Edinburgh and Lothian Scotland

Welcome to Edinburgh and Lothian Scotland

Discover The Lothians
A million miles away from the bustle of city life, yet close to Edinburgh, the Lothians are the perfect place to relax and unwind. The area consists of three distinct regions – East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, which together make up Edinburgh’s surrounding coast and countryside.

East Lothian

East Lothian is the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With peaceful, unspoilt beaches, rolling hills and ancient ruins, this is the perfect holiday destination.

Over 40 miles of magnificent coastline mix award-winning beaches with spectacular cliffs and the world's finest selection of links golf courses. Charming towns and villages invite you to browse in art galleries, museums and gift shops while you can discover much of Scotland's history in the region's castles, churches and country houses.

East Lothian is the perfect relaxing day out from Edinburgh and an ideal base from which to explore the capital city and all of central and southern Scotland. With more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country, you'll have all the time you need to make the most of your visit.

For more information visit the East Lothian Tourism Attractions website

Midlothian

Lying less than ten miles south of Edinburgh city centre, Midlothian is probably best known for being the home of Rosslyn Chapel. The medieval stone building, perched on a rocky promontory at the foot of the Pentland Hills is featured in Dan Brown's blockbuster book, The Da Vinci Code. The chapel's extraordinary Gothic stone carvings were the backdrop for a Hollywood film crew's visit here for the making of the film, resulting in the world's spotlight firmly focusing on Midlothian.

However, Midlothian is more than just a movie backdrop. The county has a long established heritage where beautiful countryside mixes with fabulous historic attractions and outstanding facilities for outdoor pursuits. Take your time to discover the hidden secrets of Midlothian, stroll through tranquil woodlands, explore medieval castles of tee off on beautiful country golf courses.

In Midlothian, the peace and beauty of the countryside is contrasted with the outstanding, award winning visitor centres and lively towns offering every amenity a visitor could want. From tropical butterflies to black diamonds and mysterious stone carvings, Midlothian has it all.

For more information visit the VisitMidlothian Website

West Lothian

Midway between the glamour of Glasgow and the elegance of Edinburgh, lies West Lothian - a rural and relaxing area steeped in history that boasts not only some of the most scenic views in Scotland, but also some of the best shopping.

Known as the 'Garden of Scotland' in the 17th century, West Lothian is an ideal base for touring with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Falkirk less than an hour's drive away and easy access to the major motorway networks leading north and south; but with a wealth of historic attractions, country parks, leisure activities and great shopping, why go anywhere else?

Linlithgow is now a must-see for all Star Trek fans. New for August 2007, The James Doohan Memorial Exhibition at the Annet House Museum tells the story of the late James "Scotty" Doohan, who played Montgomery "Beam Me Up Scotty" Scott on the Starship Enterprise.

'Edinburgh', said the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, 'is what Paris ought to be'.
Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty tenements and narrow closes of its medieval Old Town as they tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, to the grace and geometric precision of the Georgian New Town. Above it all, in its towering splendour, stands the Castle.

Every step is a revelation - an alleyway which reveals an ancient courtyard, or a wynd which opens up a new panorama. And yet within this sweeping elegance is a compact city, a bustling city, and above all a city which rewards every visitor.

Beyond the city, the Lothian countryside provides a beautiful setting for the rich gems of the capital. This is an area steeped in history, filled with castles, great houses and battle sites.

It's also the ancient home of the game of golf and you can find some of the great links and parkland courses of the world here. In fact, the trails and parkland and miles of glorious coastline in the Lothians open up the countryside for everyone - from picnickers on the fine golden beaches, to walkers high in the Pentland Hills.

Accommodation around Edinburgh and Lothian