Coastal town of North Berwick Crowned Top in 2025
The seaside town of North Berwick has been crowned this year’s Sunday Times winner for the Best Place to Live in Scotland. The former royal burgh, which is located just a 30-minute train journey from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, boasts all the amenities of a thriving commuter town while maintaining its distinctive natural coastline.
The annual Sunday Times guide, sponsored by Halifax, is compiled by a team of judges who tour the UK in search of the best places to live based on a certain set of criteria. Some factors taken into consideration by the judges to help to make their decision include the quality of schools and transport links in an area, access to nature and green spaces, and broadband speeds. The East Lothian town secured its place at number one with a winning combination of ‘lovely beaches, quality schools and thriving independent businesses’.
Living in North Berwick
North Berwick’s lively community and breathtaking setting is what sets this town apart from the rest. Boasting a number of primary schools and a high school, the town is well-suited for those with young families looking to settle down. If you work in Edinburgh but crave a more relaxed way of life at home, the town is just a short train journey from Waverley Station, with services running regularly throughout the week.
In terms of nature and outdoor space, the magnificent coastline stretches for miles to the east and west of the town, making it the perfect spot for swimming in the summertime and braving the beach for a refreshing walk in winter. Morning sunrise walks up North Berwick Law will be suited to hiking enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the area on clear sunny days.
Phil Mowat, Watermans East Lothian Property Consultant, knows North Berwick and the surrounding area like the back of his hand. Speaking about the perks of living here, he says
“I am delighted to see North Berwick crowned the best place to live in Scotland – it’s a title well-deserved! The town’s charm and close-knit community make North Berwick not just a beautiful place, but a truly wonderful place to live. There are a few ‘local secrets’ that make it even more special, like taking in the stunning beach walks from Dirleton back into North Berwick, with Fidra’s Lighthouse (said to have inspired Treasure Island!) as the backdrop. As an estate agent here, I’m constantly reminded how lucky we are to call this corner of Scotland home.”
Where to eat in North Berwick
The East Lothian town offers a fantastic selection of eateries. For seafood lovers, look no further than The Lobster Shack! Sourcing their seafood directly from the boats in the harbour, the team at The Lobster Shack has expanded their fully covered outside seating area to cater for the growing popularity of the venue. Work your way through their haddock tacos, seafood chowder and garlic and herb lobster while sipping a crisp glass of French sauvignon from their fully licensed bar.
If you fancy working up an appetite, walking a couple of miles east of North Berwick along the scenic coastline to Drift is a must. Set atop the cliffs, Drift offers stunning views over the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock. Serving up freshly cooked Scottish produce and a selection of homemade sweet treats, Drift is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Seasonal plates and cocktails at neighbourhood favourite The Herringbone and Sunday lunch at The Nether Abbey round off our list of must-visits in the town.
Our east coast property expert Phil also suggests hopping on the bus to Gullane to dine at The Main Course, which he says serves some of the best Italian food in East Lothian!
Where to shop in North Berwick
The bustling high street in the town is teeming with independent shops. Spend your morning browsing elegant interiors haven Time & Tide before heading along the street to Laura Thomas Co to stock up on your natural hair and body care products. Make sure to visit Anderson’s Butchers for outstanding beef, game and pork, and stock up on farmhouse and artisanal cheeses for afters at The Cheese Lady. Don’t forget to stop by Sugar Mountain, a retro sweet shop full of all your childhood favourites.
Best places to live in Scotland
Editor of the Sunday Times guide, Helen Davies, tells how speaking to locals to get a real sense of what it’s like to live in each area is what sets their list apart from the rest.
“Our guide is unique, because we actually visit all the locations on our list to get a sense of what it’s like to live there.”
“More than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong, hard-working communities who love where they live.”
North Berwick isn’t the only Scottish neighbourhood to be championed in this year’s guide. Other areas shortlisted for the best place to live in Scotland include Stockbridge in Edinburgh, Tiree in Argyll, and Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire.