A picturesque village straddling the coastline of the Firth of Forth, Gullane boasts one of the best beaches in East Lothian, three golf courses and some fascinating historical sites to explore. Ideal for a weekend away or a golfing holiday, visitors will marvel at the gorgeous landscape of green hills and sand dunes as well as the great array of activities on offer - from a round of golf at Muirfield to exploring the sublime ruins of Dirleton Castle. Enduringly beautiful and full of quaint country charm, the best places to stay in Gullane tend to be just outside the village itself in the pretty countryside.
Gullane's roots run deep and ancient. In the 9th-century, a church was built there only to be replaced by Saint Andrew's Kirk in the early 1100s. This was abandoned in the 17th-century for a number of reasons: sand was known to blow inside and the parish needed to cater to the residents of Dirleton Castle, which stands as a stark ruin nearby, so Dirleton Castle was built.
The ruin of Saint Andrew's Kirk still stands, along with many others in the nearby area, including St. Patrick's Chapel on Black Rock by the sea and, to the south of Gullane, Saltcoats Castle, a ruin which crawls with wildlife. Dirleton Castle is surely one of the finest ruins in all of Scotland. Built by the Normans in the 12th-century, it was wrestled over during the Wars of Independence and makes for a fascinating place to explore while the gardens are simply divine.
The village itself is incredibly pretty. The main street teems with old oakwood pubs, independent shops and to top it all off, an excellent fish & chips shop. Be sure to stroll down to the beach armed to the teeth with fish and chips and enjoy the sublime scenery. Gullane's beach is one of the best in East Lothian, if not, Scotland. The windswept dunes bristle with sea buckthorn, and in the backdro,p the seaward-facing villas are delightful to behold.
Of course, people don't come to Gullane for the mere opportunity of munching on a hearty portion of fish & chips by the beach - no matter how delightful that may be. They come for the golf. Gullane boasts three excellent courses within and around the village itself, and many more on the outskirts. To the east lies Muirfield, which has hosted the Open Championship 16 times - most recently in 2013 - and makes for a wonderful day out.
During the summer months, this is a popular destination so in order to snag a room at one of the best places to stay in Gullane we recommend booking well in advance.
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Gullane (East Lothian)
This historic pub is located in the village of Gullane, East Lothian. Having undergone a full renovation, it now offers contemporary rooms across the main house and two exterior cottages. The best suite boasts an original fireplace and freestanding tub. Dine at The Stables; a charming country stay.
Gullane
Designed by and former holiday home of Sir Edwin Lutyens. Located on the famous Muirfield golf course and perfect for an active weekend away. Rooms remain true to their Edwardian origins and are decorated in soft colours and filled with antiques. Chez Roux is an award winning restaurant.
