Things to do in 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.
We’ve sampled its highlights. Here’s our list of things to do in Musselburgh. Tie in a stay with us at Seton Sands, just five miles away!
Newhailes House and Gardens
A grand Palladian-styled mansion, Newhailes House was built in the 17th century and sits in an 86-acre estate with woodland walks and many miles of footpaths to explore. The home’s interior is a wonder of rococo flourishes, with Italian marble fireplaces and a Chinese sitting room.
As well as its own art collection, Newhailes is home to a potter in residence, Anna, and there are sculptures to discover dotted around the grounds. Make a day of it by visiting the tearoom, shell grotto, Weehailes playpark and its shop. There’s a lot to see and do, and the Estate is well maintained by Scotland’s National Trust.
Brunton Theatre
The Brunton Theatre is a renowned local arts venue featuring a cinema, theatre, and concert venues. A highly varied programme includes Hollywood movies, jazz and classical music, opera, ballet, theatre and even exhibition snooker.
With three to six events per week, including matinees, there’s always something happening and The Brunton’s bistro restaurant is popular with showgoers. Plays include modern Scottish classics, children’s shows, and musical theatre. There are lunchtime classical recitals and livestreams from the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet.
Fisherrow Beach and Harbour
One of Musselburgh’s biggest draws is its harbour and beach. A curving bay of sand and shingle, Fisherrow also holds a small harbour berthing up to 50 leisure boats. It’s worth noting that the beach is dog-friendly, so you can let your pet run free.
For those feeling energetic, the 134-mile-long John Muir Way, which runs all the way from Dunbar in the east to the west coast at Helensburgh, passes by the beach. There’s a children’s play area, food shacks and toilets on the beach.
Musselburgh Museum
If you want to know more about the long, complex history of this part of Edinburgh, a trip to the Musselburgh Museum is a must. Opened in 2010, the small community museum is situated on the high street (look for the impressive clock tower of the town hall next door).
It contains a series of exhibits about the town’s Roman settlement, fishing history and industrial history as a mill town. There are also sections on the social history of the town and its natural history. There are plenty of activities for kids and the museum puts on annual extended exhibitions in the city’s adjacent town hall.
Musselburgh Racecourse
To get those pulses racing, why not visit the Musselburgh Racecourse, one of the region’s most elite sporting venues? The annual Edinburgh Cup is raced here, and the Epperston Restaurant offers fine dining in a chic environment, so you can celebrate your wins (or console your losses).
Fixtures occur at least twice monthly throughout the year with flat racing and jump events. There’s even a Ladies Day, where you can dress up and get out that Ascot Hat, if it’s not too windy! There are covered stands, marquees and plentiful champagne for the big meets, which include New Year’s Day, the Scottish Festival Trials Weekend and Easter Saturday.
The racecourse prides itself on being accessible, so there’s an Ice Cream Family Day in July and evening meetings in the summer. Tickets are reasonably priced and there are packages including drinks and local fish and chips.
Musselburgh High Street
The High Street itself is a tourist draw, containing several historic buildings, including the 16th century Town Hall with its medieval clocktower and wrought iron doors. The attached tolbooth was once the venue for several 17th century witch trials, and there’s a plaque commemorating Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, who was granted Freedom of the Burgh in 1799.
Continuing up the High Street, you’ll see several elegant Georgian townhouses and tree-lined terraces. You’ll find cafes, bakers, and local restaurants in the market square beside the tolbooth.
River Esk Walkway
For a more peaceful day out, follow the River Esk walkway from the Shorthope Street Car Park, off the High Street. Take the footpath on Eskside and head southwest. You’ll encounter plenty of wildlife along the route, including many mute swans, mallards, and grey wagtails.
Upriver, The Grove is often heavily scented with wild garlic and if you’re lucky, you may spot a kingfisher flying between the willow trees. Herons can be found here, the old weir features a salmon ladder, and increasingly river otters have been spotted as well.
In spring or summer especially it’s a picturesque and placid 3km walk. Look out for the archer stature and Hayweights Clock, a canopied public landmark gifted to the town in the Victorian era.
Jump In Trampoline Park
If you’re more interested in jumping around yourself than watching horses do it, then head to Jump In, a large trampoline centre on Newhailes Road opposite the Newhailes Estate. There are open sessions and supervised classes, and literally dozens of trampolines under one giant warehouse roof.
It’s not just about leaping up and down either. There are slides, reaction walls, inflatables, air bags and more. You can take fitness classes and there are kids' sessions for all ages. Sessions run from the morning through to the evening, especially during the holidays, but should be booked online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Royal Musselburgh Golf Course
If you’re into golf, Musselburgh is a major treat, featuring one of the oldest courses in the world. The Musselburgh Old Links is documented from the 17th century, and it’s rumoured than none other than Mary, Queen of Scots played here in 1567.
It’s a nine-hole course, open all year round, and tee times can be booked up to seven days in advance. Non-members can register as visitors online. For a truly historical visit, consider booking a round of hickory golf, where you’ll be loaned a set of traditional wooden golf clubs to play with. There’s even an annual World Hickory Open held here each September.
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.