August 6, 2024 -

This morning we were greeted with brilliant sunshine when open curtains covering the tall windows of our room. We found the view invigorating as we readied for the day.

The Spencer Restaurant at Gleneagles had made such a positive impression with us we had made reservations yesterday for breakfast this morning. We three were all dressed and ready for the day. We called for a cab to pick us up. A nice scenic drive through Edinburgh wasn't a bad way to start the day for sure. Arriving at Gleneagles Townhouse, we made our way inside to the Receptionist for Spencer. Once again taking in the grandeur all around and the high cathedral ceilings. This atmosphere and style made for a relaxing and memorable breakfast hour.

*Corn Fritters, Tomato Spinach, Mushrooms, Pico di Gallo…so good. worth a trip back to the Spencer!*

During breakfast, we discussed which seaside village to visit today. Asked the opinion of our waiter, he suggested New Berwick. Also he told us for lunch, to stop by The Lobster Shack located at the harbor of New Berwick. We took this advice into consideration. However, according to the pictures, Dunbar looked a little more quaint and quiet to us. We settled on Dunbar as we left the Spencer. From Gleneagles, we took a short walk to Waverley Train Station in central Edinburgh. Upon arriving at the train station we learnt if we wanted to go to Dunbar it would be about an hour wait till the next Train. Instead we noticed there was a train departing soon for New Berwick. This seems to be the route to take for us today. New Berwick here we come!

The train ride only took about 45 mins or so through the beautiful farmland countryside.

Stepping off the train in New Berwick we were greeted with a gorgeous arrangement of flowering planters along the platform. This was a great start to New Berwick and made for an attractive train station for sure.

New Berwick - nestled along the breathtakingly picturesque coastline of Scotland, boasts a rich and fascinating history that stretches all the way back to medieval times. Originally established as a humble fishing village, it thrived remarkably due to its excellent harbor facilities and bountiful access to the abundant resources of the North Sea. Over the many centuries, New Berwick transformed from a small settlement into a vibrant and lively community, witnessing the remarkable rise of fishing industries and bustling trade, particularly during the prosperous 18th and 19th centuries when the village became renowned for its prolific herring catches. Today, while it still wonderfully retains its charming character as a fishing village, New Berwick has gracefully evolved to embrace the world of tourism. It now features stunning scenic waterfront views, traditional stone houses with rich histories, and lively local markets, all while honoring and preserving its cherished maritime heritage. The delightful blend of past and present has enabled this quaint village to maintain its unique cultural identity amid modern developments, inviting families and adventurous travelers from far and wide to explore its enchanting character.

*Arriving into New Berwick we greeted with attractive train station with flower displays all around*

From the train station we navigated our way to the beach nearby passing through a street with many shops. We will need to visit this street later.

*Joining the people enjoying the seaside on cloudy day*

Even though the day, so far, was mostly cloudy with sun peeking out from time to time, there were a number of people out on the beach today.

We walked along the beach breathing in the salty sea air. Charting our course in the direction of the harbor we saw in the distance.

*We made our way to the beach to have stroll and scout out the area a bit*

Arriving at the harbor we explored the area walking up on the rocks overlooking the sea and behind us the harbor below with all its colorful boats. We took our time enjoying each other's company. Every now and then the sun would peek out from behind the clouds with splashes of warmth and light.

*A view from up on the rocks looking back over the harbor area*

*Rocky shoreline flow into the grassy knolls and cliffs down the shoreline from us*

On the way to explore this area we passed by some huts selling paintings and knick knacks. Also we had seen the Crab Shack our waiter had told us about. Feeling a little hungry by now, we made our way to the Shack for some lunch. I ordered food while Mandy and Téo browsed through the nearby huts looking for some painting to take back to Mississippi. The food was ready and we sat on a bench which was overlooking the harbor to eat our Smoked Haddock Cakes. They were perfect!! So glad for the locals' recommendation to eat here.

