Known for its traditional fish and chips shops and great potential for beach picnics, a charming coastal town has been selected as the top place to live in the UK.
North Berwick topped a list of 72 locations chosen by The Sunday Times to represent the best of the UK in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, marking the first Scottish winner in the 12-year history.
The Sunday Times's judges visited all the locations and evaluated factors from schools to transportation, internet speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
The town was praised for its independent shops, the great outdoors, and family-friendly houses, as well as its easy connections to Edinburgh.
The judges were also impressed by the variety of activities North Berwick has to offer, as well as the fact that life revolves around the town’s beaches.
Similarly, they also emphasized the thriving independent shops as a sign of the positive impact that small businesses can have on a community.
With so much to offer, North Berwick has gained the nickname ‘The Biarritz of the North’, with long-standing comparisons to elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast.
What to do in North Berwick
With a relatively small-town population of around 8,000 residents, North Berwick provides a more peaceful life by the seaside.
Undoubtedly, the sandy beach is the main attraction of the community, offering nearby golf courses. It’s also a popular spot for swimmers, rowers, and sailors, with ample space for picnics and games.
Local wildlife can be spotted here, including seals, puffins, and sometimes even dolphins, as well as breathtaking panoramic views at the top of North Berwick Law.
Similar to Arthur’s Seat in nearby Edinburgh, this hill overlooks the town and is popular with many hikers.
North Berwick offers a variety of local restaurants to please food enthusiasts, including the Lobster Shack and North Berwick Fry, both serving freshly caught fish and seafood.
And, for a family-friendly outing, the historic Tantallon Castle is only ten minutes away by car. Nearby is also the Archerfield Walled Garden with stunning greenery, a garden shop, and even a food market.
What are house prices like in North Berwick?
North Berwick is known for its family-friendly ambiance, but there are a variety of properties available.
A taste of seaside life comes with a fairly high price tag, however. Data from Rightmove shows that, over the last year, the average property has sold for £492,031.
These prices marked a 3% increase from the previous year, further rising by 9% from the 2021 peak of £453,377.
‘Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you,’ said Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor.
Kim Kinnaird, who is the director of homes and protection at Halifax, said that deciding where to live is a very personal choice and can be overwhelming, especially when buying your first home or making a move due to changing circumstances.
There are many things to consider when determining what is best for you and your family.
Opinions about North Berwick from people
Both tourists and locals love North Berwick, especially for its beach atmosphere. One local even called Yellowcraig Beach their 'favorite.'
One user named Highlander40 wrote a review on Tripadvisor saying, 'This is one of the beaches we regularly visit. Probably my favorite for walking and relaxing on.'
Similarly, another person described the views as 'unreal' and praised the 'calm seas for paddleboarding.'
'Great for walking the dog,' said Derek N. 'Really worth the drive. Absolutely stunning place.'
Ways to travel to North Berwick
North Berwick is located about 25 miles to the east of Edinburgh and can be reached by car in around 50 minutes.
Alternatively, it is well-connected by public transport, with train fares starting at £4.05 on ScotRail. The journey lasts between 24 and 41 minutes, passing through beautiful Scottish countryside.
See you in bonny Scotland!
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