Coastal Communities Museum

About the museum

The first North Berwick Museum opened on 8 July 1957, set up by local enthusiasts to show the history and culture of the town. It was housed on the first floor of the listed 1876 school building on School Road and run by the council. By 2002 new access, fire and safety rules forced it to close.

In spring 2007 a petition with more than 5,000 signatures called for its return, and the council paid for improvements to the building. The new museum was asked to cover not only North Berwick but also Dirleton, Gullane, Aberlady and Whitekirk, which gave it the name Coastal Communities Museum. A pop-up exhibition in August 2011 previewed the project.

Because the council could not fund daily running costs, volunteers took over through the Coastal Communities Museum Trust, formed in December 2012. Under a service agreement the council looks after the building and the Trust provides the volunteer team. The museum creates a new exhibition each year and also offers a geology display, a trail following Robert Louis Stevenson, the story and art of local painter Catherine Watson, recorded local voices, and an online digital archive and virtual tour. Families and school groups are welcome, with dressing-up and old school desks to try.

Highlights

• New themed exhibition each year
• In the Footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson
• The art and story of Catherine Watson
• Digital archive, virtual tour and audio tour of North Berwick
• Dressing-up and old school desks for children

Founded

2013

Operated by

Coastal Communities Museum Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations are appreciated.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on the first floor above North Berwick Library and can be reached by stairs or lift; there is level access on the first floor with space between exhibits for wheelchairs. Toilets are on the first floor, and a Changing Places toilet with adult and baby changing is on the ground floor. A portable hearing loop is available from reception, assistance dogs are welcome, and seating is provided by the digital archive, the audio-visual displays and the main exhibition area. Free Blue Badge parking is available in the shared car park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The museum welcomes children from pre-school to secondary age, with dressing-up, old school desks to try, a treasure hunt and printable colouring sheets. A Changing Places toilet on the ground floor has baby changing facilities.

Getting there & parking

The nearest electric vehicle charging points are at Imperial Car Park, 3 East Road, about five minutes on foot.

Amenities & dining

Tea and coffee are available for group visits. Tablets for translating the exhibits into many languages can be borrowed at reception.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit