Gosford Park And House

When scouring the internet looking for places to find in East Lothian on our latest adventure, we discovered an amazing find called the Wemyss Mausoleum. You know we love a mausoleum here with the Monteath Mausoleum still being our all time favourite, so off we went to bag this one.

After a bit more research we found this mausoleum is located in the grounds of Gosford Park which is a private house. Fortunately you can buy a day permit for £1 which allows you to wander around the gardens.

Wemyss Mausoleum

Heading into the park our first stop was the Wemyss Mausoleum.

The mausoleum is a small pyramid-shaped structure that was built in 1795 by the 7th Earl of Wemyss. The earl was the Grand Master Mason and the pyramid is a symbol of Freemasonry. The mausoleum is surrounded by a circular wall and contains 16 yews, which are planted in a spiral pattern. The interior of the mausoleum is simple but elegant with a single chamber with a stone slab on the floor. covering the burial chamber of the 7th Earl of Wemyss.

It was a bit clarty when we went so the entrance was blocked to stop the ground getting churned up. It is open in more clement weather so you can get a closer look.

Ice House

The Ice House is a small, underground chamber that was used to store ice during the summer months and was built in the 18th century.

It is constructed using a soft and porous stone called tufa which helps to insulate the ice house and keep the ice cold.

Boating Lake

The artificial boating lake is in the centre of the park and has a path all the way around for a leasurely stroll.

Boat And Bath House

Continuing our walk around the lake we find a little house for the boats and also the bath house.

Curling House

The curling house is a small rustic building located at the head of the lake. It was originally built as a summerhouse in the 18th century, but it was converted into a curling house in the late 19th century, used by the Aberlady Curling Club from 1860 until the early 20th century.

Gosford House

Gosford House is an opulent 19th century mansion and is the centrepiece of the park. Designed in the neoclassical architectural style, the house was built between 1800 and 1820 for the Earls of Wemyss.

Statues And Sculptures

Dotted around the ground are lots of little scupltures and statues for you to find.

It's a lovely little park to spend a few hours wandering around. As mentioned you will need a permit to enter the grounds and these can be bought from the Bothy Shop next to the car park. At the time we visited it was only £1 for a day permit.