end up lingering longer than expected. The menu ranges from haggis bon bons and Shetland mussels with wild garlic and white wine to more substantial mains including a Sunday roast, East Lothian lamb rump, fish and chips and the delicious Leddie beef burger - devoured on our visit. Kids are well-catered for with the “Little Leddies” menu (main & side for £8), featuring all the classics little ones love. Well worth a lunch stop if you’re heading to North Berwick.
The Destination
The Marine North Berwick Hotel is something of a North Berwick institution, offering some of the best sea views in town. From the moment you walk through its grand entrance, those sweeping coastal panoramas steal the show - and if you’re a golf fan, the views over the famous course will keep you equally entranced.
Inside, you’ll find a blend of high ceilings and elegant period features mixed with cool, contemporary touches. Plush seating, rich textures and thoughtful details make you want to slow down and savour the moment. We travelled with the whole family, and everyone - from our 4 year old to grandparents - was made to feel at home. No stuffy formality here, just genuine hospitality.
The bar and restaurant are equally inviting, whether you’re starting the day with a hearty breakfast (the buffet alone is worth it) or winding down with a cocktail or dram. Dress up for a celebration or wander in after a beach walk, either works. Top tip: if you have kids under 12, check out the Little Diners Eat Free offer, which includes complimentary breakfast and dinner each day. A winner for us!
If relaxation is on your agenda, you can get plenty. The bedrooms are spacious, the beds supersized and blissfully comfortable - possibly the best night’s sleep I’ve had in years. There’s also a gym, spa, pool (a big hit with the kids!), an adults-only outdoor jacuzzi (bliss!) and a thermal suite with saunas, steam room, ice baths and sensation showers.
Explore on Foot
One of my favourite things about staying here is that you can walk straight from the hotel, along the golf course and into town. From the back of the hotel, just cross the manicured grounds and exit onto the path by the green where you’ll see views that make you pause without realising.
In the centre, North Berwick’s charm is instant: pastel-painted houses, independent boutiques, cosy cafés and the smell of fish and chips in the air. You’ll find hidden gems everywhere - interiors at Time & Tide, cheese boards from The Cheese Lady and beautiful local art.
Stroll to the harbour, watch the boats or take a Sula Boat Trip to the world-renowned Bass Rock, home to one of the largest Northern gannet colonies in the world. You can also simply enjoy an ice cream, kick off your shoes and walk barefoot along the beach, letting the tide tease your toes.
North Berwick isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a little pocket of joy. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply in need of a reset, it’s a reminder that the best getaways don’t always require a passport. And the Marine North Berwick hotel? That’s just the cherry on top.
Rates start at £229 per room per night including Full Scottish breakfast at the Marine North Berwick. egg members can enjoy 30% off overnight stays. For more information on the family offers, including the Little Diners Eat Free, visit https://marineandlawn.com.
For more information, call 01620 897300.
To become an egg business member like Marine North Berwick, click here.
