John Muir Country Park

John Muir Country Park offers families over 1,750 acres of stunning Scottish coastline to explore, with easy walking trails perfect for little legs, sandy beaches for building castles, and excellent opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, and other wildlife. The visitor centre provides engaging educational displays about local nature, making this a fantastic free day out where kids can run, explore, and connect with the natural world along the dramatic North Berwick shoreline.

• ✓Sandy beaches perfect for sandcastle building and paddling
• ✓Seal spotting from clifftop viewpoints and rocky shores
• ✓Easy to moderate coastal trails with stunning Firth of Forth views
• ✓Rock pooling opportunities at low tide
• ✓Educational visitor centre with displays about local wildlife and coastal ecology

1. 1.Bring layers and waterproof jackets year-round as Scottish coastal weather changes quickly, even in summer
2. 2.Pack binoculars for seal spotting at the rocky outcrops and bird watching along the shore
3. 3.The clifftop paths offer stunning views but stick to lower coastal trails with very young children for easier terrain
4. 4.Wear sturdy shoes or wellies as trails can be muddy, especially after rain
5. 5.Stop at the visitor centre first to pick up trail maps and learn which wildlife has been spotted recently

Visit during weekday mornings for quieter trails, or aim for low tide when rock pools are accessible for exploration. Spring and early summer offer the best wildlife viewing with seal pups and nesting seabirds, while autumn provides beautiful colours and fewer crowds.

Admission and parking are completely free. There are basic toilet facilities at the visitor centre but limited food options on-site, so pack snacks and drinks. Paths vary from paved to rough terrain, with some routes suitable for all-terrain strollers.

Open year-round with trails accessible in all seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and baby seals, summer offers the warmest weather for beach play, autumn has beautiful coastal colors, and winter provides dramatic stormy seascapes (dress warmly). Strong winds can occur any time of year along the exposed coastline.

Head into North Berwick town centre (5 minutes by car) for family-friendly options like The Rocketeer restaurant with its casual atmosphere and children's menu, or grab fish and chips from one of the local chippies to enjoy as a beach picnic.