The Lothians Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to The Lothians in Scotland, showcasing the best places to visit, food and drink, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to The Lothians

Nestled in Scotland’s Central Belt region, The Lothians is a historical and scenic area that offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Lothians consists of the three historic counties of West Lothian, East Lothian, and Midlothian, each with its own unique attractions and landmarks. This travel guide will take you on a journey through the must-see places, the best things to do, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.

List of Places to Visit in The Lothians

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Rosslyn Chapel
  • Scottish Seabird Centre
  • The Royal Mile
  • Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
  • Yellowcraigs Beach
  • The Museum of Flight
  • Hopetoun House

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are a history enthusiast, The Lothians won’t disappoint you. Edinburgh Castle is a must-see attraction that dates back to the 12th century, and it offers breathtaking views of the city. Another cultural gem is Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th-century chapel that inspired Dan Brown’s book “The Da Vinci Code.” For those wanting to explore the city’s history, the Royal Mile is where you can stroll through the city’s Old Town and visit St Giles Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Museum of Flight is also a great place to visit to learn about the aviation history of Scotland.

Natural Attractions of The Lothians: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Lothians offers stunning natural landscapes. You can spend a day at the Scottish Seabird Centre and witness the world’s largest colony of Northern Gannets. For amazing views of the city, hike up to Arthur’s Seat, the highest point of the iconic Edinburgh skyline. The Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is perfect for picnicking, walking, and cycling, and Yellowcraigs Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with grassy dunes and clear water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of The Lothians

For the outdoor enthusiast, The Lothians has many hiking and bike trails. The Pentland Hills Regional Park has a variety of trails for walkers, and cyclists can enjoy the John Muir Way, a long-distance coastal route that stretches from Helensburgh to Dunbar. The Union Canal Towpath is another beautiful trail for walkers and cyclists, running from Edinburgh to Falkirk.

Best Things to Do in The Lothians: Activities and Tours

There’s plenty to do in The Lothians, including visiting the zoo, wildlife centres and farms. The Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a great place to visit with kids, where they can see animals, go on boat rides and visit a traditional Scottish farm. Visitors can also explore Edinburgh’s historic buildings, such as Holyrood Abbey and Greyfriars Kirk. The Ghost Bus Tour is a unique way to see the city’s famous landmarks at night.

Week-Long Itinerary for The Lothians

Day 1: Visit Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse Day 2: Spend a day at Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Day 3: Hike up Arthur’s Seat and visit the Scottish Parliament Day 4: Explore Rosslyn Chapel and the Museum of Flight Day 5: Take the Ghost Bus Tour and explore the Royal Mile Day 6: Spend the day at the Scottish Seabird Centre Day 7: Visit Hopetoun House and try out some outdoor activities.

Food and Drink Scene of The Lothians

Must-Try Dishes

The Lothians is replete with great places to eat, whether you’re looking for hearty Scottish dishes or international cuisine. Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made with sheep’s offal, onions, oatmeal, and spices, is a must-try for the adventurous. The delicious Scottish salmon, smoked trout, and beef dishes are also must-try.

Local Beverages

The Lothians is home to many breweries that produce traditional Scottish beers, such as Traquair House Ale and Innis & Gunn. The area is also known for its gin distilleries, with some notable brands like Pickering’s Gin Company.

Where to Stay in The Lothians: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors to The Lothians can choose from a range of accommodations to suit their preferences. There are luxurious hotels in the heart of Edinburgh, such as The Balmoral and The Scotsman Hotel, as well as budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. For a unique experience, consider staying in a B&B or a boutique hotel, such as the George Hotel in Edinburgh.

What to Buy in The Lothians: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Lothians is known for its wool and cashmere products, such as scarves and tweeds. Besides this, visitors can also buy traditional Scottish jewellery, made with Scottish gemstones and precious metals. If looking for edible souvenirs, locally made jams, chocolate and honey should be on your list.

Local Culture and Customs of The Lothians

The Scottish are proud of their cultural heritage. Visitors to The Lothians should be respectful of the customs and traditions, such as the wearing of tartan, the traditional Scottish attire. Scots are also friendly and enjoy a good conversation, hence it is recommended to engage with the locals and learn more about their traditions.

Best Time to Visit The Lothians

The best time to visit The Lothians is during the summer, between June and August, when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also good options since the crowds are smaller. Winter (December to February) is the least busy but can be very cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of The Lothians

Do:

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Engage with locals and learn more about Scottish culture
  • Explore the city’s history and landmarks

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas
  • Wear inappropriate clothing in religious areas
  • Skip the chance to try haggis or other traditional Scottish dishes.

Safety and Health

Safety in The Lothians

The Lothians is a safe area, but it is recommended always to be aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions, especially when traveling alone at night. It is important to lock doors and windows of your accommodation when you step out.

Health in The Lothians

Visitors to The Lothians should have a European Health Insurance Card or travel insurance to make sure they’re covered in case of a medical emergency. The region has hospitals and pharmacies, but it is essential to take necessary precautions and follow up UK’s health guidelines.

Getting to The Lothians: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several transportation options available to get to The Lothians. The most convenient option is to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is well-connected to other UK cities and Europe. Visitors can also take a train from Glasgow or other cities in Scotland. Edinburgh is well-connected to other UK cities by coach and was declared as one of Scotland’s best coach station and facilities in 2021.

Airports Near The Lothians

  • Edinburgh Airport

Bus Stations Near The Lothians

  • Edinburgh Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train

How to Get Around in The Lothians

To get around in The Lothians, visitors have several options. Most sights and landmarks are accessible by foot, but buses and taxis are also available for those who prefer to use public transportation. Visitors can utilize city cards for discounted fares on various transportation options.

Where to Go Next from The Lothians: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Lothians is located in central Scotland, making it an excellent place to start day trips and excursions. Visitors can head to nearby Glasgow, which is known for its art scene and excellent restaurants. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are also within driving distance and offer stunning natural beauty.

Conclusion

The Lothians is a beautiful and fascinating region, offering a plethora of attractions and activities for the discerning traveler. From historical landmarks and natural landscapes to delicious food and drink, The Lothians has something for everyone. Plan your visit today, and discover the wonders of The Lothians.

"Wa-hay, the tourists have gone home!" Gateway to Linlithgow Palace Gateway to Linlithgow Palace Beach and sandhills at Gullane Beach and sandhills at Gullane Bass Rock Bass Rock


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    Edinburgh
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