Looking towards Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh from Longniddry Bent

Loving Longniddry, an East Lothian jewel

26th October 2022

Just twelve miles east of Edinburgh, lies the lovely coastal village of Longniddry.

Famed for its stunning beaches and superb golf courses, it is easy to see why Longniddry is one of the most sought-after locations in the county.

Whilst the origins of its name means ‘church of new settlement’, people have lived here for over 5,000 years. With a population of just 2,500, Longniddry may be small but it more than packs a punch in terms of its wonderful location, attractions and activities.

And an interesting fact for you to quote! The Scottish Women’s Rural Institute was founded in Longniddry in 1917 by Catherine Hogg Blair. Today ‘the Rural’ has over 15,000 members.
Longniddry has not just one but three beaches or ‘bents’; stretches of long golden sand backed by grassy dunes. Nearby Seton Sands is a wild and undisturbed beach, with a mix of both sand and rock pools to enjoy, providing an ideal location for families. The beaches also provide great walking and horse-riding opportunities, while windsurfers, kite surfers and canoeists are in their absolute element here. As it is close to nature reserves, there are many birds to be seen feeding when the tide is out and the coastal grassland is a great spot for wildflowers.

Situated on Scotland’s Golf Coast, Longniddry Golf Club, which was formed in 1921, is the closest seaside course to Edinburgh, comprising an unusual combination of woodland and links, with spectacular sea views from many holes. Nearby are Muirfield, Gullane and Craigielaw golf courses.

A jewel in East Lothian’s crown and extremely popular with visitors and locals, Gosford House sits in 5,000 acres of land to the east of Longniddry. This magnificent neo-classical mansion was one of the last great architectural commissions of the celebrated Scots architect, Robert Adam. It houses a grand three storey marble hall which was built in 1891 by William Young for the 10th Earl of Wemyss with a magnificent double staircase that leads to a picture gallery. The house suffered damage in WWII when it was used by the army however most of the artefacts and art survived and there has been much conservation work. Today, it is a popular film location and has starred in many productions including the hit TV series Outlander.

Known as Scotland’s Food & Drink County, East Lothian is brimming with restaurants, bars and cafés waiting to be discovered. And this corner of East Lothian is very well served for award winning eateries. The famous Longniddry Inn is located in the village, a favourite with locals and visitors alike, the Inn offers a hearty selection of pub food and traditional classics. Whilst nearby Ducks Inn at Aberlady, which was built in 1638, is a charming Inn which boasts two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Craigielaw Golf Club Restaurant offers diners panoramic views over the Firth of Forth towards Fife, providing the best in locally sourced produce. Not forgetting Gosford Bothy Farm Shop and Butchery, which is stocked with a variety of superb local source produce with most of their meats coming from animals reared on Gosford farm. While tea and coffee lovers can enjoy Redhouse Nurseries Tea Room along with the delightful Joli Café and Gifts on Longniddry’s High Street.

With very easy access to Edinburgh via the East Coast rail line, coupled with superb facilities and a high standard of living, it is hardly surprising that Longniddry is home to major new property developments including ‘Longniddry Village’.

With some of the finest beaches, golf courses and watersports in the country along with award winning eateries all within easy reach of this iconic East Lothian village, what’s not to like.

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