Discover Musselburgh

When choosing a hotel in Musselburgh, the purpose of your trip may be the deciding factor: the town brings together a museum of local history, coastal and riverside landscapes, and a year-round racing programme. Those seeking culture will have different priorities from travellers looking to explore walking routes and see waterbirds or attend a race day.

History and culture in Musselburgh

Musselburgh Museum presents local history from Roman times to the present day. Alongside its permanent exhibitions, it curates new themed exhibitions each year. Opening hours for the spring and summer season are listed as Thursday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Check the seasonal hours before your visit.

Musselburgh is also home to Newhailes House & Gardens, a Palladian mansion that played a significant role in the Scottish Enlightenment. The estate offers walks through a designed 18th-century landscape, with views over the River Forth. Architecture and historic landscapes thus offer distinct aspects of a visit.

Newhailes House & Gardens also hosts family-friendly events, including festivals, musical performances, dog and car shows, and a monthly farmers’ market. Individual event dates may change; if a particular event is important to your trip, check the date in advance.

Coastal scenery and walking routes

Levenhall Links is a 134-hectare coastal green space on the eastern edge of Musselburgh in East Lothian. It forms part of the John Muir Way along the section between Fisherrow Harbour and Cockenzie. At Fisherrow Sands, between the harbour and the mouth of the River Esk, waterbirds find an important feeding area at low tide. The River Esk Walkway is part of National Cycle Route 1—another route connection, distinct from the coastal path.

These places offer different landscape highlights: at Fisherrow Sands, the focus is on waterbirds and the changing tides, while Levenhall Links forms part of the coastal setting of the John Muir Way. Those interested in a walk through a designed landscape will find a different environment at Newhailes House & Gardens than along the coast.

Racing and events

Musselburgh Racecourse holds races throughout the year, including Ladies Day and Family Racedays. The programme includes 27 race days during the flat and jump racing seasons. The racecourse also hosts the Corgi Derby.

The Brunton is also currently offering additional arts and entertainment programmes at community venues in Musselburgh. These arrangements may change as The Brunton continues to develop plans for its future venues. If you are planning to attend an event, check the latest information.

Golf, trail and park

Musselburgh Links is a nine-hole links golf course with a par of 34 in the heart of Musselburgh. On the Musselburgh Trail, rub off illustrated plaques, decipher a secret phrase and redeem a certificate. Programme materials may change. Lewisvale Park has green spaces for picnics and a playground; park facilities may also change.

For planning your timing, museum visits and events play different roles: the listed museum hours apply to the spring and summer season, while races take place at the racecourse throughout the year. If a race day, market or other event is the reason for your trip, check the specific date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Haddington, Prestonpans, North Berwick, Aberlady, East Linton, Gifford, Cockenzie And Port Seton, Tranent.

For the wider travel overview: East Lothian.