Travel: Attraction hits sweet spot
The beautiful coastal towns of East Lothian really come into their own during the summer – and Archerfield Walled Garden is an exciting destination close to both North Berwick and Gullane that offers something for the whole family.
The 18th-Century walled garden was used to grow produce for Archerfield House – now it includes a meadow, rose garden, wildlife area and kitchen garden that provides produce for the café.
In fact, Archerfield’s simple name doesn’t really cover many of the attractions it offers as it now also boasts a garden shop, food market and fairy trail, as well as providing an attractive showcase for local businesses.
Some of the newer businesses to join – like the North Berwick Flower Co, which allows you to pick your own flowers and also will be running workshops this summer – seem a natural fit. However, if you crave a bit more momentum in your sightseeing, Ezee Riders are now based in Archerfield’s car park and offer electric bike hire and tours around East Lothian.
The parking area has been resurfaced with an eye to accessibility, and inside there’s an accessible toilet and large doors mean that wheelchair users can easily move around.
Archerfield is quite possibly the most historic commercial hub that you could ever visit – there is evidence of village life on the site dating back to the 11th century. The first known inhabitants of the estate were King Edward I’s archers who were stationed there during the English advance of 1298.
The walled garden and nearby Home Farm originated to provide produce for Archerfield House, the Georgian mansion which sits at the end of Beech Walk. At one time the garden was renowned for its exotic fruits, including 110 varieties of apples and 57 of pear. Now, however, it grows food for its own Garden Café and the planting in the garden is very much driven by what the kitchen team need.
The Garden Café is worth a visit all by itself, even if you don’t have time to explore the grounds or go shopping. Open daily (10am-5pm) it makes for a great spot for breakfast or brunch with an extensive menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options, while the lunch menu offers traditional Scottish fare from Cullen skink or steak pie to lighter summery meals such as caprese salad and broccoli tempura.
It has a fresh take on classic dishes, and as many of the ingredients come from the garden and local suppliers, the menu changes with the season and ensures the very best quality.
Archerfield also sells a wide range of baked goods such as Mimi’s Bakehouse cakes, and everyone’s favourite S Luca ice-cream from Musselburgh – ideal to take with you on a hot day as you head out and about Archerfield’s gardens and enjoy a walk or picnic by the pond.
Relics of the past can still be spotted, with an ice house, mushroom house and old stone well still in evidence. Sensitive enhancements have been made to the grounds including clearing out the original ponds, replanting the beech walk and bringing the walled garden back to its former glory.
All the surrounding fields — 30 hectares in total — are also owned and regeneratively farmed by Archerfield Walled Garden, which ensures the area’s biodiversity and make it an ideal summer destination.