Sitting in the heart of East Lothian, the Royal Burgh of Haddington is a small town of some 9,000 people; yet, faithful to its historic importance and betraying its sleepy atmosphere, it is the administrative hub of the region. Haddington lies just 20 miles from Edinburgh, yet it enjoys a more sedate pace, idling on the banks of the River Tyne. It was granted Royal Burgh status in the 12th Century by King David, before blooming during the Agricultural Revolution. It grew in size and importance; at one point it was regarded as the fourth largest city in Scotland. East Lothian was always been on the frontline of Scotland’s oft-fractious and ill-tempered his-tory. Like its East Coast neighbours, Berwick and Dunbar, Haddington found itself in the way while Scotland and England took arms against each other during their numerous battles. The Rough Wooing of the 16th Cen-tury saw Henry VIII lay siege to Haddington for eighteen months. Economically, Haddington’s rise was by way of the loom. The New Mills were erected after the Scottish Par-liament decreed in 1641 that the production of high quality textiles was to be encouraged by way of financial incentives. More tellingly, at a time when the Scottish Reformation was beginning to rattle its sabre, with martial posturing colouring religious debate, those involved in the production of fine cloth would be exempt from military service. In 1645, that was considerably better than a company pension and car. Indeed, one of the Reformation’s biggest catalysts was a native of the town; the firebrand John Knox was born there in the early 16th Century. Haddington today bears few scars from the tumult of Scotland’s forma-tive years; the town perhaps happy to have a semblance of calm, while the political bunfighting carries on at pace in Holyrood. Haddington has a wealth of historic buildings and structures: the Nungate Bridge; Saint Mary’s Collegiate Church is a building with a troubled history, but has survived both the Reformation and the Rough Wooing; while New Mills and Abbey Mills chart the town’s history in fabrics.
Attraction
Jane Welsh Carlyle Museum
Lauderdale Aisle, St Mary’s Church
Lennoxlove
Museum of Flight
National Flag Heritage Centre
Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
St Martin’s Kirk
St Mary's Pleasance Gardens
Camping
Church
Classes
Council
Dentist
Dental Surgery
Orchard Medical Practice
Doctor
Estate Agent
Garden Stirling & Burnet
General Accident Property Services
RE/MAX Advantage
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Pub and Bar
Gardeners Arms
George Hotel
Plough Tavern
Tyneside Bar & Bistro
Victoria Inn
Waterside
Restaurant
Avenue Restaurant
Eastern Eye
Golden Grain
Peking Restaurant
Sixteen Kings Restaurant
Tyneside Bar & Bistro
Waterloo Bistro
Whistles
School
Haddington Infant School
King’s Meadow Primary School
St Mary's R C Primary School
The Compass School
Self-Catering
Solicitor
Gordon AndrewsRead & Watters
Taxi
Abbey Taxis
East Lothian Private Hire
Johnny's Cabs
Venue
Haddington Corn Exchange
Lennoxlove
Vet
Sports Clubs
Destination Judo (Haddington) (Martial Arts)
Haddington CC (Cricket)
Lasswade Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Shops
Erica's
Boots
Acorn Pet Centres
I W Macleod
OutsideInside Aquatics
Graham McGrath Ltd
Wee Masons
Lloyds Pharmacy
Activities
Haddington Bowling Club(Bowling)
Places to Stay near Haddington
Maitlandfield House Hotel (0.44 miles)
Within walking distance of the picturesque county town of Haddington and just 16 miles (26 km) from Edinburgh, Maitlandfield House boasts traditional charm and original elegance. The Maitlandfield House Hotel combines the ... More
Letham House (1.16 miles)
Nestled at the foot of a secluded rhododendron-lined drive on the outskirts of Haddington in East Lothian is Letham House. Only 16 miles from Edinburgh, this restored 17th century mansion ... More
Overhailes Farmhouse (3.26 miles)
Drem Farmhouse (3.43 miles)
Tweeddale Arms Hotel (4.04 miles)
Duck's at Kilspindie House (4.69 miles)
Edinburgh city centre only 18 minutes train ride. Award winning cuisine. Airport 35 minutes; 21 golf courses within 15 minutes. Fantastic bird watching.
Having undergone an extensive refurbishment Kilspindie House has been granted a three star ... More | visit website
Aberlady Inn (4.73 miles)
The Conservatory Restaurant
Wine Garden
Ensuite accommodation
All functions welcome
Close to golf courses, bird watching & Edinburgh city centre
... More | visit website
Adniston Manor (5.10 miles)
Fenton Tower (5.47 miles)
Fenton Tower is a magnificent, fortified 16th Century tower located just 20 miles east of Edinburgh between Gullane and North Berwick. Set amongst the rolling countryside and surrounded by beautiful links golf courses, including Muirfield, ... More
Greywalls Hotel (6.00 miles)
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