EXPLORE NORTH BERWICK: SCOTLAND’S TOP SEASIDE ESCAPE WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND UNIQUE EATERIES
Recently voted Scotland’s best place to live, North Berwick offers stunning sea views, quirky independent bars and cosy restaurants, and a super-scenic journey by car from England. Erica Crompton travels to the Marine North Berwick where she’s doused in wee drams and finds herself sparkly clean from the spa. Here’s the low-down about all you need to know before visiting.
Rooms
Inspired by the local golf scene that attracts Americans and locals alike, there’s a deep green hue to the communal rooms that echoes the north sea on which the hotel is set. We stayed in one of two accessible rooms with a street-facing view from a ceiling-to-floor window. The old charm of a vintage seaside hotel remains, but the makeover is impeccable too – all rustic floral wallpaper and velvet, two-poster headboard. The Nespresso machine is a nice touch as is the roll-in shower room with lush-smelling Floris goodies.
Bar
With cosy armchairs and sofas we relax with a drop of Pinot Noir here on our first night, an aperitif before dining. There’s a sea view from a parade of seats to the back of the bar and options to drink in the reception area that has the feel of a stately home with grand fireplace and large windows which overlook the golf course outside and sea. There are just two lager options but plenty of IPAs and we notice we’re not the only wheelchair user here – it’s nicely spaced and all flat but access certainly hasn’t compromised the pristine style of the grand and green interior.
Restaurant
It has to be haggis bon bons for a starter. Service is friendly and the sea views continue as we enter the restaurant. The menu is Scottish, we take steak and venison and capture the evening on our camera phones. We’re in a little booth with padded seating and a circular table. Given the wintery time of year, we have this space to ourselves – until breakfast when all the guest comes out to play (two full Scottish breakfasts for us). We fancy exploring on our second night but our culinary choices remain similar. We drive 5 minutes to nearby Gullane’s Bonnie Badger which is a warren of different rooms and different menus for adventurous diners.
Spa
On our final morning before checking out at 11am we wake early to try the spa facilities, accessible by lift on the ground floor. With a handful of different saunas, and ice-room and heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi it’s the perfect trip addendum to leave feeling refreshed and glowing. There’s enough space and room to take a sauna to ourselves several times (we left the wheelchair outside). The personal trainer who presides over the spa is a friendly and sage figure for fitness and the perfect ‘cheerio the noo’ to leave this Scottish hotel on a high.
Erica stayed at Marine North Berwick. Starting rates begin at £189.00 per room per night including Full Scottish breakfast and VA. Located at 18 Cromwell Rd, North Berwick EH39 4LZ.
For more information or to book call +44 (0) 1620 897300 or email: info@marinenorthberwick.co.uk. And you can find out more about Scotland’s greatest adventures at VisitScotland.com.
Words by Erica Crompton
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