To a Londoner like myself there is something surreal about the small coastal town of North Berwick. Less than a 30-minute train ride from the centre of Edinburgh, it seems a world away from the bustle of Scotland’s capital. It has retained its own distinctive character instead of being swallowed up by its larger neighbor or turned into a tourist trap.

Marine North Berwick provides plenty of things to do, especially for avid golfers, with staff happy to arrange tee times for guests at a range of courses. This includes those of the North Berwick Golf Club, whose clubhouse is across the road.

Not only is it the 13th oldest golf club in the world, but it is second only to St Andrews in terms of length of continuous operation. It has hosted the final qualifying for The Open several times. Guests whose golf is a little rusty, or a little less advanced (like yours truly) can also take advantage of the putting green on the hotel lawn.

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