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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 a town located in Scotland, United Kingdom. With a population of 9,490, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Prestonpans sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Prestonpans to your route.

About Prestonpans

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.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Prestonpans

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Prestonpans?

Prestonpans offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Prestonpans?

Plan your road trip to Prestonpans with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Prestonpans as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Prestonpans located?

Prestonpans is located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 55.9594 latitude, -2.9804 longitude.

What is the population of Prestonpans?

Prestonpans has a population of approximately 9,490 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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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

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomScotlandTown

Worth the detour from Prestonpans

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

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

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

landmark

Edinburgh Zoo

Scotland's capital zoo home to the UK's only giant pandas and over 1,000 rare and endangered animals.

18 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.

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

Other places to explore near Prestonpans.

Cockenzie

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

1 km awayPop. 5,660

Tranent

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 km awayPop. 11,910

Musselburgh

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 km awayPop. 23,620

Macmerry

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 km awayPop. 1,350

Longniddry

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 2,430

Ormiston

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 2,040

Whitecraig

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 1,200

Pencaitland

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 1,480

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence