Living in Gullane
Perched on the stunning coastline of East Lothian, Gullane is a dream destination for those who love fresh sea air, sandy beaches, and a close-knit community. While it may be best known for its world-class golf courses, there’s much more to this charming village than just perfect putting greens. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a commuter haven with easy access to Edinburgh, Gullane is well worth consideration.
Is Gullane a good place to live?
With a welcoming atmosphere, excellent amenities, and plenty of outdoor activities on its doorstep, it's no surprise that this East Lothian gem is a highly sought-after place to call home.
Gullane has a strong sense of community, a fantastic local primary school, independent shops, and a selection of cosy cafés and restaurants. And let’s not forget the beach... a vast stretch of golden sand perfect for morning walks, dog-friendly adventures, or summer picnics. It’s the ideal place to settle down, whether you’re after a family home, a peaceful retirement spot, or a seaside escape from city life.
What is the transport in Gullane like?
For a rural village, Gullane is surprisingly well connected, making it a great choice for commuters and explorers alike.
Gullane by train
Although Gullane doesn’t have its own train station, nearby Drem Station (a 10-minute drive away) offers regular ScotRail services to Edinburgh, making train travel an easy option for commuters. From there, you can reach the city centre in just over 20 minutes.
Gullane by bus
Gullane is served by a reliable bus network, with regular services linking the village to Edinburgh, North Berwick, and beyond. East Coast Buses (a division of Lothian Buses) runs the 124 and X5 services, providing direct routes to the capital in under an hour. The 126 and 127 services also take you along the coastline of East Lothian, and are ideal for getting to Aberlady, North Berwick, Prestonpans and Musselburgh.
Operated by Prentice Coaches, the 122 Gullane Circle bus service is ideal for heading inland in the region, as the route takes passengers to Haddington.
Gullane by car
If you prefer to drive, the A198 connects Gullane to neighbouring towns like North Berwick and Haddington, while the A1 provides a smooth route to Edinburgh. The journey to the capital takes around 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
What are the schools in Gullane like?
For families, Gullane offers excellent educational options. Gullane Primary School is at the heart of the community, providing high-quality education with a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The school is known for its dedicated staff, and emphasis on fostering a nurturing environment where children thrive. It also benefits from an active parent community and excellent facilities, including outdoor learning spaces.
For secondary schooling, pupils typically move on to North Berwick High School, which is highly rated and just a short journey away. The school consistently performs well in national rankings and offers a broad curriculum, including a strong focus on extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama. With a reputation for academic excellence and student wellbeing, it prepares pupils well for further education and careers.
There are also several independent schools within reach, including Loretto School in Musselburgh, known for its outstanding sports programme, and Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar, which provides a well-rounded education with a focus on outdoor activities.
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What are the best things to do in Gullane
Despite its small size, Gullane is packed with things to see and do.
One of the biggest draws is Gullane Beach, an expansive, sandy haven that’s perfect for long walks, windsurfing, or simply unwinding with the sound of the waves. It’s also a fantastic place for kids and dogs to run wild!
Gullane is a golfer’s paradise, home to several top-tier courses. Gullane Golf Club boasts three courses, including the Championship Course, which has hosted the Scottish Open. Nearby, the legendary Muirfield Golf Club is one of the most prestigious courses in the world.
Foodies will love The Bonnie Badger, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded gastropub run by renowned chef Tom Kitchin. There’s also The Old Clubhouse, a cosy pub with a great selection of local ales, and The Main Course, a lovely restaurant serving delicious Italian cuisine. For a casual atmosphere, head to Cherish, a charming vintage tearoom selling homemade treats, soups, sandwiches and lots more. Goose on the Green is another good option, where you can enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunches and homemade baking.
Beyond the beach, Gullane has plenty of scenic walks, including the John Muir Way, which passes through the village. For more nature-filled adventures, Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve is just a short drive away, offering stunning views and abundant wildlife.
A quick trip down the coast takes you to North Berwick, where you can visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or take a boat tour to Bass Rock. Further inland, Dirleton Castle is a fantastic medieval ruin with beautiful gardens to explore.
Types of property in Gullane
Whether you're looking for a charming period home, a stylish new-build, or a luxurious coastal retreat, Gullane has a diverse property market.
The village is known for its traditional stone cottages, elegant Victorian villas, and modern family homes. New developments have introduced stylish townhouses and apartments, while the surrounding countryside offers grand country homes with breathtaking views.
If you're looking for a mix of seaside tranquillity and easy access to city life, Gullane could be the perfect place to call home. Check out the latest properties on ESPC to find your dream home in this coastal haven!
SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN GULLANE
Planning on moving to Gullane?
Gullane may be a small village, but it has a big personality – and even bigger views. Whether you’re teeing off on a world-class golf course, strolling along the beach, or enjoying a relaxed pace of life, this East Lothian gem has plenty to offer. Could Gullane be your next home?
Find a solicitor estate agent in Gullane
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Gullane and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Gullane
Gullane is an excellent choice for families, offering strong educational opportunities. At the heart of the community, Gullane Primary School provides a high standard of education in a welcoming and supportive environment.
For secondary education, most students continue to North Berwick High School, a well-regarded institution located just a short distance away. Additionally, several independent schools are within easy reach, including Loretto School in Musselburgh and Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar.
For more details on the best schools in Gullane, click here.
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 Haddington on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Gullane, 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 Gullane is £413,993. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 28/02/2025.
Offering stylish 3-bedroom apartments and 5-bedroom detached homes, Saltcoats Grange is a new housing development in Gullane by Cala Homes. With prices ranging from £374,995 - £1,060,000, it's a high-end development within walking distance of Gullane's beautiful beach.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Gullane, please refer to the East Lothian Council website.
Gullane offers families a range of engaging activities and attractions. The award-winning Gullane Bents beach provides a perfect setting for picnics, sandcastle building, and coastal walks amidst scenic dunes. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy several top-quality courses, including options tailored for children. Nearby, Archerfield Walled Garden features a Fairy Trail, restored gardens, and a gift shop, making it a delightful destination for all ages.
The village boasts various cultural and recreational facilities. Gullane Village Hall hosts activities such as Pilates, yoga, drama classes, and table tennis. Sports facilities include a tennis club, bowling club, and an all-weather sports pitch. The Gullane Community Children's Hub offers childcare services, including a playgroup, breakfast club, after-school club, and holiday club, fostering a nurturing environment for children.
Gullane's vibrant community life features numerous groups and events suitable for families. The Gullane Village Association promotes participation among local clubs and societies, such as the Gullane Baby & Toddler Club, Scouts, and various arts and sports groups. Annual events like the Gullane Food & Drink Festival offer family-friendly activities and culinary experiences. A highlight of the summer, Gullane Games is a hugely popular annual event featuring fun, activities, games and lots more for the whole family.
Gullane at a glance*
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