- The town's motto is 'Honesty', linked to a local tradition where pupils at the local grammar school are chosen to be 'honest lads and lasses' during the annual festival.
- Musselburgh Racecourse is one of the oldest in Scotland, with records of horse racing in the area dating back to 1777.
- The town's name derives from the Roman fort of Inveresk, and the name itself comes from a mussel bed near the mouth of the River Esk.
- Musselburgh is home to the oldest golf course in the world, the Old Course at Musselburgh Links, which was reportedly played by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1567.
- The town was a burgh of barony from 1562 and was historically important for its port trade with the Low Countries.
About Musselburgh
Musselburgh is Scotland's oldest settlement, situated at the mouth of the River Esk along the Firth of Forth. It serves as a historic gateway to East Lothian, featuring notable landmarks like the 17th-century Newhailes House & Gardens. The town maintains a strong connection to its Roman roots while offering recreational spaces like Levenhall Links Leisure Park. Visitors can explore the serene flora at Inveresk Lodge Garden or attend performances at Brunton Hall. It functions as a distinct coastal community just east of the capital city.
Highlights of Musselburgh
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the preserved 17th-century interiors and extensive designed landscape of this National Trust property.
Parks
Walk through the tiered hillside garden known for its significant collection of unusual shrubs and seasonal blooms.
Parks
Observe diverse coastal birdlife across the reclaimed lagoons and grassy expanses of this former ash-settling pond area.
Beaches and ponds
Enjoy the expansive sandy shoreline that provides a traditional seaside atmosphere on the outskirts of the town.
Venues
Check the schedule for live theatre and community arts programming hosted within this central venue.
Parks
Relax in this traditional public park featuring well-maintained green spaces and mature trees.
Top things to do in Musselburgh
The 44 highest-rated places in Musselburgh, ranked by travellers.
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Portobello Beach is a two-mile stretch of golden sand located on the Firth of Forth, serving as Edinburgh's primary seas...
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Musselburgh on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Musselburgh
May to September, as these months offer the mildest coastal weather for exploring parks and outdoor gardens.
1-2 days, providing enough time to tour historical estates and coastal walking paths.
The town is highly walkable, with frequent bus connections to Edinburgh and neighbouring East Lothian towns.
Stay near the High Street or the harbour area to be within walking distance of local amenities and historical landmarks.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options are generally more affordable than in central Edinburgh.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 44 curated attractions in and around Musselburgh, ranked by traveller ratings.
Portobello Beach is the highest-rated place to visit in Musselburgh right now.
The largest category is temples, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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