Places

Things to do

Haddington Farmers Market on Court Street takes place on the last Saturday of each month. Stalls display local produce with many offering food tastings.

Nungate Bridge

The Great Scots Walking Festival takes place across East Lothian in late April, walk sections of the John Muir Way into the Lammermuir Hills, following in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.   

Other festivals include the Haddington Festival, where the town comes together to celebrate the talents of the local people in June and The East Lothian Food Festival, which takes place in September, with various events from sampling award winning dining to themed local entertainment.

If you have any great ideas for things to see and do in the town get in touch.

Get away from it all

Scotland's largest parish church St Mary's Collegiate Church, also known as the Lamp of Lothian, dates from the 14th Century. Built on the banks of the River Tyne, it has been restored to its full glory. Inside is the Lauderdale Aisle, a splendid looking tomb with alabaster effigies and stunning carving.

The Nungate or Old Bridge in the town dates from 1282 and is an eerie reminder of its past as the gallows. You can still see an iron hook which criminals were hung from.

Poldrate Mill

Haddington House is the oldest private residence in town. Nearby is the elegant medicinal garden of St Mary's Pleasance  and the secret Lady Kitty's garden, whose walls were built by Napoleonic prisoners of war. Jane Welsh, the wife of philosopher and historian Thomas Carlyle, is buried in the churchyard. The Jane Welsh Carlyle House at Lodge Street, was her home until her marriage. Part of it is open to the public where you can view the regency style rooms and explore the restored elegant gardens.

The Poldrate Mill, fully working until 1968, is a beautiful original community building with a restored mill wheel.

Lennoxlove House, set in wonderful woodland, is a mile south of Haddington. Home to the Duke of Hamilton, it houses the Hamilton Palace collections, including Mary Queen of Scots' death mask, one of her sapphire rings and the famous Hamilton Palace collection of furniture, portraits and porcelain.

The Museum of Flight, on the outskirts of Athelstaneford, is a celebration of man's ambition to fly. Occupying a number of massive hangers at East Fortune airfield, just outside Haddington, it is now home to a collection of historic and civil aircraft ranging from vintage planes to modern jets. There are regular events and air shows during the year.

Saltire in the sky

Athlestaneford is also the location where it is alleged that a sign from Saint Andrew in the shape of a saltire shaped cross in the sky appeared to King Angus II at the Battle of Athelstaneford. Today in Athlestaneford there's a memorial to the "Battle of the Saltire" in the Parish Church.

Hailes Castle is an impressive ruin overlooking the River Tyne, not far from East Linton. Dating from around the 13th - 15th centuries, its ancient stonework has to be explored - look out for the two vaulted pit-prisons. Nearby is Traprain Law which is the site of an Iron Age fort which was inhabited until the 11th Century. Located south of East Linton, it offers wonderful coastal views.

Markle Fisheries is adjacent to East Linton. It comprises three small lochs which are easily accessible for bank fishing only and which are adjacent to the Lodge and large car park. The fishery is a member of the Association of Scottish Stillwater Fisheries ensuring that high standards of facilities and services are provided and maintained.

Five miles south of Haddington, on the B6369, is the pretty little village of Gifford, birthplace of the Reverend John Witherspoon, who was a signatory to the American Declaration of Independence. Gifford makes a good base for hiking in the Lammermuir Hills to the south. It's possible to follow trails across the hills and meet up with the Southern Upland Way.

Share your suggestions of things to see and do in Haddington