Manse Manor enjoys a fabulous location at Prestonpans, just outside of Edinburgh. It is a very easy train ride or drives into the city centre. The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club and Longniddry Tennis Club are close by.
If you haven’t visited the City of Edinburgh before, you will quickly fall in love with it. The city enjoys a wealth of top attractions for the whole family, excellent shopping opportunities and a wonderful array of outstanding restaurants and bars. At the top of the Royal Mile on the top of Castle Rock, you can visit the very famous Edinburgh Castle, the number one visitor attraction in Scotland and the most iconic building in the city. It looks even more impressive at night with clever lighting, so you should bag a table in one of the rooftop restaurants, such as the Thai Chaophraya, asking for a table in the glass box. Perched on the top of an extinct volcano, the castle and its esplanade offer astonishing views of Edinburgh. You can visit St Margaret’s Chapel, The National War Memorial and the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is home to the Grand Hall and Scotland’s crown jewels.
Visitors discover Edinburgh’s grisly history at The Edinburgh Dungeon, face to face with Scotland’s ravenous cannibals and infamous killer duo Burke and Hare. There are plenty of ghost walks and light-hearted fun with immersive, actor-led shows and state-of-the-art special effects. Edinburgh is especially popular during the August Festival and at Christmas and New Year.
Edinburgh is home to three excellent galleries, The National Gallery on the Mound, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Scottish National Gallery boasts some of the world’s finest art by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet and Raphael. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world, celebrating the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. It was built in the 19th century and is one of the most striking landmarks on the Edinburgh city skyline. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to enjoy far-reaching views of the city and surrounding countryside. The Holyrood Palace is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Some areas of the Palace are open to the public, including the State Apartments, the Throne Room and the Morning Drawing Room.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Stockbridge is a twenty-minute walk from the city centre. You will discover a beautiful collection of more than one hundred thousand plants and seventy acres of stunning green space.
The Royal Yacht Britannia was Her Majesty The Queen’s floating palace for over forty years and is one of the city’s best attractions. You can enjoy a complimentary audio tour and follow in the footsteps of royalty exploring this wonderful yacht that is permanently moored beside Ocean Terminal.
Calton Hill offers the most amazing views of the city. At the base, you can dine at Edinburgh’s acclaimed restaurant, The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage. The panoramic vistas from Calton Hill of Arthur’s Seat with the Crags behind Holyrood Palace and the Parliament, Leith and the Firth of Forth, Princes Street and the New Town and the Royal Mile climbing to Edinburgh Castle have astonished and inspired visitors for centuries. Calton Hill is famous for its collection of historical monuments, including the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, the Nelsons Monument and the City Observatory, of which Calton View House is part.
North Berwick is a delightful seaside town, half an hour outside of Edinburgh. It has an eclectic mix of shops, fish and chip cafes, bars and other restaurants. North Berwick enjoys striking views out to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock and the world’s largest northern gannet colony. There are playgrounds, putting greens, tennis courts and plenty of boat trips to keep you entertained, not to mention the golf. The town is famous for its award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre, where you can zoom in on the amazing wildlife on the Firth of Forth islands.
The Region
Welcome to East Lothian, the land of castles, golf courses, seaside havens and a whole lot of character! Tucked away on Scotland's east coast, this enchanting region sits just outside the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Oliver's Travels has sprinkled a bit of luxury magic all over the place, from snug cottages to elegant manor houses and even the odd castle!
Now, let's talk landmarks. Tantallon Castle is the rockstar of historical hotspots. Perched dramatically on cliffs, it is like the celebrity of medieval fortresses, dating back to the 14th century. Nearby, North Berwick is where golfers go to swing their clubs and enjoy views that are basically a nature-induced spa for the eyes. If you are more of a tranquillity seeker, the John Muir Country Park is your sanctuary of natural zen. Named after a Scottish-American nature superhero, this park is like a green hug along the coastline. Belhaven Bay is the beachy haven for birdwatchers, sun-worshippers and water sports fanatics, a sandy paradise waiting for your adventurous footprints. Haddington is like a historic market town dressed in cobblestone couture. St. Mary's Church and Lennoxlove House are 13th-century gems that add cultural glitter. Tranent, the vibrant town in the mix, is party central, hosting wonderful events. Dunbar, the coastal village, is where history meets Mother Nature. Dunbar Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory, is like the wise old storyteller with panoramic views as its tales. It is also the birthplace of John Muir, the nature guy. Dunbar celebrates his legacy with a museum, the John Muir's Birthplace, where you can practically feel the green vibes.
East Lothian's calendar is busy. The Haddington Farmers' Market is the foodie's paradise, showcasing fresh veggies. If you are into culture, the Fringe by the Sea festival in North Berwick is where music, comedy and literature throw a coastal bash.
East Lothian offers culinary wonders. Seafood, including the famous Scottish salmon, is the star on many menus. And let's not forget haggis, the local hero. Traditional Scottish dishes are served with a side of warm hospitality that will make you feel like you never want to leave. East Lothian is that cool friend who knows all the best spots. It is where history, nature and culture mingle, creating an unforgettable experience.
