- Play Hard
- 19th Nov 2025
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Celebrate the festive season at The Leddie – voted one of the UK’s top 100 places to stay
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There’s something magical about East Lothian in winter and we’ve discovered the perfect destination for a coastal Christmas escape – The Leddie
The salty sea air, the glow of Christmas lights over cobbled streets and the comforting promise of festive food and cosy corners.
And right in the heart of it all, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh and under two hours from Newcastle, you’ll find The Leddie — a beautifully restored 17th-century boutique hotel in Aberlady that’s fast becoming one of Scotland’s most talked-about coastal retreats.
Recently listed in The Times Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK (2025), The Leddie is one of the best hotels in Scotland to celebrate, unwind and make special memories.
HLN TOP TIP: Sign up to The Leddie’s members newsletter for exclusive offers — including 10% off bed & breakfast stays with promo code LEDDIE10*
* (valid for stays before Saturday 28th February 2026, selected dates only).
A NEW CHAPTER FOR AN OLD FAVOURITE
If Aberlady rings a bell, it’s probably because this handsome stone building was once known as The Ducks Inn — a well-loved local favourite for nearly two decades. Now, after an extensive renovation last year, it’s been reborn as The Leddie, taking its name from the nearby river and ushering in a new era of understated Scottish luxury.
The style? Think calming greens, teals and greys that mirror the surrounding coastline and golf courses, with just the right touch of traditional woollen warmth and discreet tartan. The 27 rooms strike a balance between elegance and comfort — soft lighting, plump pillows and tactile textures that invite you to stay a little longer.
But let’s be honest — as beautiful as the bedrooms are, the heart of The Leddie is downstairs, in its lively restaurant and bar. Here, crackling fires, friendly faces and the hum of conversation set the scene for a festive season worth remembering.
FESTIVE FEASTS AND TOASTS TO THE SEASON
This December, The Leddie is inviting guests to tuck into its three-course festive feast — a beautifully curated celebration of seasonal flavours for £47.50 per person, or £55 if you fancy a welcome Christmas cocktail to kick things off.
Expect comforting classics reimagined with flair: caramelised cauliflower velouté with toasted chestnuts, Hendrick’s gin-cured trout with dill pesto, and a show-stopping roasted turkey ballotine with honey and whisky-glazed carrots, goose-fat potatoes and sprouts.
And when it comes to dessert, you’ll want to save room for the Leddie Christmas pudding with brandy custard or perhaps the mandarin trifle with Cointreau mousse and candied almonds — a bright, boozy nod to Christmas nostalgia.
The menu runs from Monday 1st to Tuesday 30th December, making it the perfect way to celebrate with friends, colleagues or family — whether it’s a festive night out or a cosy weekend away.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT – A GIFT TO YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS
Why stop at dinner when you can wake up to the smell of sea air and an à la carte breakfast? This festive season, you can stay overnight from £133 (based on two sharing) — the ideal way to stretch out the celebration.
Each room is a sanctuary of soft hues and calm design, from the cosy doubles perfect for couples to the luxurious Cottage Suites, which come with extra space and a splash of indulgence. And if you really want to go all out, The Leddie’s Suite Stay package includes a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne on arrival — because sometimes, bubbles are the only right answer.
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO MISS
Valid for stays from now until Tuesday 31st March 2026
The Leddie is serving up some seriously tempting Black Friday offers this year. Enjoy 30% off Bed & Breakfast, with rates starting from £133 based on two sharing.
If you’re craving a proper coastal switch-off, the Coastal Escape Package starts from £183 for two and includes a one-night stay in one of The Leddie’s luxurious rooms, a three-course dinner, an à la carte breakfast and a complimentary welcome drink.
MOMENTS, MASTERED
The Leddie’s motto, “Moments, Mastered,” sums it up perfectly. The team — led by General Manager Robert Clark — are natural hosts who believe in the beauty of simplicity done brilliantly. Expect attentive service that feels effortless, heartfelt hospitality, and food that puts flavour before fuss.
From the moment you step inside, there’s an easy charm to the place. Maybe it’s the flicker of the fire in the lounge, or the clink of glasses in the bar. Maybe it’s the art — a mix of abstract pieces and moody Scottish landscapes — or the way the staff make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Whatever it is, The Leddie gets it just right.
EXPLORE THE BEST OF EAST LOTHIAN
If you can tear yourself away from the warm, cosy and luxurious boutique hotel, Aberlady and the surrounding East Lothian coast offer plenty to explore. From windswept beaches and historic castles to world-class golf courses, it’s a part of Scotland that manages to feel both wild and refined.
And when you’re ready to head back, The Leddie’s restaurant is waiting — local produce, Scottish seafood, and comforting classics made great.
THE PERFECT GIFT
Looking for the perfect Christmas present? The Leddie’s gift vouchers can be redeemed for overnight stays, dining or drinks — ideal for treating someone special.
Whether you’re planning a December getaway, a pre-Christmas dinner or craving some coastal calm before the Christmas chaos, The Leddie is the hotel in Scotland to book for a festive stay.
The Leddie, West Main Street, Aberlady, Longniddry EH32 0RE
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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