East Lothian bucket-list · Which to play
North Berwick West Links vs Gullane No. 1
The two great East Lothian day-out links — the quirky historic one, or the pure championship one?
| North Berwick West Links | Gullane No. 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Green fee (2026) | £220–£320 | £285–£325 |
| Location | North Berwick, East Lothian | Gullane, East Lothian |
| Region | East Lothian | East Lothian |
| Type | Links | Links |
| Holes / par | 18 · par 71 | 18 · par 71 |
| Designer | David Strath (expanded to 18 holes, shaped the Redan); Ben Sayers alterations 1932 | Willie Park Sr., 1884; Tom Mackenzie & Martin Ebert restoration 2015 |
The verdict
Which should you play?
This is the classic East Lothian dilemma. North Berwick West Links is one of the most idiosyncratic and beloved links in the world — stone walls in play, blind shots, the original Redan, holes that shouldn't work and absolutely do. Gullane No. 1 is the opposite virtue: honest, exposed, big-view championship links with nothing gimmicky about it.
Neither is 'better' — they're different pleasures. Most visitors who can only fit one in should choose North Berwick for sheer character and the walk along the beachfront holes; it's the more memorable round and the one you'll be describing hole-by-hole in the pub. Choose Gullane No. 1 if you want the elevated views over the Forth and prefer your links classical rather than eccentric. On a two-round day, do both — they're fifteen minutes apart.
Pick this one if…
North Berwick West Links
You want charm, history and holes you'll talk about for years — quirks and all.
Pick this one if…
Gullane No. 1
You prefer a pure, classical championship links and the big hilltop panorama.
Green fees are the clubs' published 2026 visitor rates, shown as a range from the cheapest to the dearest tee time. They change; always confirm on the course profile before you book. We don't take a cut of your green fee — the verdict above is ours, not the pro shop's.
More: which should you play?