#Collaboration post with Parkdean Resorts
Parkdean Resorts have recently launched their #BestofBritain campaign, to showcase how wonderful Britain is for a staycation. They invited us to try one out for ourselves. We headed straight to Eyemouth. Eyemouth is a beautiful coastal town in Berwickshire near the Scottish borders. Staying at Eyemouth Holiday Park the first thing we noticed when we arrived at the park was the breathtakingly stunning sea views of the North Sea Coast. Just look at the view when you arrive. Can you believe that’s Scotland?
The weather was stunning, we certainly couldn’t complain. The drive is just under 2 hours from Glasgow so not too far at all. Eyemouth is quite a small fishing town with some beautiful sandy beaches and a harbour. There is everything you need to get your holiday started, we headed for a little walk into Eyemouth town centre from the holiday park picking up a few bits and pieces for dinner. Eyemouth is a quaint little town which is proud of its fishing heritage. How fab is this fisherman statue in the main street?
Eyemouth Museum
The next morning we were up and out of our caravan early to do a spot of exploring. We headed into the main town part of Eyemouth as we wanted to pick up some fishing nets. While there we stopped in at Eyemouth Museum which is situated in the town square in the Auld Kirk church. It has a fantastic historic display that brings the fishing and Eyemouth heritage to life. In the museum, there is a tapestry about the 1881 fishing disaster which is incredible and a bit eerie too. It was fascinating and really gave the place a sense of community.
Coldingham Bay
The kids couldn’t wait to find out what was in the rock pools and the perfect spot was at Coldingham Bay. This is a beautiful beach with a rocky shore at each end. This is the perfect place for a stroll along the beach, finding some crabs or collecting some seashells.
We didn’t find any live ones, but we did find a couple of crab claws which was pretty exciting and lots of pretty shells and sea glass. We brought these home with us to make a pretty photo frame later.
St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve
Just along the road is a wonderful Scottish National Trust site St Abb’s Head. The outside is lovely to have a look around, and if you are a National Trust member you can go inside for free, otherwise, you have to pay entry. We are members which is handy. There is a lovely cafe there too for a little pit stop. This area is perfect for bird spotters, especially at the cliff edge where you can walk down. We didn’t venture down that far as it was quite wet by this point, but we did check out the exhibition on the wildlife and plants around the area which was interesting and well thought out for kids.
John Muir’s Birthplace Dunbar
Later on in the afternoon, we headed about 30 miles to another little North Coast town called Dunbar. It has a pretty main street and a lovely ice-cream and sweet shop, which I really recommend visiting as it was a big hit with us. There is a lovely castle there called Dunbar Castle, we have been in the past so didn’t stop by this time, but it is definitely worth a visit. It is a ruin, but an interesting and pretty one.
The boys have been learning a fair bit about John Muir at school, especially as we live in part of the John Muir Way. So, we thought we’d go and visit the John Muir Birthplace. It is just on the main street and a little gem of a place.
The kids were fascinated by the three floors that cover the John Muir Birthplace and yes he was born there. John Muir was an incredible man, he was not only an inventor but a botanist, geologist, glaciologist, farmer and an artist. He was a huge nature advocate and had an amazing life travelling. The birthplace has loads of interactive exhibits and different activities throughout the year. Their website is also very good and worth checking out beforehand. The staff, we found were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and lovely. I think this was our favourite place we visited that day and would highly recommend.
East Links Farm Park
We stopped in at East Links Farm Park before we headed back to Eyemouth. Unfortunately, we didn’t give ourselves as much time as we should have here. It’s a bit more expensive than the other places we visited, but it is worth every penny. There is crazy golf, soft play indoors for if the weather is bad, go-karts, petting animals, farm animals, trampolines and a fantastic outdoor play area. The kids adored this place, it was perfect for all ages and had something for everyone. Highly recommended, but you need to spend the whole day there as there is so much to do and see.
We were exhausted come the end of the day, so ended the evening with some dinner, a play in the swing park and a well-earned rest.
Eyemouth Harbour
Kicking off Sunday, we headed along to Eyemouth Harbour. It was a beautiful walk and looking around at the boats, listening to the seagulls was so relaxing. It is an active and busy port, so there is always lots to see.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm – Berwick Upon Tweed
We headed in the opposite direction and into England to Berwick Upon Tweed. First stop was Chain Bridge Honey Farm, this is one of those little places that you go home and tell everyone about. Not only do they have the most amazing Bus Cafe on the way in, but they have a working beehive, which you can see the bees going in and out of. It is mesmerising. The visitor centre has been around since the ’90s and has the most incredible mural all about Northumberland and the area around it. The shop has so many wondrous gifts that are made on the farm from shoe polish to candles and everything in between. I picked up quite a few gifts for family back home.
Not only do they have the visitor centre, but we took a walk down to the Chain Bridge. It is pretty impressive and I’m glad we took the trip down to see it. It’s a lovely wee place to visit and if you are in the area I’d highly recommend it.
Lindisfarne Centre Holy Island – Berwick Upon Tweed
While in Berwick Upon Tweed, I would recommend going across to the causeway Holy Island. We stopped at the Lindisfarne Centre. There is an interesting video at the start and the exhibition tells you all about Holy Island and what life was like there. Holy Island is a fascinating place to visit and one that is steeped in history.
Do check out the Holy Island Causeway Crossing website to find out when it is safe to cross. You want to cross when the tide is down. I do like the little castle that is on the island. The views are stunning, beaches and sea as far as the eye can see. There is loads of wildlife to see around the island too. Bird spotters would love it.
Eyemouth and the surrounding area is perfect for families to visit and for all ages. You can stroll along the beach in the evening, take in the breathtaking views or have a fun-packed day at East Links Farm. There is a lot to learn in the museum just down the road or further afield. Eyemouth Holiday Park was perfect for us in terms of the location and staying there was a delight. I was really hoping to see a Puffin, unfortunately, I didn’t on this occasion, but that just means I’ll need to go back and try again.
Pin for later
We had a fantastic time at Eyemouth. The perfect staycation for families in the UK. It was our first time in this little seaside town and it won’t be the last. We’ve been around that area before, but not there. With stunning beaches and a lot to do for both young and old, we would highly recommend visiting the area. The Parkdean Resorts’ holiday park was perfect for us in terms of the location and staying there was a delight. I’ve blogged about where we actually stayed, but in the meantime, find some of your own holiday inspiration by searching #BestOfBritain on social. I’d love to hear if you’ve been in the Eyemouth area, what you visited? Or if you fancy going, what would be top of your list? Also, do check out my previous post and Coastal Adventures with Parkdean Resorts. Making memories is what we have done and it was a great start to the summer. Don’t forget to share your #bestofbritain moments.
Disclaimer:- This post was done in association with Parkdean Resorts, but we chose what to do and all words and thoughts are my own.
It sounds like you had a great break, Holy Island is not far from me but I haven’t visited for years – I really should revisit soon. xx
It was amazing. We hope to go back again next year. You should visit, it’s a beautiful place xx