Living in Aberlady
Aberlady sits on particularly gorgeous stretch of East Lothian coastline, surrounded by beaches, countryside and some seriously enviable views across the Firth of Forth. Just a short hop from North Berwick and within easy reach of Edinburgh, it offers the kind of lifestyle where a coastal walk can be part of the daily commute.
With its historic village centre, sandy shores and strong sense of community, Aberlady is a popular choice for families, couples and anyone looking to swap city bustle for a little more breathing room.
Is Aberlady a good place to live?
If your ideal home life involves sea air, scenic walks and a village where you can actually recognise people in the street, Aberlady could be right up your alley.
The village has a distinctly peaceful feel, with traditional properties and newer homes sitting alongside green spaces and open countryside. There are local pubs and places to eat, while nearby Gullane and North Berwick add plenty more options for shopping, dining and days out.
Aberlady also has a strong community feel, with local groups and events helping to keep village life ticking along. And, of course, there’s the small matter of Aberlady Bay right on the doorstep.
What is the transport in Aberlady like?
Aberlady doesn’t have its own railway station, but that doesn’t mean it’s cut off from the rest of East Lothian. Regular bus services connect the village with destinations including Edinburgh and North Berwick, while the A198 provides a straightforward road connection along the coast.
Aberlady by bus
East Coast Buses services run through Aberlady, providing connections along the East Lothian coast and towards Edinburgh and North Berwick.
Aberlady by train
There’s no station in the village itself, so rail travel involves a short trip to Drem or Longniddry. From there, regular services provide connections towards Edinburgh and beyond.
Aberlady by car
The A198 runs directly through the village, making it easy to travel along the coast towards Gullane, North Berwick and beyond. Edinburgh is also within straightforward driving distance, making Aberlady a practical option for those who want coastal living without completely giving up city access.
What are the schools in Aberlady like?
Aberlady Primary School serves the village and has its own nursery provision. The school is part of the North Berwick Associated School Group, with pupils from Aberlady Primary progressing to North Berwick High School.
For families, having a primary school in the village itself is a definite bonus... particularly when the school run involves considerably less traffic than it might in a city.
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What are the best things to do in Aberlady
Start with the beach. Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve is the obvious star of the show, with wide sandy landscapes, wildlife and walking routes stretching along the coast. It was Scotland’s first Local Nature Reserve, established in 1952, and is particularly well known for its birdlife.
The area is also part of the John Muir Way, making Aberlady a handy base for coastal walks and cycling adventures. If history is more your thing, the village itself has plenty to discover, including its historic church and Mercat Cross.
And if you fancy swapping wildlife for horsepower, the nearby Myreton Motor Museum houses a collection of vintage vehicles and memorabilia.
Types of property in Aberlady
Property in Aberlady ranges from traditional cottages and stone-built homes in and around the historic village to modern houses designed with contemporary family life in mind.
There are also flats and smaller properties, while larger detached homes can offer generous gardens and countryside or coastal surroundings. Nearby developments and properties around the edges of the village add further choice.
The appeal is fairly simple: you can have a characterful village home, plenty of outdoor space and the coast practically on your doorstep. Not a bad combination.
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Planning on moving to Aberlady?
Aberlady is for people who like their village life with a generous helping of coastline. It’s peaceful without feeling remote, scenic without being overly sleepy, and well placed for enjoying the wider attractions of East Lothian.
With Aberlady Bay on the doorstep, North Berwick and Gullane nearby, and Edinburgh within easy reach, it offers a lifestyle where you can have the best of several worlds... preferably with your walking boots by the door.
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FAQs about living in Aberlady
Aberlady Primary School provides education for children in the village, alongside nursery provision for younger pupils. It forms part of the North Berwick Associated School Group, with children typically moving on to North Berwick High School for their secondary education.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in Aberlady on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Aberlady, please refer to the East Lothian Council website.
You can find information on both Primary School Catchment Areas and Secondary School Catchment Areas.
The average price of homes in Aberlady is £317,068. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/07/2026.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Aberlady.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Aberlady, please refer to the East Lothian Council website.
Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve is the obvious playground, offering sandy shores, wildlife spotting and coastal walks. Closer to home, families can make use of the playing field, Goose Green, the Memorial Garden and Pleasance play area. Nearby attractions include Myreton Motor Museum and Archerfield Walled Garden, while East Lothian’s beaches and outdoor adventures provide plenty more options.
Aberlady may be small, but there’s plenty happening. The village has a community hall hosting activities and events, while the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club’s Waterston House provides a dedicated space for wildlife art and exhibitions. The surrounding coastline is ideal for walking, cycling and wildlife watching, with golf, water sports and other outdoor activities available nearby.
Community spirit is an important part of life in Aberlady, with the village hall providing a hub for local activities, gatherings and cultural events. Initiatives such as Aberlady in Bloom also bring residents together to look after and celebrate their surroundings. Families can also take advantage of East Lothian’s wider programme of festivals, seasonal celebrations and community events throughout the year.
Aberlady at a glance*
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