Tourism
Visitor Information Centre
The Haddington Visitor Information Centre Has moved into the new John Gray Centre in Lodge Street, Haddington from its former home at Lady’ Kitty’s Doocot*.
Manned Hours: 10:00 till 16:00 Monday to Friday: from beginning of April to the end of September. For full details of the opening hours of the John Gray Centre see below:
The following are the opening times of the Centre at this moment. They could be subject to change.
- Monday 9.30 am until 7.30 pm
- Tuesday 9.30 am until 9.00 pm
- Wednesday 10.00 am until 5.00 pm
- Thursday 9.30 am until 7.30 pm
- Friday 9.30 pm until 5.00 pm
- Saturday 10 am until 4.00 pm
- Sunday 1.00 pm until 4.00 pm
Haddington Community Council (inspired by the vision of the late Gerry Gremson) were able to persuade East Lothian Council to restore the derelict doocot in Lady Kitty’s Garden and it opened to visitors in 2007. It is staffed by volunteers who are always willing to help tourists and local visitors and provide information from the wide selection of leaflets and brochures on offer.
Haddington is an ancient Royal burgh and an ideal place to visit – either for a day trip or a longer stay. It is an excellent tourist destination with its own attractions while acting as a convenient base between the Lammermuir Hills, the Scottish Border towns, the attractions of Edinburgh and the golf courses and beaches of the East Lothian coastal resorts of Aberlady, Gullane, Dirleton, North Berwick and Dunbar.
Local attractions include:
Lady Kitty’s Doocot - The doocot built in 1771 as a memorial garden to Lady Catherine Charteris, the wife of the 7th Earl of Wemyss, is in one of the most historic and picturesque parts of Haddington near the River Tyne and the 12th century Nungate Bridge, the oldest bowling green in Scotland, the Peter Potter Gallery & coffee-shop housed in the former town fire station and the magnificent St Mary’s Parish Church.
St. Mary’s Parish Church – largest parish church in Scotland, building started in 14th century, badly damaged in siege of Haddington in 1548, extensively and sensitively restored in 1977. Lauderdale Aisle, Wemyss Memorial window by Burne Jones, grave of Jane Welsh Carlyle and much more.
St. Mary’s Pleasance – a public garden managed by Haddington Garden Trust located between S. Mary’s Churchyard and Haddington House.
Features include a sunken garden, old fruit trees and other native trees, specimen trees planted by HM the Queen and HM the Queen Mother, a beautifully restored Apple House, a wild meadow garden, a Laburnum Walk (at its best in June) and The Mount which serves as a fine viewpoint over the garden and the River Tyne and surrounding area.
Lennoxlove - the ancient tower of Lethington now owned by the Duke of Hamilton . The contents include many historical portrtaits, antique furniture and the death mask of Mary Queen of Scots.
Traprain Law – the distinctive whaleback hill to the east of Haddington, once the home of the Pictish Votadini tribe. The famous Traprain treasure of Roman silver was found here last century. Car park and interpretation panel.
Hailes Castle – once the stronghold of the Earls of Bothwell, Hailes is sited in a picturesque spot on the south bank of the Tyne.
Dirleton Castle - a 13th century ruin with vaulted kitchens, grand hall and pit prison situated amidst beautiful historic gardens.
Golf courses – local courses include Haddington with its riverside setting in the landscaped grounds of Amisfield House, Gifford Golf Club (9 hole) and Castle Park (18 holes) on the former deer park for Yester Castle near Gifford.
There are some 23 Golf Courses in East Lothian within a short car travelling distance from Haddington, including the famous Open Course at Muirfield and the reputed oldest golf course in the world at Musselburgh Old Course.
Riverside Walks - pleasant walks from the Nungate Bridge. The observant (and fortunate) may spot a kingfisher or even an otter.
DIRECTIONS:
Situated directly behind the Victoria Inn, Court Street and entry to the Information Centre is in Lodge Street.