If you’re trying to be more mindful of the impact your travel plans have on the environment, there’s nothing better than booking a trip closer to home and using public transport to get to and from your destination. One of the many benefits to doing this, aside from reducing your environmental impact, is not having to fret over traffic jams on the way to the airport or clearing security before your flight takes off.
This is a year of no flights for me. I've focused on exploring destinations much closer to home instead of taking flights abroad. I'm aware of the environmental impact flying has but travel within the UK is often much more expensive than taking a flight out of the country. It makes balancing affordability with sustainability a difficult choice for many of us but it can be done.
Sustainable travel often means opting for public transport: buses, coaches, and trains. I took a comfortable 4 hour train journey from Birmingham to Edinburgh and a short 30 minute trip on to North Berwick for my most recent trip to Scotland. Train journeys always feel like an adventure in themselves as you watch the rolling scenery shift and transform. Flights often seem much quicker yet you waste a lot of time travelling to and from the airport, stuck in security queues, and waiting for your time to board. I often find it much simpler to board a train and spend the extra hour or so comfortably in your reserved seat.
Where To Stay In East Lothian
When considering where to stay in North Berwick, look for a welcoming B&B like No 12 Quality Street that serves breakfast or an AirBnB where you can prepare your own food. There aren’t many vegan breakfast options in the local cafes so beware and plan ahead. There are, however, a few independent grocers who provide fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry staples and snacks.
Where To Eat In East Lothian
There’s several dining options to choose from in North Berwick depending on what mood you’re in and what time of day it is, from traditional pub grub (The Ship Inn) to Italian fine dining (Osteria). Most places have vegan-friendly options or an entirely separate vegan menu (The Herringbone) as well as coffee (Steampunk) and brunch options (Zanzibar). Almost everywhere in North Berwick is happy to cater to whatever diet you have, just ask.
Where To Visit In East Lothian
One of the best things about slow sustainable travel is taking the time to explore the local area by foot and there’s plenty to see in North Berwick. Take a stroll along West Bay to the Scottish Seabird Centre, round to Milsey Bay Beach and back up through the pretty streets. Visit the Coastal Communities Museum or walk up to The Lodge grounds, through to St. Andrews Well, up North Berwick Law to take in the view, and then back down to the main high street where you’ll fine galleries, boutiques, and thrift shops to peruse.
North Berwick is well connected to the local attractions with regular buses running between each destination. You can pay by card and avoid the nuisance of always having to have the correct change. Travelling by bus is relatively easy although on days where buses are a little less frequent, you get the chance to really embrace slow travel by walking the distance and taking in the Scottish countryside. The coastal walk from Tallon Castle back to North Berwick is lovely, and you can stop off halfway for lunch at Drift Cafe. They serve a vegan-friendly menu from their repurposed shipping container, where you can sit and overlook the xxx sea.
If you’re planning a trip to Direlton Castle (which you definitely should), it’s well worth stopping by Gullane for lunch at The Bonnie Badger where the food is exceptional. Goose on the Green offer coffee and cake, if you fancy something lighter. Walk through the green to visit the ruins of St. Andrew’s Church, and back to North Berwick on the bus.
East Lothian is a wonderful place to visit. The rolling countryside, fresh sea air, and good food make North Berwick in particular an ideal location for a long weekend away.
