North Berwick
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
| Ordnance Survey | |
|---|---|
| OS Grid Reference | NT555855 |
| Contemporary maps | Map sources (http://www.rhaworth.myby.co.uk/oscoor_a.htm?NT555855_region:GB_scale:25000) |
| Map from 1854 |
old-maps.co.uk (http://www.old-maps.co.uk/oldmaps/index_external.jsp?easting=355500&northing=685500&county=) |
| Administration | |
| Council | East Lothian |
| Nation | Scotland |
| Other | |
| Lieutenancy area | East Lothian |
| Traditional county | East Lothian |
| Westminster constituency | East Lothian |
| Holyrood constituency | East Lothian |
| Post office and telephone | |
| Post town | North Berwick |
| Postcode | EH39 |
| Dialling code | +44-1620 |
North Berwick is a small Scottish seaside town in East Lothian, on the south bank of the Firth of Forth, about 25 miles east of Edinburgh. It is connected to the Scottish capital by a frequent rail service. North Berwick became a popular holiday resort in the 19th century because of its two sandy bays. Out in the Firth opposite the town are the islands of Fidra and Bass Rock; the latter hosts a thriving colony of birds, including puffins, gannets, and other seabirds.
History
There has been a harbour at North Berwick since the 12th century, and for 500 years there was a ferry crossing to Earlsferry, near Elie in Fife. This was popular with pilgrims to St Andrews. This ferry was recently reinstated; during the summer a boat travels between North Berwick and Anstruther in Fife, in homage to the original ferry.
English invaders in the Middle Ages led to the construction of nearby Tantallon Castle, and a nunnery was built at North Berwick. The late 19th century saw North Berwick develop golfing and holiday facilities. In recent years, some have seen North Berwick as a dormitory town for Edinburgh, and correspondingly housebuilding and house prices have exploded in the town, with the population constantly increasing..
Attractions
- Boat trips to Bass Rock and other islands
- Scottish Seabird Centre - Visitor centre about seabirds found on Bass Rock and elsewhere.
- North Berwick Law - 613ft volcanic hill which dominates the town, with its arched whalebones visible from afar, and a Napoleonic era signal station. A school located near this hill has been named after it.
- Beaches - One of North Berwick's main attractions, the beach has golden sands and rocks, and a tide-filled swimming/paddling pool.
- Putting and Crazy Golf
- East Lothian Yacht Club
