scenic viewpoint
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Ancient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
7 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Musselburgh
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Musselburgh
Musselburgh works well as a base: 10 minutes from Prestonpans, 7km from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh.
Musselburgh is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 24,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Prestonpans, about 5 km away.
Musselburgh (; Scots: Musselburrae; Scottish Gaelic: Baile nam Feusgan) is a historic coastal town in East Lothian, Scotland, on the shore of the Firth of Forth. The town sits at the mouth of the River Esk, approximately 5 miles (8 km) east of Edinburgh, 46 miles (74 km) east of Glasgow, and 91 miles (146 km)Read more
south-southwest of Aberdeen. It is the largest settlement in East Lothian, with a population of 21,479 in 2022.
Musselburgh is nicknamed the "Honest Toun" and is believed to be the oldest existing town in Scotland, with history dating back to the Roman era. The town is home to Queen Margaret University and Musselburgh Links, one of the world's oldest golf courses.
Where to Stay in Musselburgh
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Musselburgh?
Within an hour or so of Musselburgh: Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh (7 km), Calton Hill (8 km), National Museum of Scotland (9 km), Edinburgh Castle (9 km).
Are there any good drives near Musselburgh?
The nearest famous roads are The Royal Mile, College Valley and A68 Jedburgh to Edinburgh (Carter Bar).
Where is Musselburgh?
Musselburgh is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Prestonpans.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 23,620
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 55.9417, -3.0499
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Musselburgh
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Calton Hill
An accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
8 km · about 15 min drive
museum
National Museum of Scotland
A stunning Victorian and modern building housing diverse collections from Scottish history to world cultures and natural science.
9 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
Edinburgh Castle
Dramatic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, dominating the Edinburgh skyline for over 900 years.
9 km · about 20 min drive
historic highway
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
9 km · about 15 min drive
cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh with its distinctive crown spire, mother church of Presbyterianism on the Royal Mile.
9 km · about 15 min drive
cathedral
Rosslyn Chapel
A 15th-century chapel of astonishing carved stonework near Edinburgh, made famous by The Da Vinci Code.
12 km · about 20 min drive
film location
Rosslyn Chapel (The Da Vinci Code)
The intricately carved 15th-century chapel south of Edinburgh is the film's final destination.
12 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Musselburgh
- Right hereArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
- Right hereCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
- Right hereThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
- 24 kmQueensferry CrossingThe world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
- 71 kmCollege ValleyA remote Cheviot valley reached by a permit-only single-track road, one of the quietest drives in England.
- 75 kmA68 Jedburgh to Edinburgh (Carter Bar)A rollercoaster of blind crests over the Cheviots crossing the border at Carter Bar, then across the Lammermuirs.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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Other places to explore near Musselburgh.
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