Is Musselburgh worth visiting?

Yes, Musselburgh is absolutely worth visiting as a historic, easily accessible day trip from Edinburgh. Known as "The Honest Toun," it is Scotland’s oldest town, featuring a 5-star racecourse, the world's oldest golf course (1672), a scenic beach at Fisherrow Sands, and the 17th-century Newhailes House.

Is it worth visiting Musselburgh?

There's more to Edinburgh than its tourist-magnet city centre and yearly festivals. With its Roman settlement origins, legendary golf course, pretty beach and grand manor houses, Musselburgh, Edinburgh's coastal gem, has a lot to offer.

What is Musselburgh famous for?

Musselburgh is a historic town in East Lothian, well known for golf, and its racecourse. The name, Musselburgh, derives from the extensive mussel beds which lie along its shore on the Firth of Forth.

What to do in Musselburgh today?

Top Attractions in Musselburgh

• Newhailes House & Gardens. 4.6. (360) ...
• Musselburgh Racecourse. 4.3. (230) ...
• Brunton Theatre. 4.4. (81) ...
• Fisherrow Harbour. 4.4. (12) ...
• St Michael's Parish Church. 4.6. (8) ...
• Musselburgh Beach. (2) Beaches.
• Pinkie House. 5.0. (1) ...
• The Musselburgh Mussel. (4) Points of Interest & Landmarks.

What is the number one tourist attraction in Scotland?

Edinburgh Castle

It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction. Similar places to explore: Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland Palace.

19 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Edinburgh

Was Harry Potter filmed in Edinburgh?

No, the Harry Potter movies were not filmed in Edinburgh, but the city was a huge source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling, influencing characters, settings, and names. While you won't find actual film sets, Edinburgh offers many magical spots like Victoria Street (rumored Diagon Alley), Greyfriars Kirkyard (inspiration for names like Tom Riddle), and The Elephant House café (where she wrote).
 

What is the most deprived area in East Lothian?

The most deprived areas in East Lothian are concentrated in the west, with Tranent, Prestonpans, Wallyford, and parts of Musselburgh containing the most deprived data zones, particularly around Tranent's High Street/Northfield area and in the Fa'side ward, which faces significant poverty and lower educational attainment for some groups. These areas consistently show higher rates of income and employment deprivation, affecting children and families, compared to the overall East Lothian average. 

What is the oldest town in Scotland?

Musselburgh claims to be the oldest continuous settlement, with Roman origins around AD 80 when the Romans built a fort and bridge.

What is the most beautiful small town in Scotland?

The most beautiful small towns in Scotland include Lerwick, for its Shetland sandstone homes; Melrose, for its abbey and countryside setting; and Anstruther, a quaint coastal town with pretty villages on either side.

Where not to miss in Scotland?

Starting with an alternative way to enjoy Loch Ness, we'll then venture eastwards to Moray Speyside to find out more about this lovely little region.

• Loch Ness 360° Loch Ness. View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle. ...
• Fort George. Inverness. Fort George. ...
• Elgin. Elgin. ...
• Macallan Distillery. Craigellachie.

Does Musselburgh have a beach?

Fisherrow Beach is a wide stretch of sand and shingle in Musselburgh to the west of the harbour with views over the Firth of Forth. There are in fact two beaches separated by the old Fisherrow harbour. The east beach is backed by sand dunes and stretches from the harbour to the mouth of the River Esk.

Is Musselburgh deprived?

Approximately 11.5% of the population of the Musselburgh area is considered to be employment deprived.

What is the roughest city in Scotland?

According to the latest Recorded Crime in Scotland report, Dundee has the highest crime rate in Scotland. The report reveals that the city had 847 crimes recorded per 10,000 population in the year ending September 2025. This is an increase from the crime rate of 812 in Dundee in the year ending September 2024.

Where are JK Rowling's handprints in Edinburgh?

J. K. Rowling's handprints at the City Chambers

Just off the Royal Mile you can find the famous author's handprints reproduced on a flagstone in front of Edinburgh City Chambers. The prints were produced when J.K. Rowling was bestowed The Edinburgh Award in 2008.

Where is Hagrid's house in Scotland?

Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands was the stunning location used for Hagrid's Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). The set was built near Clachaig Gully, with incredible views of Glencoe's wild moorlands and towering mountains.

What is the most Scottish thing to say?

Old Scottish Sayings

• Haste Ye Back! – Return back with speed – said as a farewell.
• Lang may yer lum reek! ...
• Keep the heid! ...
• Hell slap it intae ye! ...
• Failing means yer playin! ...
• I'll gie ye a skelpit lug! ...
• Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye! ...
• Skinny Malinky Longlegs!

What's a good gift from Scotland?

12 Scotland Souvenirs Worth Your Suitcase and Where to Buy

• Harris Tweed Products.
• Scotland Whisky.
• Art Prints of Edinburgh Scenes.
• Scottish Made Ceramics and Pottery.
• Greyfriars Bobby Souvenirs.
• Traditional Scottish Food Gifts.
• University of Edinburgh Gifts.
• Highland Cow Merchandise.