Coastal Communities Museum
A volunteer led local museum in North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
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Coastal Communities Museum

We’re a volunteer run local museum in North Berwick, Scotland. Serving the North Berwick coastal ward of North Berwick, Dirleton, Gullane, Aberlady and Whitekirk.

 

Welcome to the Coastal Communities Museum, a family friendly volunteer-run museum in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick, Scotland. Discover the rich history, heritage and culture of East Lothian's coastal communities through fascinating exhibitions, local stories and unique artefacts.

Explore the heritage of North Berwick, Dirleton, Gullane, Aberlady, Whitekirk and the surrounding hamlets, and learn how these communities have shaped the area’s remarkable past. Whether you're a local resident, holidaymaker or history enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Admission is free (donations are always appreciated), and our knowledgeable volunteers look forward to giving you a warm welcome where visitors of all ages can discover, learn and be inspired.

click to Learn about our geology exhibit at the coastal communities museum
Featured
Our 2026 Exhibition
Our 2026 Exhibition

Agricultural life is an important part of the Coastal Ward in East Lothian and we are showcasing a new display of farm implements from the past including seed broadcasters, sheep shears, a hand plough and even a ‘foster mother.’ Come and find out more about this curiously name device!

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Featured
Local Voices – The History of Golf
Local Voices – The History of Golf

Archie Baird’s ‘history of golf’ is a most enlightening story and he shows that golf did not begin in Scotland, as generally thought, but in Holland, from where it was brought to Scotland by Scottish wool-merchants.

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Discover Catherine Watson’s remarkable story and her connection to North Berwick. Click on the painting to discover her story of bravery,
a life cut short and our chance sighting of her artistic work on BBC Antiques Roadshow.

 
Illustration of lighthouse keeper and seagull
 

FIND THE MUSEUM

Coastal Communities Museum
School Road
North Berwick
EH39 4JU
Scotland
01620 894313

FREE ENTRY
(donations appreciated)

Opening Times

We are open from
Wednesday – Saturday
11am until 4pm
every week
until 31 October.

Click to find out about donating objects
 
“This is a fascinating museum filled with so much local history and artefacts. The volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and so charming. We didn’t want to leave”
— Google
“Excellent local museum, located above the town’s library... giving a very interesting display of the town and surrounding area’s history through the years... well worth a visit.”
— Trip Advisor
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed visiting your museum last week. I also wanted to give a big shout out to the helpers there...what a wonderful welcome to give visitors.”
— Facebook
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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

It’s The Haddington Show this Saturday, the annual showcase of our local farming community. At the Coastal Communities Museum we have a new exhibit of farming implements offering glimpses into East Lothian’s agricultural past. Come and f
It’s the Dirleton Fete & Games this Saturday! It is a fun day out for all age groups, with traditional stalls, races, sideshows, competitions and refreshments and is an important fundraiser for local charities. The Fete & Games has bee
There are new parking rules and restrictions in North Berwick. To qualify for 2 hours free parking in the car park that we share with North Berwick Library, please enter your car registration number in the tablet at the building entrance. Please note
Today is the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton, often called the ‘Father of Modern Geology’. Born in 1726 in Edinburgh, he played a key role in establishing geology as a modern science. Our geology exhibit is perfect for cur
🌟 Volunteer Week 2026 🌟 We're proud to celebrate and thank our amazing volunteers during Volunteer Week! Our volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories, heritage, and culture of our Coastal Ward and their dedication makes a
Featured
Become a Member or Patron
Become a Member or Patron

You can join the Coastal Communities Museum Trust by becoming a Member or a Patron, thus helping to sustain and develop the museum and its various events/activities. Your affiliation to the museum then permits you to receive benefits.

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We’ve joined The East Lothian Community Lottery
We’ve joined The East Lothian Community Lottery

We now have an East Lothian Community Lottery page. Support local causes and win prizes of up to £25,000.

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Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunities

CCM Volunteers are a friendly, committed team with a wide range of interests. No historic expertise is necessary, just enthusiasm! Each volunteer is given induction training and then further time to settle in to their particular role. The more volunteers we have, the more we can hope to achieve.

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Donate Now
Donate Now

Working in partnership with East Lothian Council means that we are not permitted to charge an entry fee to the Museum, so we rely on other sources of income. Visitor and supporter's donations are critical to our ability to stay open and develop our volunteer run site.

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