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Elsdon The historic capital of Redesdale Elsdon, the historic capital of Redesdale, is the quintessential Northumbrian Village, with the...
by Lizi MacGregor / Towns
Idyllically positioned on the Berwickshire Coast lies the charming fishing village of Burnmouth.
Home to a busy fishing harbour, towering cliffs and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, there’s plenty to see and do here.
We’ve compiled a handy list of our favourite things about Burnmouth below. Continue reading to find out more…
The pint-sized village of Burnmouth sits south of the Scottish Borders town of Eyemouth, about 6 miles north-west of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Burnmouth is best-known for being the first and last village in Scotland when travelling on the A1.
The village is split over two levels, Upper Burnmouth and Lower Burnmouth. Nestled at the foot of the Berwickshire Coast cliffs is Lower Burnmouth. Lower Burnmouth is home to a small but mighty fishing harbour and foreshore. Here you’ll also find the hamlets of Partanhall, Cowdrait and Ross.
Positioned at the top of the cliffs is Upper Burnmouth. This is where you’ll find the best views across the glistening waters of Burnmouth Bay.
Situated on the shores of Burnmouth Bay is the charming settlement of Lower Burnmouth. Small in size, what Lower Burnmouth lacks in size it makes up for in beauty.
Lower Burnmouth is home to 14 picture-perfect cottages, 3 smoke-houses and a colourful line of townhouses. All lovingly clustered around the harbour, Lower Burnmouth is picture-perfect.
Upper Burnmouth is the livelier of the two settlements, home to a local pub, aptly named The First & Last Inn.
There’s far-reaching sea views and a rural backdrop, providing the perfect setting for a getaway on the Scottish Borders.
A working harbour since the mid-1800’s, Burnmouth Harbour boasts a facinating history. The men of Burnmouth typically worked offshore fishing for lobsters and crab whilst the towns women worked on gutting and salting herring.
In October 1881, tragedy struck with The Eyemouth Fishing Disaster claiming the lives of 189 fisherman, including 27 from Burnmouth. A memorial adorns the harbour wall today in honour of the lives lost.
Burnmouth Harbour is typically decorated with a handful of fishing boats. Grab a picnic and soak in the scenery of these colourful boats bobbing across the water.
Sitting at the base of the Berwickshire Cliffs is the secluded haven of Burnmouth Beach. Stretching along the shores of Burnmouth Bay, Burnmouth Beach isn’t your regular seaside resort.
Part of the Burnmouth Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, Burnmouth Beach is considered a location of geological and biological interest.
A facinating collection of rock formations decorate the beach, perfect for exploring or rockpooling with little ones. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the water, and if you time it right, you might even catch sight of seals basking on the rocks at low tide.
Look out for dolphins splashing out in the bay hunting for food, and the seals who bask on the rocks at low tide—usually you will hear them before you see them!
The Berwickshire Coastal Path runs from Cocksburnpath to Berwick. This trail stretches 45km in length. Showcasing some of Scotlands spectacular scenery along the way, we’d highly recommend embarking on an adventure along the Berwicksire Coastal Path.
Burnmouth Harbour forms part of the trail and can be followed in either direction, with Eyemouth and Berwick sitting within easy reach.
The clifftop coastal walk from Berwick-upon-Tweed is one of the most popular trails to follow. This part of the Berwickshire Coastal Path stretches approximately 12 miles. One of our favourite adventures, you can enjoy a magical backdrop of both the coast and countryside.
There’s plenty of glorious birdlife to see along the way. Grey Heron, Herring Gulls, Eider Duck and Curlew amongst many others reside here.
A bronze memorial plaque mounted on the wall at Burnmouth Harbour honours the lives lost to The Eyemouth Fishing Disaster in 1881.
This memorial plaque, in addition to the five boat-shaped planters scattered throughout the village, outline the details of the 5-boat tragedy that claimed the lives of 189 fishemen, including 27 from Burnmouth.
Visit these local landmarks and pay your respects to the lives affected by the horrific events of what is known locally as “Black Friday”.
The only restuarant in Burnmouth, The First and Last Inn sits above the cliffs in Upper Burnmouth. This Burnmouth Resaurant takes its name from its position as the first and last pub in Scotland when travelling via the A1.
Choose from a mouth-watering menu of light bites, pub classics and specials, including jacket potatoes, Whitby scampi or pie and chips. Whether you’re in the mood for a real ale, malt whiskey or a glass of wine, you’re sure to find a tipple to suit. You’ll find all of this served with a friendly Scottish welcome.
Four-legged friends are welcome and there’s even WiFi to keep you connected to the outside world!
Tempted to explore the delights of Burnmouth and Burnmouth Harbour for yourself?
Book a cottage online today and start planning your getaway with Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages.
And for inspriation on more things to do nearby, give our guide on Things to do in Berwick-upon-Tweed a read!
Images courtesy of: Iain Lees – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Chris Heaton – (CC BY-SA 2.0); M J Richardson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); M J Richardson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Lisa Jarvis – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Matt Buck – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
by Lizi MacGregor / Towns
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