North Berwick & Scottish Seabird Centre
North Berwick
A seaside town east of Edinburgh with a seabird centre overlooking the gannet colony on Bass Rock, and boat trips for birdwatching in summer.
North Berwick lies on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, about 40 kilometres east of Edinburgh. It is a favourite seaside day trip for Edinburgh residents. Beside the small harbour between two beaches is the Scottish Seabird Centre, where remote cameras let you watch more than 100,000 northern gannets and puffins on Bass Rock in real time. In peak season, birdwatching boats sail around Bass Rock or stop at the island. These must be booked in advance and depend on sea conditions. You can also climb North Berwick Law for views of the coastline, and nearby are the ruins of Tantallon Castle. The Seabird Centre is generally open from 10:00 to 17:00, with shorter hours in winter. Tickets cost about £12. From Edinburgh Waverley station, the direct train takes about 35 minutes.
Opening hours
Seabird center about 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Portobello Beach
- Craigmillar Castle
- Arthur's Seat
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Scottish Parliament Building
- Our Dynamic Earth
- Calton Hill