Major city · United Kingdom
Haddington
Base in Haddington only if you want East Lothian's lowlands and a quiet market town; most visitors day-trip from Edinburgh (50 min by bus) instead.
Haddington is East Lothian's administrative centre and a preserved medieval market town 15 miles east of Edinburgh, just off the A1. It has a 14th-century kirk, a walled garden, a tower house and a distillery nearby, but no railway station of its own — buses X7 and 104 run from Edinburgh in about 50–60 minutes. It works best as a one-night stop or a half-day from Edinburgh, paired with North Berwick, Dunbar or the National Museum of Flight.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, cold, many attractions closed)
- Airport
- EDI
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Haddington999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Haddington, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyHaddington is a small, low-crime market town and is safe for tourists day and night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEDI Edinburgh Airport (About 45–60 min by road to Haddington; no direct bus, so take the tram or bus into Edinburgh then X7/104, or a taxi.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in 10–15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Haddington to Drem station£10–15 (≈ US$14–20)
- Metro or bus rideBus Edinburgh to Haddington (X7)£4–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketPreston Mill entry£7 (≈ US$10) adult, £5 (≈ US$7) concession
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedPub or guesthouse double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedPub or guesthouse double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £90 (≈ US$120) · High £170 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EDI Edinburgh Airport (About 45–60 min by road to Haddington; no direct bus, so take the tram or bus into Edinburgh then X7/104, or a taxi.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (17 rain days), driest Jun (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Haddington: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
17 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
16 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable in 10–15 minutes end to end. Buses X7 and 104 link Edinburgh, Musselburgh, Tranent and Dunbar; Eves Coaches 121 runs to North Berwick via Drem station and East Fortune. A car helps for Lennoxlove, Hailes Castle, Traprain Law and the coast.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40–50 min
Eves Coaches 121 from Haddington via Drem
Seabird centre and boat trips to Bass Rock; sandy beaches at Gullane on the way.
Door to door: About 30 min
East Coast Bus X7 east
Harbour, castle ruins and clifftop walks; easy half-day.
Door to door: About 50–60 min
East Coast Bus X7 or 104 from Haddington
Castle, Old Town and museums; the X7 runs roughly every 30 min daily.
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Eves Coaches 121 towards North Berwick, then walk
Check seasonal opening days before you go.
Glenkinchie Distillery
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min by car
Car or taxi via the A6093; shuttle from Edinburgh Waterloo Place twice daily
Tours need booking; the Edinburgh shuttle is the car-free option.
Door to door: About 40 min
East Coast Bus 104 west
Racecourse and harbour; useful if you are heading back towards Edinburgh.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Court Street / Market Street)
Pubs, the Victoria Inn and the Waterside Bistro within a few minutes' walk; best for one night without a car.
Sidegate
Next to St Mary's Church and the Pleasance garden; Maitlandfield House Hotel is here, about 10 min walk from the centre.
Outskirts / A1 side
Cheaper chain and roadside stays with parking; you need a car or taxi to reach the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–75 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- £75–130 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pub or guesthouse double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £90 | £180 |
| East Coast Bus X7, Edinburgh to Haddington, one way2 × £5 | £10 |
| Glenkinchie standard tour2 × £10 | £20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £34 |
| Trip total≈ £185 per person per day, bed included | £370≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to and from Edinburgh excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Bus Edinburgh to Haddington (X7) | £4–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi Haddington to Drem station | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Lennoxlove guided tour | £10 (≈ US$14) adult |
| Preston Mill entry | £7 (≈ US$10) adult, £5 (≈ US$7) concession |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No railway station in Haddington itself — nearest are Drem (4 miles north) and East Linton; both need a bus or taxi.
- Cyclists may not use the A1; take the parallel old road, now the A199.
- St Mary's Parish Church interior has been closed for rebuilding — check before you travel; entry is normally limited to services.
- Hailes Castle is fenced off as unsafe — view from outside only.
- Many rural attractions and distillery tours run seasonal hours; confirm before setting out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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HaddingtonHaddington
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No foreign embassies in Haddington; embassies and consulates-general are in Edinburgh and London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Edinburgh to Haddington (X7): about £4–6 (≈ US$6–8), about 50 min
- Bus Haddington to North Berwick (121): about £3–5 (≈ US$4–7), about 40–50 min
- Taxi Haddington to Drem station: £10–15 (≈ US$14–20), about 10 min
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
English is spoken everywhere; no local phrase needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Haddington. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, cold, many attractions closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EDI: last bus and train times into Edinburgh, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, Sidegate and the kirk, riverside and the Pleasance.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (St Mary's Church, Lennoxlove, Preston Mill, Glenkinchie) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit East Lothian
- officialEast Coast Buses (X7, 104, N106)
- officialNational Trust for Scotland — Preston Mill
- officialLennoxlove House
- secondaryWikivoyage: Haddington, revision 5231819 (CC BY-SA 4.0)