Things To Do In Eyemouth
Eyemouth is one of the Southern most port towns in the Scottish Borders, and is part of the Berwickshire coastline. With a big working harbour it attracts many visitors either to enjoy the town and local area, or as a stopping point when passing through further into Scotland. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Eyemouth if you’re visiting.
At just 5 miles above the border with England, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to from Newcastle, and it’s just over an hour further to reach Edinburgh. If you’re making the trip, Eyemouth is well worth exploring even for half a day on your way past.
Parking in Eyemouth
There are plenty of places to park in Eyemouth, and the main car parks are free of charge. There is a car park by the church just up from the harbour, on Victoria Road postcode TD14 5JD, or you could park right on the harbour postcode TD14 5DH.
Eyemouth Harbour
Eyemouth harbour has a very rich history that has resulted in it being the biggest harbour in the region and is used for leisure boats, commercial access, fishing boats and coastal boat trips. If you’re visiting Eyemouth you can’t miss it.
It’s very pretty with lots of little boats bobbing around, so makes for a lovely coastal walk. Grab some fish and chips, or maybe an ice cream from the quaint little ice cream parlour called Giacopazzi’s. If you want to sit in a cafe, then pay Harbour Cafe, Waterfront Cafe or Cafe Questo a visit.
The harbour is a popular spot to see wild seals, as they come and play in the waters hoping to be fed. There is a little shack right on the edge of the harbour from which you can buy food to feed them.
The waters are so clear on this part of the Berwickshire coast that it is a world famous diving spot, if you can brave the cold! If you prefer to stay dry, enjoy the sea from a boat trip with Eyemouth Rib Trips. They take you on a tour of the coastline, to see the coves, caves and wildlife.
An unmissable place to visit across the water on the other side of the harbour is Gunsgreen House, a museum with a shop and restaurant that tells the story of its history. It used to have an altogether darker past, as it was used for illegal imports and smuggling and even has a secret passage. Find out more about Gunsgreen House and plan a visit on the official website.
Widows & Bairns Sculpture, Eyemouth
This big bronze statue is one of the most famous things to see in Eyemouth, just further round from the harbour towards the bay. It commemorates the families of the fishermen that were involved in a fishing disaster here back in 1881. A total of 189 men were killed in a storm, within sight of the coast but unable to reach it. They left behind their wives and children, and the sculpture shows them looking out to sea.
Eyemouth Beach & Promenade
Eyemouth beach is a sandy bay that curls around from the harbour, with a sea wall that separates the sand from the promenade. It’s a dog friendly beach with no restrictions so you can take them on it year round. When the tide is out, enjoy the beach and the rockpools, but it can get pretty wild when the tide is in with the waves crashing against the wall.
The Town Centre
The town of Eyemouth itself isn’t big, but there are little independent shops, and a few pubs and restaurants. You can learn most about the town by taking part in the Eyemouth Town trail, which involves following a series of plaques around the town to discover its history. Find details of the trail here.
Eyemouth Museum & Fort
There isn’t actually much left of Eyemouth Fort, but you can see where it once stood next to what is now the Eyemouth Holiday Park. For a more interactive experience of the fort, visit Eyemouth museum in the town centre, where you can take part in a VR experience which shows what it used to be like.
The museum also houses a giant tapestry that shows the story of the great fishing disaster, as well as stories, artefacts and displays that portray the towns history and fishing heritage. There is a gallery and gift shop too.
Get Active In & Around Eyemouth
Being such a beautiful spot on the Scottish Borders coastline, you’ll probably want to enjoy the great outdoors and the views. Eyemouth Golf course is an 18 hole course on Gunsgreen Hill which gives incredible views, or you could enjoy one of the coastline walks.
There are 12 in total, and can take you to nearby towns such as Coldingham or St Abbs. FInd more information on these walks on the Scottish Borders council website here.
Where to Eat
As well as the harbour cafes, and fish and chip shops, Oblo is a very nice bar and restaurant by the harbour that I’d really recommend, especially if you like seafood. Of course given the location it’s fresh, and a big varied menu with so much choice.
I went for the garlic prawns which were enormous. It’s a modern restaurant with tables inside as well as out, and a conservatory upstairs that overlooks the town and harbour. Even if you don’t want to eat, it is a good place to stop for a drink.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours, a day, or even longer, there are plenty of things to do in Eyemouth especially around the harbour, and the nearby scenic countryside. Consider it as a place to visit if you’re going on a Scottish road trip or visiting the Scottish Borders.
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