*The Lobster Shack our waiter at breakfast had told to stop at for lunch.*

*Mandy and Teo browsing the little shops nearby*

*The local artist we purchased and couple paintings from*

*An assortment of sauce to choose from…*

*Some really really superb Smoked Haddock Cakes*

Now it was time to head back to the train station. We have an Afternoon Tea reservation waiting for us at Prestonfield which is close to Edinburgh. On the way to the train station we passed through the shopping street we had seen earlier. Mandy browsed a store or two while Teo and I visited an inviting bakery nearby. We bought a couple cookies to enjoy on the train ride to Edinburgh.

Walking through the town of New Berwick we saw this bakery Jeff and Teo went in to browse and buy something sweet for the train ride back to Edinburgh…settled on oatmeal cookie and a double chocolate cookie

*Boats at the train station works at this town*

The train was at the station when we arrived, Mandy had just enough time to pick a couple handfuls of the ripening blackberries at the station. There are so many Blackberry bushes lining the train tracks! In a week or so there will be buckets and buckets of blackberries ready to pick in this area.

*Arriving at the train station, we noticed these blackberries beginning to ripen. We enjoyed few while we hopped on the waiting train..*

*We noticed they were sooo many blackberry lining along track near the station and on the way back*

*Enjoying the fields of wheat and wild flowers passing by outside the train windows*

The train took us to Waverley Train Station from there we caught a train to Haymarket Station which was close by the Roseate Hotel. On the way to the hotel we stopped at a store that sold Kilts. Maybe next Teo and I can be fitted for a kilt of our own.

*Walking the streets from Haymarket Train Station to the Roseate, we walked past this shop selling kilts…we chatted with the shopkeeper briefly. Maybe next we will be in the market for kilt…*

Back at the hotel we relaxed a bit before catching a cab ride to Prestonfield. Prestonfield was beautiful with a nice tea room. We enjoyed tea while Téo took a nap on adjoining bench

Prestonfield House- beautifully situated in the heart of Edinburgh, boasts a fascinating and rich history that stretches back to the 17th century when it was originally constructed as a grand mansion for the Scottish aristocracy. Designed by the renowned and talented architect Sir William Bruce, it became the esteemed home of the Preston family, who played a significant and influential role in its ongoing development and transformation. Over the years, the magnificent estate changed hands multiple times, experiencing varying periods of neglect and restoration before finding its current purpose. In the 20th century, it was skillfully transformed into a luxurious hotel and fine dining venue while still preserving its historical charm and unique character. Today, Prestonfield House proudly stands as a testament to Scotland's rich cultural heritage, offering guests an elegant escape with breathtaking views over the iconic Arthur's Seat and the surrounding beautiful gardens, embodying a seamless blend of captivating history and modern luxury hospitality.

*We are on way to afternoon tea! The reflection of the cab in the widow of the business we are passing by at the moment*

*It’s been an adventurous day for a little boy…nap time sounds better than tea time*

*Complimentary appetizer arrived while we waited for the tea*

*Mandy was quite impressed with the ladies washroom…*

Outside we visited the highland cattle relaxing in a pasture nearby. The sun had popped out and it turned out to be a sunny remainder of the afternoon.

*Outside we caught of glimpse of some Highland Cattle*

From Prestonfield, we hailed a cab back to the Roseate where we planned to relax, play ball in the yard, and pack our bags for our flight back to Mississippi tomorrow.

*The grassy lot nearby the Roseate Hotel perfect for Teo to run off some energy*

We had a light meal in Dustanes Restaurant and Da finally had the chance to try the Scottish speciality dessert called Cranachan. This was a delicious way to end the day.

*Finally got the try a traditional Scottish Cranachan dessert at Dustane Restaurant*

Tomorrow we plan to say goodbye to Scotland. It has a grand adventure in this beautiful country full of culture, culinary delights, friendly warm Scottish people…we do hope to return!

Visiting Seaside Village North Berwick

Attending Edinburgh Tattoo