East Lothian Car Hire

Guide of East Lothian

Geography

Once known as Haddingtonshire, East Lothian is one of Scotland's 32 council areas. East Lothian is in the middle lowlands of eastern Scotland, to the south of the Firth of Forth. In the west, it abuts Edinburgh, in the south-west, it abuts Midlothian, and in the south, it abuts the Scottish Borders. Haddington is about 17 km east of Edinburgh. It is the county town and administrative centre, but Musselburgh is the main city.

Climate in East Lothian

The climate in the area is temperate maritime, with warm rather than scorching summers and mild to cold winters. Lothian seldom gets really severe weather, allowing it to be visited all year. In Edinburgh, the warmest month in summer is July, while the coldest month in winter is January. Rainfall is pretty even throughout the year, with the wettest month being October and the driest month being April.

Culture

Haddingtonshire has been around for a long time. In 1139, it was called Hadintunschira, and in 1141, it was called Hadintunshire. It was part of the Anglo-Saxon realm of Bernicia, and then the Kingdom of Northumbria, like the rest of Lothian. People say that the Scottish flag was made after the Picts and the Angels fought in the East Lothian village of Athelstaneford in the year 823. In the 10th century, Lothian was taken from the control of the Kingdom of England and given to the rulers of Scotland. It served as a crossroads for warfare between England and Scotland, and it subsequently saw a key Jacobite victory against government troops at the Battle of Prestonpans.

Things To Do in East Lothian

Connect with nature on the alpaca trek

John Muir Alpacas offers rides through the John Muir Country Park, and you may take advantage of their unique services. Wonderful animals that they are, the alpacas look forward to their daily excursions through the fields, the mountain forest, and the peaceful seashore. You get to bond with your companion on a leash as it pauses to sniff at a pile of grass or a pine twig, sometimes nibbling at them and savouring a juicy bite as you take in the bounty that nature has to offer as you take pleasure in it. When you get back, you'll have the opportunity to give the alpacas some food at the farm.

Explore the historic castles

Tanatallon Castle, an ancient fortification located on the brink of a cliff, offers breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth. The curtain wall is an outstanding example of mediaeval Scottish architecture. The Hailes Castle, located just outside Haddington in the Tyne Valley, is one of Scotland's oldest stone castles, dating back to the 13th century. It is associated with the American Revolution and Mary Queen of Scots. Another mediaeval fortification in the surroundings of North Berwick is Dirleton Castle. It's surrounded by a village. The gardens, exhibitions, and shops of these castles are available to the public, but due to serious structural degradation, the authorities have prohibited people from entering the interiors.

Taste the whisky at the Glenkinchie Distillery

Your visit to the region will remain incomplete if you miss a trip to the Glenkinchie Distillery. It is an early Victorian distillery that provides an introduction to whiskey manufacture and tasting. Your guide will describe the whole process, from the cultivation of the major components to the final ageing, leaving no stone unturned. You will learn about the whole distillation process and how to recognise the many scents that contribute to the finished product's distinct flavour. You'll learn how they make Edinburgh Malt, a key component of Johnnie Walker whiskey, as well as their own brand of Lowland single malt.

Eating Out in East Lothian

East Lothian boasts a number of excellent restaurants and pubs that provide delicious meals at reasonable prices. Here are a handful of our favourites. A 30-minute trip from Edinburgh will bring you to Bonnie Badger in the coastal village of Gullane, where you may savour Highland beef tartare, North Sea halibut with roasted fennel and seaweed butter, or perfectly cooked Orkney scallops. There is also a well-stocked bar. The Drift, a coffee shop with breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth shoreline and Bass Rock, is popular even among locals. Their smoked salmon sandwich, handmade sausage roll, and grilled fish are all must-tries. The charming Waterside Bistro in Haddington serves comfort meals. You'll enjoy everything from haddock in tempura batter to their signature creamy risotto.

Transport

Airport

East Lothian is best served by Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Three transport companies run bus services with more than 50 trips a day between the airport and Haddington. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to cover the distance of 42 kilometres. Trams, taxis, hired cars, and towncars are also available.

Getting Around East Lothian

The walking app partner "Go Jauntly" gives information on walking and cycling routes around the region's villages and cities. Travelling throughout East Lothian by bus is both easy and inexpensive. Trains and car hire are also available for travel between stations and towns.