East Lothian holiday apartment "The Garden Flat" in Dunbar

Dunbar is close to Edinburgh and Berwick upon Tweed. Visiting northern England and Northumberland for day trips is practical by train or by car. Bambrough Castle and Holy Island are worth a visit, and The Alnwick Garden, in Alnwick (with its famous second hand book store) is not far away. Tourist attractions are many, but you'll probably want to stay here if you want to mix countryside walks or bracing hikes on hills and by the sea with trips to the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. East Lothian and the Borders are rich with history and archaeology. The Votadini tribe occupied Traprain Law, between Haddington and Dunbar, a volcanic plug not dissimilar to North Berwick Law and Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. The geology and wildlife is as fascinating as the historical and archaeological heritage. There are many miles of protected coast, with the most outstanding example the Bass Rock, with a bird colony counting in excess of 50,000. Not to be missed. If you are up for it, you can hire bikes and take to the gently rolling countryside or the hills if you have the strength and stamina.

East Lothian is most famous for its golf tourism, but you probably knew that. But there are a number of excellent sandy beaches for surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing. Dunbar has its own local surf school. Divers will find that Dunbar has wrecks and treasures of its own, but close enough to St Abbs, which is world famous (with stunning rugged coastline). You can enjoy boat trips to the Bass Rock or for sea fishing. Fishing from the shore (after a good storm is best) or from the harbour wall. Fly fishing in the right conditions / season is also available and we are not so far from famous Salmon rivers like the River Tweed.

Templelands: The Knights Templar probably didn't own the land that Templelands is built upon, even if the historical evidence is tantalising, the site of a Carmelite Monastery nearby is somewhat suggestive. The house is a compact terraced townhouse, one of a pair dating back to the late eighteenth century. A listed property mainly on account of the elegant frontage, including characteristic ionic columns, as well as interesting internal features, including a winding cantilevered stone staircase.

In between excursions you are welcome to use the Shared Garden at Templelands. It is a small managed garden laid out to herbaceous beds, lawn, a few fruit trees and a vegetable plot. It is peaceful and quiet, with a pleasant outlook towards the sea. There are different seating areas and a patio away from the house, area where you can take breakfast or lunch or sit an watch seabirds fly by.

There are many Golf courses nearby including the world famous Muirfield in Gullane. Winterfield, which is in Dunbar, has stunning coastal views and Dunbar Golf Club is a classic links course, both within walking distance.