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.
11 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Prestonpans
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Prestonpans
Prestonpans works well as a base: 10 minutes from Musselburgh, 11km from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh.
Prestonpans is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 9,500 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Musselburgh, about 5 km away.
Prestonpans ( Scottish Gaelic: Baile an t-Sagairt, Scots: The Pans) is a mining town, situated approximately eight miles east of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the council area of East Lothian. The population as of 2020 is
10,460. It is near the site of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans (first called the Battle of Gladsmuir,Read more
then renamed the Battle of Tranent, and later still renamed the Battle of Prestonpans – although evidence shows the battle occurred a few miles outside of town). Prestonpans is famous for its murals, with many such artworks depicting local history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Prestonpans?
Within an hour or so of Prestonpans: Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh (11 km), National Museum of Scotland (13 km), The Royal Mile (13 km), St Giles' Cathedral (13 km).
Are there any good drives near Prestonpans?
The nearest famous roads are The Royal Mile, College Valley and A68 Jedburgh to Edinburgh (Carter Bar).
Where is Prestonpans?
Prestonpans is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 5 km from Musselburgh.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 9,490
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 55.9594, -2.9804
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 Prestonpans
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
museum
National Museum of Scotland
A stunning Victorian and modern building housing diverse collections from Scottish history to world cultures and natural science.
13 km · about 25 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.
13 km · about 25 min drive
cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh with its distinctive crown spire, mother church of Presbyterianism on the Royal Mile.
13 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Calton Hill
An accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
13 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Edinburgh Castle
Dramatic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, dominating the Edinburgh skyline for over 900 years.
14 km · about 25 min drive
cathedral
Rosslyn Chapel
A 15th-century chapel of astonishing carved stonework near Edinburgh, made famous by The Da Vinci Code.
16 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.
16 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Prestonpans
- Right hereArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
- Right hereThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
- Right hereCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
- 27 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.
- 69 kmCollege ValleyA remote Cheviot valley reached by a permit-only single-track road, one of the quietest drives in England.
- 74 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.
Nearby Destinations
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