Favourite Things to do around Eyemouth

Apparently, this is called a ‘listicle’.

How many ‘favourite things to do in Eyemouth’ are there? Let’s call it five.

Thing 1: Watching boats in the bay

We can while away the day gazing out across the bay. The shout ‘boat!’ is often heard reverberating around the house. After more than a decade here it might seem odd that we still get just as excited about the sight of a boat now as we did when we first arrived here. But we do.

Dusk is the best time, we think. There is nothing more evocative than seeing the big fishing vessels heading out of the harbour to who-knows-where, for who-knows-how-long, guided by the red and green lights, as the light begins to fail. It’s possible that it’s because deep-down we a) can’t quite imagine what it must be like to earn one’s living in this harsh and potentially dangerous way, and b) know that the whole viability of the town depends on those who do.

Of course, it’s all helped by having a view like this. And for that, we are enduringly thankful. It does wonders for our soul and we hope that it does the same for all those who stay in The Hideaway.

We also sometimes use an app called ‘Marine Traffic’. Perhaps this only appeals to the train spotters among us (that’s me, Andy!). But with this app you can identify the big ships that sail across the horizon. You can find out where they are from, and where they are going. And, if you don’t tell the others that you have the app, you can make estimates of gross tonnage and such like, and then, lo-and-behold, show that you are, in fact, correct! Tis’ a good Eyemouth party trick.

Thing 2: Walking

We have to pinch ourselves sometimes that we can walk out of our front door on a Sunday morning and be somewhere so beautiful within minutes. The bay is a few minutes walk down the hill. Walk around the other side of the harbour and you can be on the ridge beyond the new fish market in no time. There’s a coastal path to Burnmouth in that direction. We sometimes get the bus to Burnmouth then walk back home.

If you walk to the left-hand side of the beach you will come to some steps that take you up onto the cliffs at ‘Fort Point’. A few minutes walk up there (past the caravan site) and you arrive at Killiedraught Bay.

Thing 3: Bridge Street, Berwick

We absolutely love Bridge Street, Berwick. Here’s why.

• Mule en Rouge: vinyl coffee house

• The Curfew: excellent micropub

• Slightly Foxed: best second-hand bookshop

• The Barrels: a fine pub

• Atelier: a smart bar with great food

• Everything

• The walk around the walls

• The three bridges

When we’ve finished eating, drinking, and browsing, a walk around the Berwick walls is just the ticket. It’s not a long walk but there are great views across the Tweed and out to sea. Or, go to the end of Bridge Street, along Love Lane (yes, really) and turn right for a lovely walk along the river. The three bridges are iconic. The Royal Border Bridge (viaduct) leading into Berwick railway station is stunning.

Thing 4: Coldingham beach

Just a few miles drive up the road, Coldingham beach is one of the best family beaches in the UK. It’s beautiful, sheltered, and (in the summer) life-guarded. The North Sea ranges from flat calm to exciting, surfable waves. And there’s a beach cafe. We have had so many good days there. The swimming is just the best. And on a wavy day, the bodyboarding is great too.

Thing 5: Wandering along the Bantry…

…Giacos ice cream in hand. Or listening to records in the living room, looking out over the bay, snuggled in front of a fire. Simple stuff.