The Marine Hotel, North Berwick 1977

Set against the backdrop of the Firth of Forth and overlooking the famous West Links golf course, the Marine Hotel in North Berwick has long been a defining feature of this elegant East Lothian town. Originally opened in 1875, the hotel was designed to combine seaside leisure with refined Victorian luxury—and it has been doing so for nearly 150 years.

From Hydropathic to Hotel

The Marine Hotel began its life as a hydropathic institute, part of a 19th-century movement that promoted water-based therapies for health and relaxation. Designed by the Edinburgh architect Frederick Thomas Pilkington, the building’s Gothic Revival style—with its turrets, crow-stepped gables, and grand sandstone façade—quickly made it a landmark. However, the hydro quickly gave way to a more lucrative future as a luxury hotel, catering to the era’s growing class of affluent travellers.

Victorian Elegance and Famous Guests

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Marine Hotel became one of Scotland’s most prestigious seaside retreats. Often referred to as the “Biarritz of the North,” it attracted a steady stream of dignitaries, military figures, and royalty—including King Edward VII. Golf was a major draw, and the hotel’s position next to the West Links ensured it became a hub for players and spectators alike.

A single day in 1903 famously saw the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Commons, bishops, and Members of Parliament all on the course. Other notable guests included Lord Kitchener and Prince Edward Saxe-Weimar, highlighting the hotel’s role in the social calendar of Edwardian Britain.

Listed Status and Lasting Style

In 1988, the Marine Hotel was awarded Category B listed status, recognising its architectural and historical significance. Despite periods of change and renovation, the building retains many of its original features: decorative cornices, panelled walls, and even remnants of the old carriage houses and stables that once served the spa’s Victorian visitors.

A Modern Revival

In recent years, the Marine Hotel has been transformed under the stewardship of Marine & Lawn Hotels, a group known for its luxury golf resort properties. Now known as Marine North Berwick, the hotel has undergone a thoughtful restoration that balances historic elegance with modern comfort. Many of the 84 guest rooms offer panoramic views over the sea or the golf course, and the interior design reflects a refined mix of traditional detailing and contemporary flair.

Amenities now include a spa, indoor pool, fitness facilities, and acclaimed dining options such as The Lawn restaurant and the Bass Rock Bar, which continue the hotel’s long tradition of hosting both travellers and locals.